The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been reduced to seven governors following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest defections further weaken the opposition party, which controlled 11 states after the 2023 general elections. With these developments, the APC now governs 26 states, while the PDP retains seven. The Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) control one state each — Anambra and Kano, respectively.
Governor Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday, describing it as part of a “strategic alignment” aimed at fostering closer collaboration with the Federal Government for Enugu State’s development. His decision was backed by members of his cabinet, state lawmakers, and local government chairmen, and was promptly received by the APC leadership.
Barely 24 hours later, Governor Diri confirmed his departure from the PDP in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons” for his decision. He was accompanied by 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, several commissioners, and local government chairmen.
PDP Governors Still in Office
As of Wednesday, the seven remaining PDP governors 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 reports suggesting that some of these governors, including Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, may also be considering defection, though no official statement has been issued.
The latest defections come just days after the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, voiced concern over the party’s shrinking ranks.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the party’s convention communication sub-committee, Mohammed admitted that the developments had unsettled the PDP but assured that efforts were ongoing to preserve unity ahead of its national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
He said, “If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for the APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. However, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”
