PDP in Turmoil as Governors, Key Members Defect to APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently facing one of the toughest periods in its political history, with an unprecedented wave of defections hitting its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Since the 2015 general elections—when then Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, led four of his colleagues to the All Progressives Congress, APC—the PDP has not experienced such a political storm.

The latest mass movement of governors and high-profile members to the APC has thrown the once-dominant opposition party into disarray, raising concerns over its survival as a major political force.

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Four PDP Governors Dump Party for APC in 2025

Delta State: Oborevwori, Okowa Lead Mass Defection

The defection trend began in April when Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all PDP members in the state announced their move to the APC.
The decision was made public in Asaba by Senator James Manager after a six-hour meeting at the Government House.

Akwa Ibom: Umo Eno Joins APC

In June, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, officially defected to the APC during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi.
The pastor-turned-politician said he decided to “align the state with the party at the federal level,” stressing that it was time to “move with the tide.”
Quoting scripture, he likened his move to the “children of Issachar” who understood the times and acted wisely.

Enugu: Peter Mbah Cites People’s Voice

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, followed suit on Tuesday, declaring that his decision to join the APC stemmed from the PDP’s failure to “serve the people optimally.”
He dismissed claims of betrayal, saying:

“I was entrusted with the people’s mandate, and I must carry that mandate on a platform that will best serve them.”

Bayelsa: Diri, Assembly Speaker Defect

A day later, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, officially resigned from the PDP alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and all PDP lawmakers.
The announcement was made by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.

“PDP Paying for Ignoring Zoning” – Katchy Ononuju

Dr. Katchy Ononuju, former aide to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, blamed the PDP’s crisis on ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s refusal to respect zoning during the 2023 presidential race.
He said:

“The PDP is paying the price for not respecting zoning. If Atiku had stepped aside, the party wouldn’t be where it is today.”
Ononuju, however, believes the PDP can still recover if it rebuilds its structure ahead of 2027.

“Atiku Was Never the Problem” – Paul Ibe

Reacting, Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said the defections only prove that the former Vice President was not the problem of the PDP.
He stated:

“They thought Atiku was the problem. Now that he’s gone, it’s clear the problem was within. The insect that destroys vegetables lives inside the vegetables.”

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“PDP Will Survive” – AA National Chairman

Kenneth Udeze, National Chairman of the Action Alliance, AA, expressed confidence that the PDP will survive despite the current exodus.
He said:

“As long as the party’s constitution and committed members remain, the PDP will endure. Those leaving are only reacting to fear of political uncertainty.”
Udeze, however, described defectors as “politicians without balls” and urged Nigerians to support smaller, more disciplined parties like the AA.

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“Defections Show Lack of Ideology” – Ex-ACF Scribe

Former Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Anthony Sani, described the defections as proof that Nigerian politicians lack ideology.
He said:

“The defections show that politicians are driven by personal interest, not ideology. They move where they believe the winning chances are higher.”
Sani predicted that the PDP would survive but might split into factions again in 2027.
“Democracy without viable opposition is a sham,” he added.

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Current PDP-Controlled States

As of October 2025, the PDP still controls eight states: Adamawa, Rivers, Plateau, Osun, Bauchi, Oyo, Taraba, and Zamfara.

However, with the continuous exodus of key figures, political observers say the coming months will determine whether the PDP can restructure and remain a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.