- Defections expected to deliver ‘death knell’ to PDP in Enugu, shifting South-East power dynamics.
Two prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, are reportedly poised to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next week, a move that analysts say signals a dramatic political realignment in the South-East and South-South regions.
The mass defection is expected to be finalized within the coming days, marking a major erosion of the PDP’s influence in the southern parts of the country.
Details of Expected Defections
Sources indicate that Enugu Governor Peter Mbah is set to formally join the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in an event touted to effectively dismantle the PDP’s political structure in the state.
The scale of Mbah’s move is reportedly massive, as he is expected to be accompanied by all 260 ward councillors and the entire 24 members of the Enugu State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the development, the APC Caretaker Chairman in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, described the impending event in stark terms, stating the move would serve as the “death knell” of the PDP in Enugu.
He further highlighted the political significance, telling reporters that the defection “will end the PDP’s 25-year dominance in Enugu and reposition the South-East in Nigeria’s ruling coalition.” Insiders believe the shift could open the floodgates for further defections in neighboring Anambra and Abia states.
Bayelsa Governor Faces Internal Opposition
In Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri is also reported to have concluded plans to switch allegiance to the APC. Reports suggest that before making the decision to dump the PDP, Governor Diri consulted with former President Goodluck Jonathan and other key state elders.
However, the move is said to be facing opposition from key stakeholders within Bayelsa’s PDP caucus, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Diri’s predecessor. Despite the internal resistance, Governor Diri is believed to have the backing of the majority of members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, indicating a strong likelihood of the defection proceeding.
