Two more governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a sweeping political shake-up expected to happen next week.
The move, involving Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba, could mark one of the most significant defections in recent times.
Mbah, Diri, and Kefas to Dump PDP for APC
According to reliable sources within both parties, Governor Peter Mbah has already received the nod of PDP stakeholders in Enugu to defect, while Governor Douye Diri has reportedly finalized plans to cross over despite internal opposition in Bayelsa.
The third governor, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, is also said to be making quiet arrangements to join the APC following weeks of pressure from political allies and youth groups in his state.
In early October, youth organizations in Taraba publicly urged Governor Kefas to join the APC, saying the move would attract stronger federal support and accelerate development in the state.
Enugu PDP in Crisis as Mbah’s Defection Looms
Ahead of Mbah’s planned defection, the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) has dissolved the Enugu State Working Committee and appointed a caretaker team to oversee the transition.
Enugu APC caretaker chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, confirmed that the governor’s move is already a done deal. “The governor will land in APC, but I don’t know whether or not it will be on Tuesday,” he said.
Party insiders said that Mbah’s formal declaration is expected to take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and will include a mass defection of PDP lawmakers, council chairmen, and ward executives across the state.
Bayelsa Lawmakers Divided Over Diri’s Move
In Bayelsa, Diri’s defection has been brewing for months. Sources said he consulted former President Goodluck Jonathan and several elders before deciding to dump the PDP.
However, the move is facing strong resistance from Senator Seriake Dickson and other National Assembly members, who argue there is no strong reason for the shift. Despite this, Diri’s associates insist that “there is no going back on the governor crossing to the APC.”
Taraba’s Kefas Expected to Follow Soon
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba is also expected to make his defection official soon. His name was recently mentioned in a post by former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that “Kefas and another governor will join APC in a matter of days.”
Although the Taraba governor has not confirmed his next political move, APC insiders say talks have reached an advanced stage.
APC Prepares Grand Reception
The APC leadership is planning a major reception in Abuja for the defecting governors.
A party source revealed that the event will mirror similar ceremonies held when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno joined the ruling party earlier this year.
“Everything is set. The party leadership will give them a befitting welcome,” the source added.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, also urged members to open their doors to the incoming governors, saying, “APC is home for all. The goal is to expand, to win, and to deliver overwhelming victory in 2027.”
Why Mbah is Leaving PDP
An aide to Governor Mbah reportedly cited three key reasons for his defection: the PDP’s alleged neglect of the South-East, its refusal to ratify Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, and the party’s deepening internal crisis.
The aide said the decision reflects growing frustration over what many in the region describe as the PDP’s continued “trampling on South-East loyalty.”
End of an Era for PDP
The departures of Governors Mbah, Diri, and Kefas could spell the collapse of the PDP in their respective states and possibly trigger a ripple effect across the country.
In the other way round, it is believed that the ruling APC is quietly building its strongest base yet in preparation for the 2027 elections.
