South-South Governors Abandon Parties to Back Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid, Says APC Chair
Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has made a bold claim. He says governors from the South-South region have ditched their original parties. They now fully support President Bola Tinubu’s second term. This endorsement came during a key party meeting. It signals growing momentum for Tinubu’s re-election. But is this a game-changer or just party talk?
The Announcement: A Major Boost for Tinubu’s Campaign
Prof. Yilwatda dropped the news on September 12, 2025. He spoke at the APC’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders Meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event drew top party leaders and governors. Yilwatda praised the South-South governors for their “realistic” stance. He said they see Tinubu’s “quality of character” and want to team up with APC to push Nigeria forward.
In his words: “All the governors that were in the other political parties before have seen the quality of the character of the president… they have all abandoned their own political parties, and joined our great party.” He hailed this as “very commendable.” Yilwatda even used the South-South as a model for the South-East. There, he claimed, governors are doing the same to achieve a “greater Nigeria.”
This isn’t the first time South-South APC voices have rallied behind Tinubu. Back in June 2025, governors and leaders endorsed him at a Benin City stakeholders’ session. Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo led the charge. He pledged 2.5 million votes from his state. He tied it to ongoing projects like road construction, crediting Tinubu’s support.
Who Are the South-South Governors? A Quick Breakdown
The South-South region includes six states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers. Here’s the current lineup as of September 2025:
| State | Governor | Party (Pre-2023) | Current Status per APC Claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akwa Ibom | Umo Eno | PDP | Abandoned PDP for APC support |
| Bayelsa | Douye Diri | PDP | Abandoned PDP for APC support |
| Cross River | Bassey Otu | APC | Already APC, full backing |
| Delta | Sheriff Oborevwori | PDP | Abandoned PDP for APC support |
| Edo | Monday Okpebholo | APC | APC loyalist, key endorser |
| Rivers | Siminalayi Fubara | PDP | Abandoned PDP for APC support |
Most governors hail from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their shift to APC backing could fracture PDP unity in the region. Cross River and Edo were already APC strongholds. But the PDP defections—like those of Eno, Diri, Oborevwori, and Fubara—pack the real punch.
Tinubu’s APC officially endorsed his re-run in May 2025. The party summit in Abuja called for him to continue reforms like subsidy removal and currency floats. Despite economic pains, APC sees these as wins.
Why the Switch? Tinubu’s Appeal and Regional Politics
Yilwatda pinned it on Tinubu’s leadership. He said governors admire his vision for a united, prosperous Nigeria. But deeper factors play in. South-South states grapple with oil woes, militancy, and infrastructure gaps. Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda promises federal aid—like Niger Delta development funds.
Defections aren’t new. Since 2023, over a dozen PDP lawmakers from the region jumped ship to APC. This “state capture” boosts APC’s grip. Critics like Dele Momodu say Tinubu has “pocketed the South,” leaving northern opposition weak.
For PDP, it’s a headache. The party zoned its 2027 ticket south in July 2025. But with governors endorsing Tinubu, PDP risks losing ground. Kano PDP slammed southern governors’ nods as betrayal.
Public and Expert Reactions: Cheers, Jeers, and Skepticism
The claim lit up social media. On X, APC backers celebrated. One post hailed it as “proof of Tinubu’s magic.” TV Platinum shared: “Southern governors abandon their parties, support Tinubu’s re-election.”
Opposition fired back. Comrade Deji Adeyanju challenged: “Produce governors in Anambra and all South-East states in 2027.” He accused religion-based politicking. Chudé quipped on Umahi’s similar South-East claim: “All governors supporting Tinubu’s second term?” with a video clip.
Experts are mixed. The Guardian Nigeria called it a “popularity contest” in the South-East, pitting figures like Orlu’s Hope Uzodimma against others. Punch Newspapers noted PDP’s zoning could hand Tinubu a win on a platter. Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam warned Tinubu: “Forget sycophants endorsing you—focus on Nigerians.”
In the South-South, endorsements echo June’s Benin rally. Posts from Punch and Guardian highlighted the vote of confidence.
What This Means for 2027: A Tighter Race or APC Sweep?
This boosts Tinubu’s southern firewall. With PDP fracturing, APC eyes a landslide. But challenges loom: Economic hardship from reforms fuels unrest. Insecurity persists in the North-East and banditry-plagued North-West.
A Nasir el-Rufai-Atiku-Rotimi Amaechi coalition brews, vowing to “rescue Nigeria from collapse.” Over 110 new parties seek registration, per INEC. PDP’s southern zoning might backfire if governors stay loyal to Tinubu.
For everyday Nigerians, it’s about delivery. As Suswam said, voters—not endorsements—decide. Tinubu’s team must convert praise into votes amid 18 months of campaigning.
The Road Ahead: Unity or Division?
Yilwatda’s boast paints a united South for Tinubu. Governors’ shifts could deliver key states like Delta and Rivers. But skeptics see opportunism, not conviction. As 2027 nears, watch PDP’s response and voter turnout.
Nigeria’s democracy thrives on such drama. Will Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” win hearts? Or will opposition regroup? The South-South’s move tips the scales—for now.