Sitting Governors Who Defected from One Political Party to Another

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, made headlines on Wednesday as he officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection is the latest example of sitting governors switching political parties, a trend that has occurred multiple times in recent years.

Oborevwori won the 2023 governorship election under the PDP but was formally received into the APC by top party leaders this week. 

Senator Ebiowou Manager and Information Commissioner Aniagwu Charles confirmed the defection in a press briefing, indicating that this move could have significant implications for the 2027 elections.

Oborevwori’s defection isn’t an isolated case, as several governors have crossed party lines while still in office. 

Below is a list of notable governors who have switched parties during their tenure:

1. Aminu Tambuwal

The former Sokoto governor initially switched from the PDP to the APC while serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 2018, he rejoined the PDP while still serving as governor and pursued the presidential ticket, which he lost to Atiku Abubakar.

Tambuwal is not the only Sokoto governor to switch parties:

• Attahiru Bafarawa: From All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) to PDP
  
• Aliyu Wamakko: From PDP to APC
  

2. Abdulfatah Ahmed

While serving as governor of Kwara State, Ahmed made headlines for his political moves. He left the PDP for the APC in 2013, then returned to the PDP in 2018.

3. Boni Haruna

The former governor of Adamawa State (1999–2007) defected from PDP to the Action Congress (AC) during his tenure.

4. Ikedi Ohakim

Governor of Imo State in 2007, Ohakim switched from the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) to the PDP during his time in office.

5. Murtala Nyako

Nyako served as governor of Adamawa State from 2007 to 2008. He defected from the APC to the PDP during his tenure.

6. Rochas Okorocha

Elected as Imo State governor in 2011, Okorocha moved from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC while in office.