ENUGU, Nigeria (Oct. 11, 2025) — Two governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next week, joining Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah in what party insiders describe as a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reliable sources told reporters on Friday that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and another unnamed PDP governor have concluded plans to cross over to the APC. The move, according to the sources, is expected to take place officially on Tuesday, October 14, barring any last-minute changes.

The expected defection of Governor Mbah and his counterparts follows weeks of speculation about growing dissatisfaction within the PDP over internal crises and national leadership issues.

Mbah’s Move to APC

In Enugu, Governor Mbah is said to have received the approval of key PDP stakeholders to switch parties. Reports indicate that once he makes the move, several PDP members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and ward councillors are likely to follow him into the APC.

To prepare for his arrival, the APC reportedly dissolved its Enugu State Working Committee and replaced it with a caretaker committee to allow for a smooth transition.

A top aide to Governor Mbah, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed the plan but declined to give details. “Discussions have reached an advanced stage,” he said. “What remains is the formal announcement.”

Bayelsa’s Diri May Face Resistance

In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri’s defection is also believed to be in the final stages, though some local political actors are reportedly resisting the move.

Party sources said Diri has been under pressure from some members of the National Assembly and influential figures within the state to remain in the PDP. However, others close to him argue that moving to the APC could strengthen his political base ahead of 2027.

A source in the Bayelsa Government House said Diri’s decision is part of a wider realignment taking place across the South-South region. “The governor wants to position Bayelsa to benefit more from the federal government. That’s why he’s open to joining the APC,” the source said.

Possible Third Governor

There are also reports that a third PDP governor—whose identity remains undisclosed—may join the defection wave next week. Political observers say the move could further weaken the PDP’s influence in several states where the APC has been working to consolidate power.

If confirmed, the development will mark one of the most significant political shifts since the return of democracy in 1999, potentially redrawing the power map across southern Nigeria.

Analysts React

Political analysts believe the wave of defections signals deepening cracks within the opposition PDP. Dr. Chijioke Nwodo, a political analyst at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the defections are a reflection of the party’s internal instability.

“Many PDP governors feel isolated and believe they can achieve more by aligning with the ruling party,” Nwodo said. “This is not just about politics; it’s about access to resources and influence at the federal level.”

For the APC, the governors’ defection could be a major boost as the party seeks to strengthen its foothold in the Southeast and South-South regions. Party officials say discussions are ongoing to welcome the new members formally in Abuja next week.

Neither the PDP national leadership nor the APC headquarters has officially commented on the planned defections. However, insiders say arrangements are already in place for a high-profile ceremony to receive the governors into the ruling party.