The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to suffer major setbacks amid an unending leadership crisis that has plagued it since the 2023 general elections.

Once a dominant political force, the PDP is now reeling from waves of defections, internal divisions, and a growing loss of public confidence — while President Bola Tinubu appears to be consolidating political control across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.

Governor Peter Mbah Dumps PDP for APC

The latest blow came on Monday, when Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah formally announced his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statewide broadcast, Mbah said he decided to ensure Enugu’s alignment with the federal government.

“There comes a time when one must make a bold choice to determine one's destiny. After careful reflection, we have decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” he declared.

Reports indicate that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is also set to follow suit — a move that would further weaken the PDP’s base in the oil-rich South-South region, once regarded as its strongest support zone.

Southern Strongholds Collapse

Earlier this year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also defected to the APC, taking their cabinets and key political allies along.

For nearly two decades, the PDP had enjoyed near-total dominance across the South-East and South-South, consistently winning presidential, governorship, and legislative elections.

But internal power tussles, poor leadership, and failure to adapt to changing political realities have led to its decline.

Analysts say that with the PDP’s southern flank now severely weakened, President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid could face minimal opposition unless a strong coalition emerges.

Another South-East State May Fall – Udeh-Okoye

Former PDP National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye has predicted that another South-East state will soon join the APC.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he said:

“Just wait and see. Very soon, another state will fall in the South-East to the APC. The momentum is unstoppable.”

However, he declined to reveal which state he was referring to, saying the information was “classified.”

“I Never Saw It Coming” – Bode George

PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George expressed shock over Mbah’s defection, saying he did not anticipate it despite ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party.

“I never saw it coming,” George told Politics Today. “We had just resolved our internal issues and fixed our convention date. Whatever position the East wanted for him would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?”

“Mbah Rented Crowd” – Nnaji

Former PDP National Auditor Ray Nnaji criticised Governor Mbah’s defection, describing it as a “grave political miscalculation.”

Speaking to DAILY POST, Nnaji said while Mbah had the constitutional right to switch parties, the move would likely backfire.

“The governor rented the crowd that welcomed him. Those people were hired. He’s not on ground politically and focuses more on elites than the grassroots,” he alleged.

Nnaji also faulted the PDP leadership for failing to manage the crisis, accusing the national chairman of inaction.

“The problem PDP has is poor leadership. If the chairman had done his job, these defections wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

He further alleged that Mbah left loyalists behind in the PDP to maintain control over Enugu’s political structure but predicted that “the plan will fail.”

“PDP Has Become a Sinking Ship” – Analyst

A Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Dr Nduka Odo, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” saying many of its members are defecting to preserve their political relevance.

“Nobody wants to drown with a sinking ship. That’s why many are leaving,” he said.

Odo noted that while Mbah’s move may boost APC’s image, it might not necessarily benefit him politically.

“APC performed poorly in Enugu in 2023. It’s not clear how joining them will improve his fortunes,” he added.

He concluded that Mbah’s defection serves the APC more than the governor himself, though it further cements the ruling party’s growing dominance across southern Nigeria.

PDP in Crisis as More Governors Defect to APC

Comments (0)