The PDP has been further weakened after two governors defected to the APC, leaving the ruling party in control of 24 states.
The Peoples Democratic Party has been reduced to eight governors following the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The opposition party had controlled 11 states after the 2023 elections but has suffered steady losses amid growing internal uncertainty.
Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday, receiving an immediate welcome from APC leadership. Barely 24 hours later, Diri confirmed his exit in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons.” Their departures increase APC’s control to 24 states, leaving PDP with eight. Labour Party, APGA and NNPP each govern one state.
The remaining PDP governors include Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed admitted the defections had unsettled the party, saying, “If you ask me whether I am concerned… I am more than concerned.”