By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now left with just eight governors following the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The departures have further weakened the opposition party, which had previously held 11 states after the 2023 elections.
With these recent changes, the APC now governs 24 states, while the PDP is down to eight. Meanwhile, the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, and New Nigeria Peoples Party each control one state.
Governor Mbah officially announced his defection on Tuesday, a move quickly endorsed by APC leaders. Less than 24 hours later, Governor Diri confirmed his resignation from the PDP in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons” for his decision.
Remaining PDP Governors
As of Wednesday, the following governors remain in the PDP:
- 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)
Several governors, including Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, have been the subject of speculation regarding potential defections, but no departures have been confirmed.
This latest wave of defections comes shortly after the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, voiced concern about the growing trend of governors and senior party members moving to the APC.
Addressing the situation in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the party’s convention communication sub-committee, Mohammed acknowledged that the defections had unsettled the PDP. He, however, assured that efforts were ongoing to maintain party unity ahead of the national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
He stated, “If you ask whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for the APC, I am indeed very concerned. But leadership comes with its burdens. As the head of a group of equals, I cannot dictate the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, yet significant efforts are being made behind the scenes to keep the party united.”