The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered another setback as the Commissioner for Project Monitoring in Ebonyi State, Mr. Felix Igboke, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside over 10,000 supporters. This move comes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Igboke Returns to PDP Roots
Igboke announced his defection on Sunday, June 7, 2026, during a PDP gathering in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area. He described his return to the PDP as a homecoming, noting that his political journey began with the party. “I am happy to return to the political platform that built me. I served as a councillor, development centre coordinator, and chairman of Onicha Local Government Area under the same party before I joined the APC,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP family in Ebonyi State, particularly the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, whom he referred to as the incoming governor.
PDP Welcomes Major Boost
The PDP state chairman, Chukwuma Igwe, described Igboke’s return as a significant boost to the party’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections. Igwe noted that the influx of thousands of supporters into the PDP demonstrates growing public confidence in the party and its leadership.
The defection gathering was attended by party faithfuls, leaders, executives, community leaders, and supporters from various parts of the state.
APC Faces Internal Crisis
The APC may be facing a potential implosion following the outcome of its primary elections at the governorship, national, and state house of assembly levels. Although the ruling party has not yet released the final list of candidates, some influential leaders have started grumbling. Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC has experienced defections, including former speakers of some state Houses of Assembly, due to the primary elections.
In a related development, Muhammad Ahmad Tomas defected from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) back to the APC. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin welcomed Tomas, praising his commitment to development. Tomas’s return follows a recent ticket setback in the NDC, reshaping Kano’s political landscape.
These defections highlight the shifting political alliances as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
