With the 2027 general elections approaching, Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing renewed realignments as some governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the crisis within the opposition party.

In 2025 alone, at least four sitting PDP governors dumped the party, citing internal instability, the need to align with the federal government, and what they described as the PDP’s declining influence.

1. Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire PDP structure in the state, defected to the APC in April 2025.

Party leaders said remaining in the PDP was no longer viable, describing the party as a “sinking boat.”

2. Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno joined the APC in June 2025, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations.

He said aligning with the federal government would bring stability and long-term benefits to the state, stressing that the move was made “from a position of strength.”

3. Peter Mbah (Enugu State)

In October, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah defected to the APC after months of consultations, saying the move was necessary to better position the state for development and collaboration with the centre.

He described President Bola Tinubu as “a partner in purpose” and said Enugu’s voice would now be better heard at the federal level.

4. Douye Diri (Bayelsa State)

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri announced his defection in October 2025, blaming what he called the “terminal decline” of the PDP.

He said his decision was aimed at preventing Bayelsa from being dragged down by the party’s internal collapse, describing the move as part of a broader Ijaw political realignment. (THE NATION)

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