Timeline of Three PDP Governors who Defected to APC in 2025, Shaking Nigeria’s Opposition

The political landscape of Nigeria witnessed a major realignment on Tuesday as Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Mbah’s move completes a trio of high-profile defections of sitting PDP governors this year, deepening the crisis within the opposition party.

Governor Mbah, who was elected under the PDP platform, announced his decision at a press conference in Enugu, stating that the defection was necessary to “better serve the people of the state” and align with the ruling party’s vision for national development. His predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and other state stakeholders were reported to have joined him in the move.

Mbah is the third sitting governor to abandon the PDP for the APC in 2025, following:

1. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State): In April 2025, Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (who was the PDP’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate), and the entire Delta State PDP structure formally defected to the APC. The move was described by APC leaders as a “political tsunami” and was largely premised on aligning the oil-rich state with the federal government.
2. Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State): Following the Delta shift, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State formally joined the APC in June 2025. His decision was primarily motivated by the need for the South-South state to partner with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to ensure “stability and continuous development” in the region.

The continuous exodus of state chief executives has sent the PDP into a fresh internal turmoil. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has already been forced to postpone its 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was scheduled for October 15, 2025, citing “recent developments” within the party.

While remaining PDP governors, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, downplayed the defections, arguing that Nigerians are more concerned about economic stability, the ruling APC has hailed the new entrants. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, commended Governor Mbah for his “courageous decision,” stating it would fast-track development and position Enugu as a key beneficiary of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ The collective defection of the three governors represents a significant blow to the PDP’s national spread and its preparations for the 2027 general elections.