The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing one of its worst political crises in recent history, as defections, internal divisions, and leadership failures continue to erode its once-formidable influence in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.
The latest blow came with the defection of Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, who formally dumped the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mbah announced his decision in a state-wide broadcast, citing the need to align Enugu with the federal government for greater developmental benefits.
“There comes always a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah declared.
Bayelsa Governor Next to Join APC
DAILY POST reports that Mbah’s defection is expected to be followed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, whose move to the APC is said to have been finalized. Diri, once regarded as one of the PDP’s last loyal strongmen in the oil-rich region, is expected to officially cross over soon.
Before now, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had defected to the APC with their cabinets and aides earlier in the year.
Once impregnable bastions of PDP dominance for nearly two decades, the South-East and South-South regions now appear firmly in the grip of the APC. Political observers say President Bola Tinubu has successfully dismantled the PDP’s traditional southern strongholds, significantly bolstering his 2027 re-election prospects.
“Abia, Anambra Next to Fall” – Udeh-Okoye
Former PDP National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, hinted that more defections are imminent.
“Just wait and see; very soon, another state will fall in the South-East to the APC,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today, though he declined to reveal which state.
“I Never Saw It Coming” – Bode George
Reacting to Mbah’s defection, PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, expressed shock.
“I never saw it at any time. When Anyanwu was brought back as secretary to complete his assignment, he asked his people not to attend meetings. We were wondering what was going on in the South-East. Whatever position the East wanted to give him would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?” he said.
“Mbah Rented Crowd” – Ray Nnaji
Former PDP National Auditor, Ray Nnaji, dismissed Mbah’s move as a “grave political mistake.”
“The governor succeeded in renting a crowd. The people that came there were hired. He is not on the ground; he is more interested in the elites and his financial base than in the common people,” Nnaji claimed in an interview with DAILY POST.
He also blamed the PDP’s national leadership for allowing the crisis to escalate, accusing the chairman of failing to act decisively.
“The problem PDP has is poor leadership. If the chairman had lived up to expectations, he wouldn’t have allowed these defections,” he said.
Nnaji added that Mbah allegedly left loyalists behind to control the PDP structure in Enugu while aligning with the APC — a plan he said would fail.
Analyst: PDP Has Become a “Sinking Ship”
A Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Dr. Nduka Odo, described the PDP as “a sinking ship,” saying many politicians are defecting to save their political careers.
“PDP has long become a sinking ship. Survival is primary. Nobody would want to drown along with a sinking ship,” Odo stated.
He noted that while Mbah’s defection would strengthen the APC, it might not necessarily improve his political standing in Enugu.
“Another great question is, would joining APC better the voting lots of Enugu Governor Peter Mbah? This question is relevant because APC performed badly in all 2023 elections in Enugu. Why not join the parties that performed well, like LP?” he asked.
With the PDP’s southern flank now weakened and key governors switching allegiance, analysts say Tinubu’s APC is well-positioned to dominate upcoming elections — unless the PDP urgently resolves its leadership turmoil and reconnects with the grassroots.
