The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been reduced to seven governors following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest defections mark another major setback for the opposition party, which had controlled 11 states after the 2023 general elections.
With the new alignments, the APC now holds 26 states, while the PDP retains seven.
The Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) govern one state each, Lagos, Anambra, and Kano, respectively.
Governor Mbah announced his defection on Tuesday, describing it as a “strategic alignment” to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government for the development of Enugu State.
His move, supported by members of his cabinet, state lawmakers, and local government chairmen, was swiftly welcomed by the APC leadership.
Barely a day later, Governor Diri also confirmed his departure from the PDP in Yenagoa, citing what he called “obvious reasons.”
He was reportedly accompanied by 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, several commissioners, and local government chairmen.
Seven PDP Governors Remaining
As of Wednesday, the seven PDP governors still in office 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)
Rumours of possible defections have continued to swirl around some of the remaining governors, particularly in the North-Central zone, though none have been confirmed.
The development comes just days after PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, admitted growing concern over the wave of defections.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the party’s national convention communication sub-committee, Mohammed said the trend had unsettled the PDP but assured that efforts were ongoing to keep the party united ahead of its November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan.
“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned,” he said. “But leadership is a burden.
“As a leader among equals, I cannot dictate the actions of my colleagues, though a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”