FULL LIST: PDP Down to Eight Governors as Defections Hit Enugu, Bayelsa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered yet another major setback following the defection of two of its governors — Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State — to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The latest defections, confirmed on Thursday, leave the once-dominant opposition party with only eight governors nationwide — its lowest count since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. This development not only reshapes Nigeria’s political balance ahead of the 2027 elections but also raises new questions about the PDP’s internal cohesion and survival strategy.

Mass Defections Shake Nigeria’s Opposition Party

The exit of Governors Mbah and Diri marks a significant blow to the PDP, which had controlled 11 states after the 2023 general elections. Both governors cited “alignment with national development goals” and “the need for stronger federal collaboration” as reasons for their defection. Political observers, however, view the move as part of a broader strategy by the APC to consolidate its grip on power across the South-South and South-East regions.

At a brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as “a testament to the enduring appeal of the ruling party’s progressive agenda.” He assured them of “a level playing field” and pledged support for ongoing state-level development initiatives.

Meanwhile, inside PDP headquarters in Abuja, the mood was somber. Party officials described the defections as “disappointing but not entirely unexpected,” citing “ongoing internal divisions” and “leadership fatigue” as underlying causes.

Full List: PDP’s Remaining Governors in 2025

As of October 2025, the PDP retains control of just eight states across the federation. The loss of Enugu and Bayelsa further tilts the political map in favor of the APC, which now governs 25 states. Below is the updated list of PDP governors still in office:

State	Governor	Region
Oyo	Seyi Makinde	South-West
Osun	Ademola Adeleke	South-West
Akwa Ibom	Umo Eno	South-South
Delta	Sheriff Oborevwori	South-South
Rivers	Siminalayi Fubara	South-South
Bauchi	Bala Mohammed	North-East
Adamawa	Ahmadu Fintiri	North-East
Taraba	Agbu Kefas	North-East

Political analysts note that the PDP’s geographic base has now become more concentrated in the South-South and North-East regions, leaving it with minimal influence in the North-West and virtually none in the South-East — once a stronghold for the party.

Inside the Defections: What Triggered the Exit?

Sources close to the two governors revealed that the decision to join the APC was the culmination of months of negotiation and political realignment. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu reportedly faced internal resistance within the PDP over control of state structures and upcoming local elections, while Douye Diri was said to have been frustrated by a “lack of national coordination” from the party’s leadership.

Analysts believe that the APC’s growing financial and political leverage played a critical role in attracting governors from the opposition. “The federal government’s control over key projects and fiscal allocations gives the ruling party immense influence,” said political commentator Dr. Chinedu Okafor. “Many state governors, especially those seeking development funding, find it difficult to operate outside the federal political orbit.”

PDP’s Response: ‘We Will Rebuild’

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, responded to the defections by calling for calm among party supporters. In a statement issued Thursday night, he said: “While the departure of two governors is regrettable, the PDP remains the party of choice for Nigerians who desire real democracy, accountability, and justice. We are taking concrete steps to strengthen our internal structures and reconnect with grassroots supporters.”

Ologunagba added that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation and chart a new course ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some insiders, however, expressed concern that the defections could trigger further exits from lawmakers and key stakeholders in other PDP-controlled states.

Analysts’ View: APC Consolidation or Political Monopoly?

While the APC celebrated the latest defections as proof of national unity, critics warn that Nigeria’s democracy could suffer if opposition parties continue to weaken. Dr. Ifeanyi Eze, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, cautioned that “a democracy without a strong opposition risks becoming a one-party system, which limits checks and balances.”

He noted that the decline of the PDP mirrors similar trends in other African democracies where ruling parties dominate the political landscape through defections, patronage, and state control of resources. “What we are witnessing is less about ideology and more about political survival,” Eze explained. “The lack of internal democracy in opposition parties has made them vulnerable to infiltration and collapse.”

What Lies Ahead for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

With only eight governors remaining, the PDP faces its toughest test yet. Rebuilding its national structure will require not only internal reforms but also a renewed appeal to disillusioned voters and younger Nigerians seeking credible alternatives to the APC. Some party loyalists are calling for generational change within the party leadership to restore public confidence.

The APC, on the other hand, is now positioned to dominate the political conversation heading into 2027, with expanded control over strategic states in both the South and North. However, governance experts warn that without visible improvement in the economy, security, and public welfare, the ruling party’s growing strength may not automatically translate into lasting popularity.

Conclusion: The Opposition at a Crossroads

The defection of Governors Peter Mbah and Douye Diri represents more than a loss of numbers for the PDP—it symbolizes a deeper crisis of confidence within Nigeria’s oldest surviving political brand. Whether the party can reinvent itself amid shrinking influence will determine the future of opposition politics in Africa’s largest democracy. For now, the political momentum clearly favors the APC, but history shows that tides in Nigerian politics can shift as quickly as they rise.