PDP Meltdown: Three Governors Set to Join APC as Party Cracks Widen — Suswam Denies Defection Rumour

In what appears to be a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, at least three sitting governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are finalising arrangements to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), LEADERSHIP Weekend can authoritatively report.

The governors — Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State — are said to be in advanced stages of negotiation with the APC leadership, despite official denials and mounting internal resistance within the PDP.

While Governor Mbah is expected to formally announce his defection on Tuesday, both Kefas and Diri are reportedly still holding last-minute consultations with key stakeholders in their respective states.

Party insiders say the wave of defections stems from the PDP’s deepening leadership crisis and waning influence across the country — a situation that has seen several of its top figures defect either to the APC or the emerging opposition bloc, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The anticipated defections also come barely a month to the PDP’s much-awaited National Convention, slated for November 15, where the three governors serve as key members of the planning committee — a development political analysts describe as “a ticking bomb for the party’s unity.”

Months earlier, governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) had jumped ship to the APC, citing disillusionment with the PDP’s leadership and direction.

During those ceremonies in Uyo and Asaba, former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje had boasted that “more opposition governors” were already on the way — a prophecy now seemingly coming to pass.


Mbah Set to Join APC on Tuesday

Barring any last-minute change, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu will officially defect to the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, marking a historic political shift in the South East.

The move comes shortly after the APC National Working Committee dissolved the Enugu State party leadership and inaugurated a seven-man caretaker committee led by Dr. Ben Nwoye, in preparation for Mbah’s grand entry.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who inaugurated the new committee, said the restructuring was part of the party’s strategic expansion in the South East ahead of the 2027 elections.

> “We want to ensure overwhelming success for the Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC is now positioned to dominate the South East politically,” Yilwatda declared.

Nwoye, speaking afterward, described Mbah’s move as “a turning point for Enugu and the entire region.”

> “For a decade, Enugu has remained in opposition, but that ends on Tuesday. The governor is coming with all 260 councillors, 24 House of Assembly members, and members of the National Assembly,” he said confidently.

A close aide to Mbah revealed that his decision was driven by three key grievances:

1. The PDP’s refusal to ratify Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as South East National Secretary.


2. Endless internal crises weakening the party’s regional standing.


3. Disillusionment with the PDP’s handling of post-election matters and lack of inclusivity.


Mbah, during a previous visit by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, had warned that the PDP’s continued instability could force “a review” of his membership — a warning now materialising.

In Taraba, APC Chairman Barr. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi confirmed that the party was “fully prepared” to receive Governor Agbu Kefas, once consultations with his constituents conclude.

> “The governor has set up a committee consulting across the 16 local governments. If he decides to join us, we’ll receive him warmly. The APC is big enough for everyone,” El-Sudi told LEADERSHIP Weekend.

He dismissed critics opposing the governor’s planned switch, saying Taraba could not “afford to remain in opposition indefinitely.”

However, the Taraba PDP and government officials have downplayed the report.
PDP Chairman Abubakar Bawa claimed ignorance of the move, while the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Zainab Usman Ahmed, described it as “mere speculation.”

In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri is said to be weighing his options carefully amid mounting pressure from both sides.

Although his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, declined comment, the state’s PDP Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ebiye Ogoli, admitted that “something may be cooking,” though he stressed that “for now, everything remains rumour.”

Within APC circles, however, the story is different. State Organising Secretary Tokpo Coronation confirmed that the party was aware of Diri’s consultations and would welcome him “if he chooses unity over division.”

Yet, internal sources told LEADERSHIP Weekend that Diri’s defection plans have hit a major hurdle, as several federal lawmakers — including Senator Seriake Dickson and Hon. Fred Agbedi — have refused to follow him.

The duo reportedly disagreed with Diri over the Bayelsa West zoning formula, a long-standing arrangement rotating power between Sagbama and Ekeremor LGAs.
“The cold war between Diri and Dickson is real,” a senior PDP chieftain from Sagbama revealed. “It’s tearing the party apart.”

Suswam Breaks Silence: ‘I’m Not Joining APC’

Meanwhile, former Benue governor and senator, Gabriel Suswam, has strongly denied reports linking him to the APC.

In a statement issued in Makurdi by his media aide, Bede Bartholomew, Suswam described the rumours as “a lie from the deepest pit of hell.”

He said his presence at a recent state banquet was purely on invitation from Governor Hyacinth Alia and had “no political undertone whatsoever.”

> “The claim that I’m defecting is malicious and unfounded. It does not represent my interest or that of my supporters,” Suswam stated emphatically.

Political observers say the exodus of PDP governors, lawmakers, and chieftains underscores a party in free fall — one struggling to reinvent itself amid internal wars, dwindling morale, and aggressive poaching by the ruling APC.

With defections looming ahead of the November convention, the PDP leadership is scrambling to hold the centre.

National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba admitted the situation was “worrisome,” but insisted the party remained “focused and undeterred.”

> “Yes, some governors may leave, but the PDP train has already arrived in Ibadan for our elective convention. No amount of intimidation or blackmail will derail it,” he said defiantly.

For many analysts, however, the reality is clear: Nigeria’s oldest surviving opposition party is facing its toughest survival test yet — one that could reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027.