A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria’s Southeast as Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State are in advanced talks to join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in a move that could significantly alter the region’s political equation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This development was announced in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, following the party’s 16th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at its national headquarters in Abuja.
According to Opara, the party has directed its Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Uche Nwegbo, to lead a high-powered delegation to initiate formal engagement with the two governors, who are seen as influential political figures in the Southeast.
The motion to reach out to the governors was presented by Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, APGA’s Vice Chairman for the Southeast, who argued that the current national political climate calls for realignment among progressive leaders to build a broader coalition capable of addressing the region’s development challenges.
“APGA remains committed to pro-people governance. The inclusion of Governors Otti and Mbah, who enjoy massive public goodwill, would mark a turning point for the party and signal unity among Southeast leaders,” Opara stated.
He emphasized that the potential defection of the two governors is not just a regional strategy but part of APGA’s wider effort to emerge as a stronger national force ahead of future elections. “This is a strategic expansion to reinforce APGA as the authentic political platform for Ndigbo and reposition it as a viable national alternative,” he added.
If successful, the defection would be the most significant political shift in the Southeast since the 2023 elections and could reposition APGA as a key power broker in the race to 2027, challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP in the zone.
Political analysts say the move could lead to broader alignments, with ripple effects across other Southeast states and among federal legislators from the region.
As consultations progress, all eyes remain on Governors Otti and Mbah, whose next steps could redefine the political roadmap for the Southeast and beyond.
