Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has become the latest Peoples Democratic Party governor to abandon the opposition party, formally announcing his move to the ruling All Progressives Congress. His defection follows months of speculation and continues a growing pattern of PDP governors crossing over to align with the Federal Government.
Fubara told political leaders at a meeting on Tuesday that the decision came after receiving “approval” to exit the PDP. He said he had consulted President Bola Tinubu the day before, describing the visit as one made strictly “for state interest consultation,” rather than personal gain. The governor added that his move was driven by what he called a lack of protection within the PDP.
His declaration places him among a widening list of PDP governors who have shifted allegiance since 2023, citing party instability, strategic alignment with the centre, or electoral concerns. The defections have dealt significant blows to the PDP’s national footprint and strategic influence.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was one of the earliest to switch sides, announcing his exit in October to “connect the state to the Federal Government.” Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri followed suit in November after “extensive consultations,” moving with 23 state lawmakers. Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori also defected, with his camp framing the move as necessary for unity and development.
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who left in June, argued that the PDP could no longer guarantee electoral success at the national level. Meanwhile, Osun State’s Governor Ademola Adeleke made a different political turn—resigning from the PDP and joining the Accord Party, blaming persistent party leadership conflicts for his departure.
On the Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is under pressure from grassroots supporters urging him to defect, though he has not confirmed any plans. In Taraba, Governor Agbu Kefas is preparing to formally join the APC in January 2026 after postponing his initial defection due to security concerns in the region.
With these shifts, the PDP is now left with six serving governors: Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed, Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang, Taraba’s Agbu Kefas (until January), Zamfara’s Dauda Lawal, and Oyo’s Seyi Makinde. The party’s shrinking circle of governors underscores its struggle to maintain cohesion as the 2027 political cycle draws nearer.
