PDP Shrinks, left with 8 governors, as Mbah, Diri Join APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered yet another major setback following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their exit further depletes the ranks of the main opposition party, which had controlled 11 states after the 2023 general elections, but is now left with only eight governors.

With these latest defections, the APC now commands 24 states, while the PDP holds eight. The Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) each govern one state.

Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday, a move swiftly welcomed by the APC leadership. Barely 24 hours later, Governor Douye Diri confirmed his exit from the PDP during a press briefing in Yenagoa, citing what he described as “obvious reasons.”

The Eight PDP Governors Still Standing

As of Wednesday, the PDP’s remaining 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)

Rivers – Siminalayi Fubara (South-South)

Osun – Ademola Adeleke (South-West)

There have also been unconfirmed rumours that some PDP governors, including Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, may be considering a switch to the ruling party.

‘We Are Concerned, But Working Behind the Scenes’ — Bala Mohammed

The fresh wave of defections comes just days after the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, voiced concern over the exodus of party figures to the APC.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the PDP National Convention Communication Sub-Committee, Mohammed admitted that the situation had “unsettled” the party.

He, however, assured that efforts were ongoing to restore internal unity ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Mohammed stated, “If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for the APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader among equals, I cannot dictate the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. However, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes to stabilize the party.”