As a wave of defections to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) continues to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, seven state governors have maintained their stance outside the ruling party, according to a report by Vanguard.
The trend reflects both political resilience and mounting pressure on opposition leadership.
Since early 2026, multiple governors elected under opposition banners have defected to the APC, increasing its dominance at sub-national levels as the party consolidates influence nationwide.
Defections have included governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), with the APC now controlling about 29 states through electoral victories and defections.
Despite this momentum, a core group of governors has resisted aligning with the APC, choosing instead to uphold their original party affiliations or remain independent from the ruling party’s orbit.
Vanguard identified the seven governors still outside the APC as follows:
Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), serving as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and a key opposition figure subject to increased federal scrutiny.
Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), who has prioritised local governance performance and stability over defection, leveraging cross-party support.
Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), whose electoral victory was seen as a break from entrenched political dominance, with defection viewed as a potential betrayal of his mandate.
Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State), who has maintained a cautious approach to political alignment to preserve stability.
Alex Otti (Abia State), whose governance focus and local credibility have strengthened his political position outside the APC.
Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), re-elected under opposition leadership, whose position remains rooted in local support despite speculation about defection.
Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra State), who has distinguished cooperation with federal policies from formal party defection, maintaining loyalty to his own political affiliation.
The group’s continued independence has occurred amid what political aides describe as a “hurricane” of defections, where opposition governors and other political actors face intense pressure to align with the APC.
According to an aide quoted by Vanguard, the news of another governor’s defection was so commonplace that “no one looked surprised” as another state leader joined the APC, highlighting the rapid pace of political realignment.
The stance of these seven governors underscores the shrinking space for opposition at state levels and raises questions about the balance of political competition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Their survival outside the APC reflects both grassroots legitimacy and strategic choices amid a broader trend of consolidation by the ruling party.
Observers note that their continued independence may influence voter sentiment and regional political dynamics as the general election approaches.
As defections to the APC continue to reshape Nigeria’s political map, a small group of governors remains steadfast outside the ruling party’s fold.
Their resistance to joining the APC “hurricane” highlights enduring political diversity at the state level and suggests evolving strategies by opposition figures in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
