Nigeria’s political scene is heating up again. Three opposition governors — including Enugu’s Peter Mbah and Bayelsa’s Duoye Diri — are reportedly planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next Saturday, unless something changes last minute.
The name of the third governor hasn’t been revealed yet, but sources say the move could shake up Nigerian politics in a big way.
Enugu Governor’s Big Move
Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to switch parties has already caused major tension in Enugu. Many believe that once he joins the APC, the PDP’s long rule in the state — which started back in 1999 — could finally come to an end.
In preparation, the APC’s national leaders have dissolved their Enugu State chapter and set up a caretaker team to welcome Mbah and his supporters.
At an event in Abuja, APC leader Ben Nwoye announced that Mbah will officially defect on Tuesday, October 14, with all 260 ward councillors, 24 state lawmakers, and even members of the National Assembly joining him.
“He’s not coming alone — he’s bringing the whole Enugu PDP with him,” Nwoye said.
Why Mbah Is Leaving the PDP
According to one of Mbah’s aides, there are three main reasons behind the move:
- The PDP has ignored the South-East for too long.
- The party refused to approve Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.
- The PDP is stuck in endless internal crises.
The aide said Mbah feels the South-East has been “trampled on” despite staying loyal to the PDP for over two decades.
Bayelsa Governor Diri to Follow
In Bayelsa, Governor Duoye Diri is also preparing to join the APC. He’s been considering it for months but delayed due to fights within the Bayelsa APC, especially between supporters of former Governor Timipre Sylva.
Sources say Diri has already discussed his plans with former President Goodluck Jonathan and top Bayelsa elders, and most members of the state House of Assembly are ready to go with him.
However, not everyone agrees — several National Assembly members, including Senator Seriake Dickson, have said they’ll stay in the PDP.
“There’s no going back. The governor has made up his mind,” a Bayelsa lawmaker said.
Diri’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, said he hasn’t been officially informed about the plan.
APC Prepares a Grand Welcome
The APC is planning a huge ceremony to welcome the defecting governors — just like when the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom joined recently.
“The party leadership will give them a grand reception,” an APC insider confirmed.
What It Means for Nigeria’s Politics
If the defections go ahead, it will be one of the biggest political shifts in years. Analysts believe it could weaken the PDP’s control in the South-East and South-South and give the APC a stronger base ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, all eyes are on next week — when the ruling party could gain two powerful governors and possibly change Nigeria’s political balance.
