PDP Left With Eight Governors as Mbah, Diri Defect to APC

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been further weakened following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their exits have reduced the number of PDP-controlled states to eight, down from 11 after the 2023 general elections.

With the new political realignment, the APC now controls 24 states, while the Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) each hold one state.

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Mbah, Diri Join APC in Quick Succession

Governor Peter Mbah formally announced his defection on Tuesday, a move swiftly welcomed by the APC leadership in Abuja. Barely 24 hours later, Governor Douye Diri confirmed his decision to leave the PDP in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons” for his defection.

Their departure represents another blow to the opposition party, which has been struggling with internal divisions and growing defections to the ruling party in recent months.

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PDP’s Remaining Governors

As of Wednesday, the eight governors still under the PDP platform are:

• Adamawa – Ahmadu Fintiri (North-East)

• Bauchi – Bala Mohammed (North-East)

• Plateau – Caleb Mutfwang (North-Central)

• Taraba – Agbu Kefas (North-Central)

• Zamfara – Dauda Lawal (North-West)

• Oyo – Seyi Makinde (South-West)

• Rivers – Siminalayi Fubara (South-South)

• Osun – Ademola Adeleke (South-West)

There have been unconfirmed rumours suggesting that some of these governors—particularly Taraba’s Agbu Kefas—might also be considering defection, but none have been verified.

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Party Leaders Express Concern

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, recently expressed deep concern over the wave of defections.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the party’s convention communication sub-committee, Mohammed admitted that the trend had unsettled the PDP but said efforts were ongoing to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan.

“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned,” he said. “But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”

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Analysts Warn of Tougher Times Ahead

Political observers note that the defections could have a significant impact on the PDP’s influence at the national level, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Analysts say the ruling APC’s growing dominance could further tilt political momentum in its favour unless the PDP takes decisive steps to rebuild unity and grassroots support.