Photo File: PDP Flag

Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has entered one of the most turbulent phases in its political history as a wave of defections by key governors continues to shake its foundations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

What began as quiet political rumblings early in 2025 has now turned into a full-blown storm, with four sitting governors—Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—abandoning the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their exits have sparked debates about loyalty, survival, and the shifting balance of power in Nigeria’s southern political landscape.

MBAH LEADS THE EXODUS: “A BOLD CHOICE TO DETERMINE OUR DESTINY”

Photo File: Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

The latest defection came from Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who officially dumped the PDP on Tuesday, declaring his allegiance to the APC during a statewide broadcast.

“There always comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny,” Mbah said.  “After long reflection, we have decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.”

He defended the move as one driven by necessity rather than betrayal, adding that aligning with the ruling party would “better serve the interests of the people of Enugu” and foster stronger cooperation with the federal government.

Mbah’s defection, which included members of the State Assembly, local council chairmen, and political appointees, came barely 24 hours before Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri made a similar announcement.

BAYELSA’S DIRI FOLLOWS SUIT

Governor Douye Diri

On Wednesday, Governor Douye Diri shocked political observers by announcing his resignation from the PDP at the executive chamber of the Bayelsa Government House.

“After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared.

Although Diri did not disclose his next political destination, sources within the government confirmed that his movement to the APC had already been finalized. His decision was endorsed by 23 members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Abraham Ngobere.

The Speaker justified the defection, saying, “The PDP no longer has the capacity to present a presidential candidate and win the 2027 election.”

DELTA AND AKWA IBOM GOVERNORS DEFECT EARLIER IN THE YEAR

The defections of Diri and Mbah followed earlier moves by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, both of whom joined the APC with their cabinets and state assembly members.

Governor Oborevwori’s defection, which took place in May after a closed-door meeting in Asaba, was described by insiders as a strategic realignment aimed at securing Delta’s political relevance at the national level.

His former boss, ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, also joined him in crossing over to the APC—a move confirmed by Senator James Manager.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” the manager declared, confirming that “all PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the speaker, and all local government chairmen,” had agreed to join the APC.

In neighboring Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno announced his defection during a town hall meeting in Uyo, declaring, “It is time to move.”

The formal reception of Eno into the APC saw a high-profile presence of ruling party governors, including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), among others—signalling the importance the APC attaches to the expanding political realignment in the South-South.

TINUBU REACTS: “I WILL NOT HELP THE OPPOSITION FIX THEIR PROBLEMS.”

Photo File: President Bola Tinubu

Earlier this year, reacting to the string of defections, President Bola Tinubu said the APC would continue to welcome members from opposition parties who choose to align with its vision for Nigeria.

“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” Tinubu said during his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly.

“For me, I will not say, ‘Try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so either.’ It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” the president added, drawing laughter and applause from APC lawmakers.

Political analysts say Tinubu’s response reflects his strategic positioning to consolidate the APC’s dominance nationwide, especially as the party eyes key southern strongholds once controlled by the PDP.

PDP CRIES BETRAYAL, APPEALS FOR UNITY

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, expressed deep disappointment over the defections.

“The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scenes,” said Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, during an appearance on Channels Television.

“But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow,” he added.

The party leadership has urged remaining governors to remain steadfast, warning that abandoning the PDP at this critical period could weaken democratic accountability and leave Nigeria without a strong opposition voice.

THE POLITICAL FALLOUT: PDP’S SHRINKING MAP

With the exit of four key governors, the PDP’s control of states has dramatically declined, leaving it with only one governor in the South-South—Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State—and a total of eight governors nationwide.

Political observers say the defections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of 2027, especially as the APC strengthens its influence in regions that were once PDP strongholds.

“Governors are aligning with power to secure relevance and access to federal support,” noted Dr. Chidi Nwosu, a political analyst at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.  “It’s both a survival strategy and a reflection of how fluid party loyalty has become in Nigerian politics.”

CONCLUSION

As the 2027 elections approach, Nigeria’s political landscape appears to be shifting rapidly. With governors defecting in droves and opposition parties struggling to maintain internal cohesion, the APC’s dominance seems poised to grow—even as questions linger about the sustainability of politics driven more by power than by ideology.