Today’s Headlines: 2027: Governors Likely to Defect to APC; Adeleke Says No Genuine Supporter Lost

2027: Governors Who May Join APC

Following the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there are growing signs that more opposition governors might soon follow.

Sources told Weekend Trust that several first-term governors, particularly those eyeing re-election in 2027, could switch sides to secure the backing of the federal government. The governors of Kano, Osun, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara are among those listed as likely candidates for defection.

Meanwhile, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, although a member of an opposition party, is not currently seen as likely to defect. His strong ties to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his central role in resolving internal party issues, make him less likely to join the APC ranks.

Defections Don’t Matter—We Haven’t Lost Real Supporters, Says Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has responded to the recent wave of defections from the PDP, assuring supporters that the party remains strong. He insisted that no true supporters had abandoned the party.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available in Osogbo on Saturday, Adeleke said that instead of weakening the PDP, the defections had, in fact, further strengthened it. He credited this to the developmental strides taking place across the state.

Speaking about loyalty, Adeleke remarked, “We know how we got to the Government House, and those God used to make it possible. We also know those who worked openly or silently against us. We are aware of those who opposed us then, but have now embraced our good governance agenda. We also have a verified list of those still opposing us.”

Amaechi Shares How He Survived Mobilizing Against Jonathan

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, opened up during the ninth Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos.

Speaking on “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi reflected on his opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 elections. Jonathan, who ran under the PDP, lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC by a margin of over two million votes.

Amaechi explained his actions against Jonathan, saying, “The reason for removing Goodluck, I will say this in my book, is that I didn’t agree with his leadership style. You may agree that his leadership might have been better than Buhari, but do not forget that by the time he was leaving office, the dollar had started rising to between N150 and N200.”

Three Killed in Sokoto Bandit Attack

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed an attack on Baraya community in Gwadabawa Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of three residents.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, speaking to reporters on Saturday, said that the bandits stormed the village, located near Illela, on Friday night.

“They attacked the community on Friday night and killed three people,” he said. “They also rustled many animals belonging to the villagers, according to the report available to us.”