A political storm dubbed “Hurricane Tinubu” is sweeping through Nigeria’s northern states, as governors from Taraba, Plateau, and Adamawa grapple with mounting pressure to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to multiple reports, the three governors are facing internal and external dilemmas as the APC continues to consolidate power across the country. The wave of defections has sparked fears that Nigeria may be drifting toward a one-party state, with the PDP struggling to retain its few remaining strongholds.
Sources close to the governors suggest that overtures from APC leadership have intensified in recent weeks, offering political incentives and assurances of support ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, local party leaders and grassroots supporters have reportedly resisted these moves, warning that defection could alienate core constituencies and undermine democratic plurality.
One PDP insider noted, “The governors are caught between loyalty to their party and the pragmatic allure of aligning with the federal government. It’s a high-stakes decision that could reshape the political map of the North.”
The term “Hurricane Tinubu” has been coined by political analysts to describe the rapid expansion of APC influence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Since taking office, Tinubu has overseen a series of strategic political realignments, including the defection of several high-profile PDP governors and lawmakers.
While the PDP leadership has yet to issue an official statement on the potential defections, party loyalists are calling for unity and renewed grassroots engagement to counter the growing dominance of the APC.