Mbah, Diri’s Exit Reduces PDP to Eight Governors Nationwide

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered another major setback as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further diminishing the opposition party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The twin defections, announced less than 24 hours apart, have reduced the PDP’s control from 11 to just eight states, cementing the APC’s dominance with 24 governors nationwide.

The Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) now govern one state each.

Enugu, Bayelsa Governors Cross to Ruling Party

Governor Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday in Enugu, saying his decision was driven by a desire to align with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His declaration was immediately welcomed by the APC National Chairman and other top party leaders.

Barely a day later, Governor Diri confirmed his own exit from the PDP during a press conference in Yenagoa, describing his defection as “a matter of political reality and obvious reasons.”

Party insiders say both governors had faced mounting internal pressure over disagreements with the PDP leadership at the national level.

PDP Now Controls Only Eight States

Following the latest wave of defections, the PDP is now left with just eight governors — a historic low for the party that once ruled Nigeria for 16 consecutive years (1999–2015).

As of Wednesday, the 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)
Osun – Ademola Adeleke (South-West)
Rivers – Siminalayi Fubara (South-South)

More Defections Loom as Party Faces Internal Crisis

Sources within the PDP hinted that more defections could follow in the coming weeks, with reports suggesting that at least two sitting governors are in talks with the ruling APC.

Among those linked to possible defection is Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, though his aides have dismissed the rumours as “false and politically motivated.”

Analysts say the PDP’s declining influence reflects deep-seated internal divisions, unresolved leadership disputes, and regional realignments ahead of 2027.

APC Consolidates Grip Ahead of 2027 Elections

The APC’s growing control over 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states underscores its widening political reach and may give it a decisive advantage going into the next election cycle.

Party strategists say the defection of influential governors like Mbah and Diri will boost the ruling party’s strength in both the South-East and South-South, where the APC has been seeking to expand its foothold.