Illya Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly considering defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, according to insider sources.
The move, if confirmed, could reshape the political landscape in both the PDP and APC, particularly in Yobe State, where political alignments are beginning to shift in anticipation of the next general elections.
Multiple sources within the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja have disclosed that Damagum’s defection is being seriously considered due to internal tensions and the increasing possibility that he may be removed from his current position in the opposition party. One source claimed that Damagum is exploring his options after sensing diminishing support and growing opposition within the PDP leadership circle.
The push for Damagum’s exit from the PDP reportedly gained traction as internal party dynamics shifted and factions within the party began realigning interests. With growing pressure and signs that his tenure as national chairman may be short-lived, Damagum is believed to be seeking a more secure political future.
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A source familiar with the matter revealed that Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has offered to support Damagum’s governorship ambition if he joins the APC. Buni, who served as interim national chairman of the APC before returning to govern Yobe State, is believed to have significant influence within the ruling party, both at the state and national levels.
According to sources, Buni’s offer of political support includes mobilizing party resources and aligning key stakeholders to back Damagum’s candidacy should he switch parties. This proposal is reportedly a key factor in Damagum’s ongoing consideration to defect from the PDP.
Damagum, who hails from Yobe State, became acting chairman of the PDP in 2023 following the suspension of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Though his appointment was initially seen as a stabilizing move within the PDP, internal divisions have continued to plague the party. Disagreements over zoning, leadership succession, and preparations for the 2027 elections have fueled internal strife, leaving Damagum’s leadership under threat.
His potential defection is already generating reactions among party insiders. Some see it as a strategic betrayal at a time when the PDP is struggling to regain national relevance after its loss in the 2023 general elections. Others believe it reflects the broader reality of Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, where personal ambitions often override party loyalty.
If Damagum moves to the APC, it would not be the first time a high-ranking official of the opposition party crosses over to the ruling party in pursuit of political opportunities. However, such a move could cause further instability within the PDP, particularly in the North-East geopolitical zone where Yobe is located.
PDP officials have not issued a formal statement on the matter, and Damagum himself has not publicly addressed the reports of his planned defection. However, the silence has only fueled speculation that behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway.
Some party insiders insist that the leadership of the PDP must act swiftly to clarify Damagum’s status within the party and address growing concerns over internal disunity. Others warn that continued defections could weaken the party’s chances in 2027 if not addressed promptly.
The APC has not officially commented on the possibility of Damagum joining the party, nor has Governor Buni publicly confirmed his alleged offer of support. Nonetheless, observers note that such a political realignment would not be out of character for Nigeria’s ever-changing party politics.
As the 2027 elections approach, both major parties—APC and PDP—are expected to undergo significant internal reorganization, with new alliances likely to emerge. Whether Damagum’s possible move becomes a reality remains to be seen, but political observers agree that the development signals ongoing volatility within the PDP and the continued dominance of personal political calculations over party ideology.
