Political Landscape Shifts as Kano Governor Joins Ruling Party
The political dynamics in Nigeria have undergone significant transformation following the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, confirmed on Monday, January 26, 2026, has substantially reduced the number of state governors aligned with opposition parties across the nation.
Opposition Strength Dwindles to Seven Governors
With Governor Yusuf's departure from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), only seven state governors now remain outside the ruling APC's fold. This development has strengthened the APC's political dominance, giving the party control over 29 out of Nigeria's 36 states. The concentration of power within the ruling party has raised important questions about political balance and opposition viability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Prominent PDP Governors Maintain Party Loyalty
Despite the wave of defections to the APC, several prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have reaffirmed their commitment to the opposition party. These leaders have resisted pressure to join the ruling party, demonstrating remarkable political resilience in the face of shifting allegiances.
Profiles of Opposition Governors
Ahmadu Fintiri (PDP - Adamawa State)
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has emerged as a steadfast member of the PDP, serving his second term as Adamawa State's chief executive. The governor, who won the 2019 gubernatorial election, has consistently denied rumors about potential defection to the APC. His unwavering loyalty to the PDP has positioned him as a key figure in the opposition's efforts to maintain relevance in Nigeria's political landscape.
Bala Mohammed (PDP - Bauchi State)
Governor Bala Mohammed secured his position by defeating the sitting APC governor, Muhammad Abubakar, in the 2019 elections. Since his declaration as governor on March 26, 2019, Mohammed has maintained his PDP affiliation despite the changing political climate. His continued presence in the opposition camp provides strategic strength to the PDP in Nigeria's northeastern region.
Seyi Makinde (PDP - Oyo State)
Governor Seyi Makinde recently met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss governance matters, sparking speculation about potential political realignment. However, the Oyo State governor has publicly declared his comfort with the PDP and stated he has no plans to leave the party. Political observers note that Makinde may be positioning himself for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2027 elections, adding another layer of complexity to Nigeria's political calculations.
Dauda Lawal (PDP - Zamfara State)
Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated remarkable political resolve by rejecting calls to defect to the APC. The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, publicly urged Lawal to change parties, but the governor has remained firm in his PDP allegiance. Lawal's victory over sitting governor Matawalle in the March 2023 Zamfara governorship election makes his continued opposition stance particularly significant.
Other Opposition Governors
Ademola Adeleke (Accord - Osun State)
Governor Ademola Adeleke recently made a strategic move from the PDP to the Accord party ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun State. The governor, who previously served as a PDP senator and won the governorship in 2022, cited "persistent leadership wahala" in the national PDP as his reason for leaving. His transition to Accord represents a different kind of opposition presence in Nigeria's political spectrum.
Charles Soludo (APGA - Anambra State)
Governor Charles Soludo has maintained a consistent political trajectory since leaving the PDP in 2013 to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The Anambra State governor, now serving his second term after victories in 2021 and 2025, represents a regional political force that continues to operate outside the dominant APC-PDP dichotomy.
Alex Otti (Labour Party - Abia State)
Governor Alex Otti's political journey has seen him move between several parties before settling with the Labour Party. After contesting gubernatorial elections under APGA in 2015 and 2019, and briefly joining the APC, Otti found success with the Labour Party in the May 2022 election, winning the Abia State governorship in 2023. His current affiliation adds diversity to Nigeria's opposition landscape.
APC's Expanding Political Dominance
The ruling APC's control over 29 states represents unprecedented political consolidation in Nigeria's democratic history. This dominance spans all six geopolitical zones, giving the party substantial influence over national policy and resource allocation. The defection of Kano's Governor Yusuf represents the latest in a series of moves that have strengthened the APC's position ahead of crucial electoral contests.
Political analysts suggest that the concentration of power within a single party could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's democratic development. While some argue that strong ruling parties can provide political stability, others express concern about the potential erosion of checks and balances that robust opposition traditionally provides in democratic systems.
The coming months will likely see intensified political maneuvering as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections. The seven remaining opposition governors will play crucial roles in determining whether Nigeria's political landscape maintains meaningful multiparty competition or moves toward single-party dominance.
