Defections: PDP Shrinks to Eight Governors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a great setback, now retaining control of only eight states, following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

Recalled that Governor Mbah announced his move to the APC on Tuesday, a decision promptly welcomed by the party’s national leadership. 

Barely 24 hours later, Governor Diri confirmed his exit from the PDP in Yenagoa, citing "obvious reasons" for his decision.

The back-to-back departures have further depleted the PDP’s ranks, which had governed 11 states after the 2023 general elections. 

With the latest developments, the APC now controls 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.

As of Wednesday, the remaining governors under the PDP umbrella were:

Ahmadu Fintiri – Adamawa (North-East)

Bala Mohammed – Bauchi (North-East)

Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau (North-Central)

Agbu Kefas – Taraba (North-Central)

Dauda Lawal – Zamfara (North-West)

Seyi Makinde – Oyo (South-West)

Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers (South-South)

Ademola Adeleke – Osun (South-West)

Rumours of further defections have trailed some governors, including Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, though none have been confirmed.

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, recently admitted that the defections have unsettled the party. 

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the communications sub-committee ahead of the party’s national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Mohammed said crucial efforts were being made to stabilise the party.

"If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned.

"But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. Certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes," he said.