A fresh wave of political realignment is sweeping through the opposition as Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State prepare to officially defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next week.
The anticipated move, confirmed by multiple sources within both parties, is expected to take place on Tuesday, October 14.
Governor Mbah’s planned defection follows approval from key PDP stakeholders in Enugu who, according to insiders, have already agreed to move with him. The APC National Working Committee has reportedly dissolved the Enugu State executive and set up a caretaker committee to accommodate the incoming structure. “The deal has been sealed. The governor will land in APC, but I can’t confirm the exact date,” one of Mbah’s aides told Vanguard.
APC caretaker chairman in Enugu, Dr. Ben Nwoye, confirmed the development, stating that Mbah would be joining the ruling party alongside his entire political team. “Political evangelism has started. We went to the governor, and he has agreed to move with us into APC. He is coming with the whole structure of Enugu PDP,” Nwoye said. The defection, analysts say, could completely dismantle the PDP’s dominance in Enugu politics.
In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri is also finalizing his exit from the PDP despite opposition from several party heavyweights, including his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson. Vanguard reports that Diri’s decision followed extensive consultations with political elders and former President Goodluck Jonathan. However, key lawmakers such as Senators Benson Agadaga and Fred Agbedi are said to be unwilling to join him in the move.
Sources disclosed that internal wrangling within the PDP and the increasing influence of the APC in the South-South region played a major role in Diri’s decision. “There is no going back on the governor crossing to the APC. We have passed the stage of consultation,” a Bayelsa legislator said. Meanwhile, Diri’s spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, claimed he was not aware of any defection plans.
Both defections are being seen as part of a broader political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. APC insiders revealed that a grand reception is being planned to welcome the two governors, describing it as “one of the most significant political moves in the South-East and South-South since 1999.”