Nigeria’s political space has continued to shift dramatically, as more governors originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to exit the party in favour of new political alignments.
The latest to jump ship is Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who on Tuesday confirmed his move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political direction.
Fubara, one of the last high-profile PDP governors, said he received “approval” to leave the party, stressing that his decision was based on protecting the interest of Rivers people rather than personal ambition.
After meeting President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, Fubara explained, “I do not want to make any mistake this time or step on landmines laid for us.”
According to him, the PDP no longer provides the protection he needs as governor.
“We have taken that decision today… we are moving to the APC,” Fubara declared.
His defection adds to the growing number of PDP governors who have exited the party since 2023, often citing the need to align with the Federal Government to secure developments for their states.
Which Governors Have Left the PDP — And Who Remains?
1. Enugu State – Peter Mbah
On October 14, Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection to the APC during a statewide broadcast.
He said the move was necessary to better connect Enugu State to the Federal Government.
Mbah defected alongside members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, council chairmen and other political leaders. The APC later hosted a grand reception in his honour.
2. Bayelsa State – Douye Diri
Bayelsa governor, Senator Douye Diri, brought months of rumours to an end when he formally resigned from the PDP at a State Executive meeting in November.
Diri said he left “for obvious reasons” after consulting stakeholders across the state.
He also revealed that 23 members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly would be defecting with him.
3. Delta State – Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori joined the APC on April 23.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, the decision was taken to further strengthen unity and accelerate development in Delta State because “all politics is local.”
4. Akwa Ibom State – Umo Eno
Governor Umo Eno dumped the PDP for the APC on June 6, 2025.
He said he left because he could no longer guarantee electoral victory for the PDP at the national level.
“We have worked very hard, but at the national level our party is not performing,” he said.
5. Osun State – Ademola Adeleke
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke resigned from the PDP on November 4, 2025, citing persistent leadership crises at the party’s national level.
He publicly confirmed his resignation on December 2 via social media.
A few days later, Adeleke officially joined the Accord Party, announcing his membership at the Osun Government House Banquet Hall in the presence of party leaders.
6. Plateau & Taraba – On the Brink
In Plateau State, some PDP members recently held a rally urging Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the APC.
Although he has not announced any move, rumours continue to swirl.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has already concluded arrangements to leave the PDP for APC
In November, he postponed his planned defection from the PDP to the APC following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
On Tuesday, the Taraba State Chairman of the APC, Ibrahim Tukur confirmed that Kefas will formally join the party in January 2026.
LIST OF PDP GOVERNORS STILL IN THE PARTY (as of December 2025)
Ahmadu Fintiri – Adamawa State (North-East)
Bala Mohammed – Bauchi State (North-East)
Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau State (North-Central)
Agbu Kefas – Taraba State (North-Central)
Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State (North-West)
Seyi Makinde – Oyo State (South-West)
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