2027: PDP govs drift towards Tinubu, raise fresh concerns for opposition unity
Some governors elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appear to be working at cross purposes with the party’s expected direction in the 2027 presidential election, a scenario reminiscent of what played out in 2023 and arguably contributed to the party’s electoral failure.
While many of these governors are rumoured to be building bridges with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) behind closed doors, Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has openly declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“Let me end by assuring our people-loving president, who will complete eight years because we are going to stand by him. And this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it. Somebody else may not finish it,” Eno said at the recent flag-off of the Akwa Ibom–Cross River section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
His declaration came shortly after the PDP Governors’ Forum rejected a proposal by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—its 2023 presidential candidate—for a coalition of opposition parties, further intensifying concerns about the party’s internal unity.
To dispel doubts, Governor Eno reinforced his stance during another state event, declaring that he was not like those who speak from both sides of the mouth.
“Me, I don’t know how to talk from both sides of the mouth. The other day, I said I was going to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. People asked, ‘Ah, why would you say that?’ But at night, those same people go behind and tell Baba they support him. Then in the afternoon, they’re doing something else.
“As for me, I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. When the time comes, I will tell you why. The time has not come yet. But when it does, you will understand. Let me keep it for now—no need to lie to ourselves.
“When the time is right, I will explain, and you will see for yourself why we should support him so he can finish what he started,” he said.
Governor Eno did not attempt to dismiss insinuations that his declaration may be about self-preservation. “The Senate President (a two-term former governor of the state) has told me on many occasions that they’ll support Pastor Umo Eno for a second term. So, you choose your path, I choose mine. You support me, I support you. Na play, no be fight,” he added.
He emphasised that this new political direction does not nullify his membership of the PDP. “I’m entitled to my opinion,” he stated.
While Eno is the first of the first-term PDP governors to publicly align with the president, others, including Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, and Osun’s Ademola Adeleke, are reportedly making discreet moves along similar lines.
In Delta State, Oborevwori—who succeeded Ifeanyi Okowa, Atiku’s running mate in 2023—has, through his aides, hinted at supporting Tinubu in 2027. His Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, speaking at the “Uzere Declaration for Tinubu and Oborevwori,” called on Isoko people to support their own in the senatorial district and reaffirmed Isoko’s plan to deliver 70,000 votes for Tinubu and Oborevwori in 2027.
At another event attended by Governor Oborevwori and the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. This is in addition to ongoing speculation about a possible defection by the governor to the APC.
While Governor Adeleke has not openly declared support for Tinubu, campaign posters and previous remarks suggest a possible alignment. A new campaign billboard in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State featuring both Tinubu and Adeleke has stoked political tension. The APC in Osun accused the PDP of attempting to ride on Tinubu’s popularity to boost Adeleke’s profile.
In response, Adeleke’s spokesperson dismissed the APC’s allegations, blaming the outcry on political insecurity and irrelevance. Though not denying rumours of a possible alliance, the spokesperson maintained that the governor remains focused on governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to Osun people.
After the February 2025 local government elections in the state, Adeleke had also publicly praised President Tinubu for upholding the rule of law, describing him as a “true democrat” and rejecting claims of making derogatory statements about the presidency.
He is not the only PDP governor to praise the president. After the Supreme Court had upheld the election of governors in several states, Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and the suspended Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) all commended President Tinubu for non-interference in judicial processes—an action many interpret as politically significant ahead of 2027.
