Bold claim: party switching is reshaping Nigeria’s political map, and the PDP is losing several of its governors to the APC. Here’s a fresh, expanded rendition that keeps every key fact intact while clarifying the storyline for newcomers.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially switched allegiance and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara, who until now remained one of the PDP’s few remaining executive leaders in opposition, announced at a Tuesday meeting that he had obtained the go-ahead to exit the PDP. The move makes him the latest PDP governor to jump to the APC, continuing a trend of realignment across the country. He explained that his decision followed a prior meeting with President Bola Tinubu the day before, describing the purpose as state-interest consultation rather than personal gain.
In his words, he did not want to repeat past missteps or step on any political landmines that might jeopardize his administration. He emphasized that the PDP offered “no protection” in his view, which he framed as a practical reason for the defection. The climactic moment of the gathering was his declaration: “We have taken that decision today; we are moving to the APC.”
Fubara’s defection places him among a growing list of governors who were elected on the PDP platform and subsequently joined the APC. A common rationale cited by governors and other high-ranking officials who leave the PDP is a perceived need to align with the federal government and national power dynamics.
Which PDP governors left—and who remains?
Enugu State
On Tuesday, October 14, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his departure from the PDP to join the APC. In a state-wide broadcast, Mbah stated the move would help better align South-East states with the Federal Government. He was accompanied by a sizeable contingent including members of the National Assembly, the state House of Assembly, councillors, council chairmen, and other influential figures. The APC welcomed him with a ceremonial reception in Enugu.
Bayelsa State
Bayelsa’s governor, Senator Douye Diri, ended months of speculation by resigning from the PDP, citing “obvious reasons.” At a November State Executive meeting, he said the decision followed extensive consultations with state leaders and revealed that 23 members of the state House of Assembly would also switch to the APC with him.
Delta State
Delta’s governor Sheriff Oborevwori left the PDP for the APC on April 23. The state’s Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu stated the move aimed to strengthen local bonds, advance security and welfare for residents, and support Delta’s development, underscoring that politics is fundamentally local.
Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom’s governor, Umo Eno, announced his switch from the PDP to the APC on June 6, 2025. He cited concerns about guaranteeing electoral victory under the PDP as a key reason for relocating.
Osun State and Adeleke’s move
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke formally resigned from the PDP on December 2, 2025, pointing to ongoing leadership turmoil at the party’s national level. Adeleke announced on his social channels that he had submitted his resignation on November 4, 2025, and soon after joined the Accord Party, becoming the party’s new governor. The public announcement occurred at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, with party leaders in attendance.
Plateau and Taraba states
In Plateau State, PDP members from all 17 local government areas organized a rally in Jos, urging Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the APC, though the governor’s status remained a topic of speculation and denial for some time. Taraba’s governor, Agbu Kefas, has indicated he will join the APC; after postponing his defection in November in response to the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction, APC officials confirmed that Kefas would formally join in January 2026.
Governing landscape as of December 2025
GOVERNORS STILL IN THE PDP (as of December 2025)
- Ahmadu Fintiri – Adamawa State (North-East)
- Bala Mohammed – Bauchi State (North-East)
- Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau State (North-Central)
- Agbu Kefas – Taraba State (North-Central)
- Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State (North-West)
- Seyi Makinde – Oyo State (South-West)
PDP GOVERNORS WHO HAVE DEFECTED TO THE APC (since 2023)
- Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State (South-South)
- Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State (South-South)
- Peter Mbah – Enugu State (South-East)
- Douye Diri – Bayelsa State (South-South)
- Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State (South-South)
Why this matters and what it means going forward
- The defections reflect a broader pattern of party realignment, with governors often arguing that national-level dynamics necessitate partnerships that better align state policies with federal priorities.
- Critics worry about the stability of PDP’s organizational strength and its capacity to present a unified alternative in upcoming elections.
- Proponents argue that such moves could inject fresh energy and clearer governance agendas at the state level, potentially improving administration and delivery for residents.
Thought-provoking question: Do these defections help or hurt the prospects for stable governance in Nigeria, and should party loyalty be weighed against the national interest? Share your take in the comments with your reasons.
