By: Daure David
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Ulasi, has stirred political debate by alleging that Governors Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State are regretting their recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ulasi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television, asserting that the governors now find themselves politically stranded.
Ulasi, citing insider knowledge, argued that the governors’ move to the ruling party has not yielded the political dividends they anticipated. “They are disillusioned,” he said, “while PDP governors continue to deliver good governance, those who defected are now struggling to find relevance.”
Contrary to Ulasi’s claims, both governors have publicly defended their decision to join the APC. Governor Umo Eno stated that his defection was a strategic move aimed at aligning Akwa Ibom with the federal government, especially with Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailing from the state. “We have stayed in the opposition for so many years. There are enormous benefits to align with the centre,” Eno said in a recent interview.
Similarly, Governor Oborevwori of Delta emphasized that the decision was made voluntarily and in the interest of his constituents. “Nobody forced anyone to join APC. We joined APC on our own for the interest of Deltans and to bring development to the state,” he said through his Chief Press Secretary.
The defection has sparked internal tensions within the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom, where the party’s state chairman, Aniekan Akpan, has been criticized for attending APC events. A political advocacy group, PDP Advocates of Peace and Justice (PAPAJ), has called for Akpan’s resignation, accusing him of undermining the party’s integrity.
Governor Eno, however, maintains that his relationship with former PDP governor Udom Emmanuel remains intact, describing himself as Emmanuel’s “political son” despite the party switch.
While Chief Ulasi’s claims reflect growing unease within PDP ranks, the governors in question appear resolute in their decision to align with the APC. Whether this move will yield long-term political gains or further alienate them from their former allies remains to be seen as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.
