Key points

• Governors Mbah and Diri prepare to defect to APC soon.

• PDP stalwarts condemn the planned defection as betrayal.

• Analysts say the move strengthens APC ahead of 2027 elections.

Disquiet is spreading within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State reportedly conclude arrangements to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to credible sources within both states, the two governors are set to formally announce their move in the coming days.

Although October 14 had been speculated as the date, internal wrangling within the Enugu APC may delay the event.

The reported defections have stirred reactions among party loyalists and residents, deepening the uncertainty surrounding Nigeria’s already volatile political landscape.

APC reshuffles Enugu leadership ahead of Mbah’s arrival

In anticipation of Governor Mbah’s move, the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) last Thursday dissolved the Enugu State Working Committee (SWC) and appointed a caretaker committee headed by Ben Nwoye.

The decision, insiders said, was part of the APC’s strategy to prepare the ground for Mbah’s entry into the party and ensure a smooth realignment of structures in Enugu.

But the dissolved state executives rejected the action, calling it unconstitutional and “a direct assault on internal party democracy.”

In a strongly worded statement, the ousted 40-member executive committee argued that the NWC had no authority to dissolve a duly elected state exco without the recommendation of the zonal committee.

“The purported dissolution is illegal and void,” the statement read.

“The APC in Enugu State was never informed of any misconduct or breach of the constitution. We reject this act of impunity.”

The statement further accused the NWC of attempting to “reward disloyalty,” claiming that several members of the caretaker committee had been previously suspended for anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, the PDP leadership in Enugu has maintained a strategic silence on the matter. Several attempts by journalists to get official reactions from the party or the governor’s office were unsuccessful.

Division deepens in Bayelsa as Diri’s move stirs mixed feelings

In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri’s expected defection has polarised political circles, drawing both support and condemnation from party members and opinion leaders.

While some stakeholders argue that joining the APC will align Bayelsa with the federal government and attract more development projects, others dismiss the move as self-serving.

A top aide to the governor, who asked not to be named, confirmed that Diri intends to leave the PDP but was unsure of the reported October 14 date.

“Yes, the governor is leaving the PDP, but I can’t confirm the date. He told us himself — we are waiting for him to make it public,” the source said.

Bayelsa APC Chairman, Chief Dennis Otiotio, welcomed the development, saying the party was ready to receive any politician who supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We will be happy to receive Senator Douye Diri into the APC,” Otiotio said. “He is welcome anytime he decides to join us.

The President has done well for the South-South, and all the governors should rally behind him for 2027.”

However, another APC official, who preferred anonymity, cautioned that no official communication had been received about the defection.

Stakeholders divided: welcome move or betrayal?

Ijaw leader and Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, described Diri’s planned defection as “a wise and strategic move.”

“I have long advised Governor Diri to align with the centre,” Ambakederimo said.

“The Ijaw people have been politically isolated for too long. Joining the ruling party will give us better access to federal opportunities.”

According to him, being in the APC will give Bayelsa a stronger voice in national decision-making and access to key appointments.

But not everyone agrees. Former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Furoebi Akene, blasted the move, describing it as “selfish and shameful.”

“This is not about service; it’s about self-preservation,” Akene said.

“Politicians in Nigeria are more concerned about survival than integrity. The same people who condemned the APC are now running into its arms.”

He added that the development reflects the decay of political values in Nigeria, where “loyalty is traded for convenience.”

Political analyst Jones Andaobo expressed surprise at Diri’s decision, questioning why a performing governor would join a ruling party “that has lost the people’s confidence.”

“If true, it’s ironic,” Andaobo said. “But his presence may help stabilise Bayelsa APC, given his cordial relationship with Minister Heineken Lokpobiri.”

Mbah’s camp silent as PDP elders express concern

In Enugu, the PDP has refrained from making any official statement regarding Mbah’s rumored switch.

Insiders within the state party structure described the silence as “strategic caution.”

One senior PDP member told Vanguard that while the governor’s relationship with some national figures in the APC has grown stronger, many within the party are still trying to persuade him to reconsider.

“Governor Mbah is aware of the implications of defecting,” the source said.

“He was elected on the PDP platform, and a sudden switch could affect his base and legitimacy.”

The Enugu political scene has since been thrown into confusion. Some loyalists have started recalibrating their positions ahead of the governor’s expected move, while others are preparing for what they describe as “the next phase of PDP survival.”

Party elders warn against one-party dominance

Reacting to the unfolding drama, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, condemned the planned defections, calling them “shameless and destabilising.”

“It is disgusting that governors are abandoning the mandate given to them by the people,” he told Vanguard.

“They were elected under the PDP, and they owe that loyalty to their voters, not political convenience.”

George warned that the continued defection of top PDP figures could turn Nigeria into a de facto one-party state, which, he said, would be a “catastrophe for democracy.”

“If the APC becomes the only viable party, democracy will die a slow death,” he said.

“The PDP must rebuild and resist this wave of political opportunism.”

He described the governors’ decisions as “annoying, disgraceful, and destabilising,” adding that the party must “reclaim its moral compass before 2027.”

Analysts see broader implications for 2027 elections

Political analysts believe the defections could significantly alter Nigeria’s 2027 political map.

With the APC tightening its grip on the South-South and South-East, the opposition could face an uphill battle in mounting an effective challenge.

Observers say both defections are part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to consolidate national support ahead of his expected re-election campaign.

“It’s a well-calculated move,” said Abuja-based analyst Dr. Gabriel Ogbonna.

“Tinubu is building a coalition of state powerhouses, and these defections are central to that plan.”

However, he warned that the political gains could backfire if Nigerians perceive the moves as mere survival tactics rather than genuine ideological realignment.

“The people are watching,” Ogbonna added. “The governors will have to justify their decisions beyond political convenience.”