Popular PDP Governor Visits Tinubu Barely 24 Hours After Eno’s Defection to APC

LAGOS, Nigeria —  In a move that has intensified political speculations nationwide, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid a surprise Sallah visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the unexpected visit, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, is fuelling fresh rumours of possible defections within the ranks of the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A Surprise Visit in a Time of Political Tension

The visit, which was not officially announced beforehand, reportedly lasted several hours. Sources within the presidency told TJ News Nigeria that the meeting was “cordial” and focused primarily on national unity, peaceful coexistence, and the significance of the Eid festival. However, the timing of the visit has raised eyebrows among political observers and party loyalists.

Breaking: Cross River Governor, Others Storm Akwa Ibom as Umo Eno Defects to APC

This development follows closely on the heels of similar visits by other opposition figures to key members of the APC government, reinforcing speculations about cracks within the PDP and a potential wave of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mounting Concerns Within the PDP

Insiders within the PDP have expressed concerns about the recent pattern of fraternization between high-profile party leaders and the ruling APC. The party is already grappling with internal challenges, ranging from leadership disputes to divergent loyalties between factions aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and those loyal to other power blocs.

The visit by Governor Mutfwang is being interpreted by some as a soft diplomatic overture to the Tinubu administration, which could be an indicator of shifting allegiances.

APC’s Growing Influence Among Opposition Leaders

TJ News Nigeria reports that the APC leadership has been quietly engaging with strategic figures within the PDP and other parties, with the goal of expanding its national dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. President Tinubu’s administration, which has come under criticism over economic and security issues, appears to be consolidating political alliances to reinforce its base.

Political analysts say these visits may not be coincidental but rather part of a larger realignment strategy. Dr. Muda Lawal, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja, told TJ News Nigeria:

“What we’re witnessing is a repositioning by certain opposition leaders who want to remain politically relevant in the face of APC’s growing control. These visits might not mean outright defection yet, but they do signal alignment or interest in national appointments or patronage.”

Silence from the Governor’s Office

Attempts to get an official comment from Governor Mutfwang’s media team have so far been unsuccessful. However, a top aide who requested anonymity confirmed the governor was in Lagos for the Eid festivities and described the visit as “a gesture of national goodwill.”

“The governor is committed to peace and national unity. This visit should not be misconstrued. It’s not unusual for leaders to exchange goodwill during festive periods,” the aide said.

Despite this explanation, political stakeholders remain unconvinced, especially given the rising trend of opposition figures embracing or aligning with the APC leadership.

Growing List of PDP Leaders Visiting Tinubu

Governor Mutfwang’s visit is the latest in a series of similar encounters. In recent months, PDP Governors such as Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State) have either met privately with Tinubu or made public statements expressing support for some of his administration’s initiatives.

These developments have sparked calls from some quarters within the PDP for a re-evaluation of party loyalty and more robust internal engagement to prevent what some are calling a “silent implosion.”

What This Means Ahead of 2027

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, political alignments are expected to shift significantly. The ruling APC is likely to leverage its incumbency and influence to weaken opposition coalitions. With PDP governors and prominent members making overtures to the ruling party, the challenge for the PDP will be to maintain unity, coherence, and ideological clarity.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP may convene an emergency meeting in the coming weeks to address the trend of quiet engagements between its members and the APC leadership.

Editor’s note

While Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s visit to President Tinubu may be couched in the language of festive courtesy and national unity, it undeniably adds fuel to the growing speculation about the stability of Nigeria’s opposition party system. As political intrigues deepen, the coming months will be crucial for both the PDP and the APC in determining the future political landscape of the country.