2027: Six First Term Governors At Crossroads As PDP Crisis Deepens

According to a report by Vanguard on Sunday, July 20, 2025,

SIX Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors are facing a storm riddled with internal rifts, defections, and the growing influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, ahead of 2027.

The six first-term PDP governors including Adeleke (Osun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Kefas Agbu (Taraba) find themselves at a crossroads.

Each governor must decide whether to remain loyal to a crumbling PDP, defect to the ruling APC, or take a leap of faith with the less-established African Democratic Congress (ADC). Their decisions could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adeleke is rumoured to be flirting with the APC amid claims by Senator Iyiola Omisore that he's politically isolated in Osun. While Adeleke denies these claims and reaffirms his loyalty to the PDP, others suspect he’s weighing his options, including possibly joining the ADC. His decision could sway Osun’s fragile political balance.

In Enugu, Peter Mbah maintains a low profile amid growing PDP uncertainty. Though the South-East traditionally backs the PDP, Mbah’s practical, non-ideological approach hints at potential flexibility perhaps a quiet shift to the APC, despite the risk of alienating loyal PDP supporters.

Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau’s only opposition governor, is hemmed in by an APC-controlled state assembly. Bound by ties to PDP elder Jonah Jang, he faces a tough choice between loyalty and political survival. Defecting may grant access to federal support but risks backlash from his base.

Zamfara's Dauda Lawal remains a vocal PDP supporter, but his position in the APC-dominated North-West leaves him vulnerable. His loyalty is admirable, but the pressure to align with Abuja’s power may become overwhelming.

Rivers’ Governor Fubara, once Wike’s protege, is now entangled in a power struggle with his former mentor. While the APC offers resources, joining them may deepen voter mistrust, while the ADC lacks structure in Rivers.

Finally, Taraba’s Kefas Agbu is working to stabilize a state long beset by conflict. But the PDP’s national woes may stall his reforms, pushing him toward new political alliances.

As the PDP’s August convention nears, these governors’ choices could determine the fate of the party and shape Nigeria’s political future heading into 2027.

SOURCE: VANGUARD