Nigeria’s political landscape has undergone its biggest realignment since 2015, with a steady stream of governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party abandoning the opposition party for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The latest is Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who on Tuesday confirmed he had received “clearance” to dump the PDP after months of internal battles. The governor said his final decision followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the move was “for the interest of Rivers State, not personal gain.”
“We have taken that decision today; we are moving to the APC,”
Fubara announced.
His defection adds to a trend that has intensified since 2023, leaving the PDP with one of the weakest governor benches in its history.
Cascade of Governors Leaving PDP
Across the South-East, South-South and North-Central, governors have been crossing over, often citing national alignment, internal crisis, and concerns about the PDP’s weakening structure.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah left the party in October after a public broadcast linking his move to the “need for federal alignment.” His defection was followed by lawmakers, council chairmen and other political blocs across the state.
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri also resigned in November, describing his exit as “unavoidable.” Twenty-three state legislators moved with him.
Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier defected in April, framing his switch as necessary “to advance development and security” in the state.
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno joined the APC in June after admitting that the PDP could no longer guarantee electoral stability.
And in Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke quit the PDP in November, this time choosing the Accord Party instead of the APC. His exit deepened concerns about the PDP’s national cohesion.
New Pressure Points in Plateau, Taraba
In Plateau, pressure groups within the PDP have openly urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to abandon the party. A large rally was held in Jos last week calling for his defection.
Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas has also concluded arrangements to join the APC, with party officials confirming he will be formally received in January 2026 after suspending an earlier date due to security concerns in the North-West.
Who Is Left in the PDP?
As of December 2025, only six PDP governors remain:
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Ahmadu Fintiri – Adamawa
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Bala Mohammed – Bauchi
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Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau
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Agbu Kefas – Taraba
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Dauda Lawal – Zamfara
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Seyi Makinde – Oyo
Defectors Since 2023
Governors who have left the PDP so far include:
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Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom
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Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta
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Peter Mbah – Enugu
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Douye Diri – Bayelsa
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Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers
With more defections expected in early 2026, the PDP faces a shrinking influence map and the most significant internal fragmentation since its return to opposition in 2015.
