In a move that could dramatically reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, three governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are finalizing plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as early as next Tuesday, October 14, 2024, we can authoritatively report.
The defecting governors are Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State. The identity of the third governor remains undisclosed.
The planned defections, described by insiders as the most consequential political realignment in the South-East since 1999, signal a potential collapse of the PDP’s influence in its former strongholds.
Enugu: A Total Exodus
In Enugu, the defection appears to be a coordinated takeover of the state’s entire political structure. In readiness for the move, the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) has dissolved the party’s State Working Committee in Enugu and appointed a caretaker committee.
The APC Caretaker Chairman in Enugu, Dr. Ben Nwoye, declared in Abuja that Governor Mbah will defect alongside the entire PDP structure in the state.
“Political evangelism has started. We went to the governor, and he has agreed to move with us into APC,” Nwoye announced. “He is not coming alone; he is coming with the whole structure of Enugu PDP—all 260 ward councillors, 24 members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly members, and the entire PDP State Executive Committee.”
A top aide to Governor Mbah confirmed the development, stating, “The governor will land in APC, but I don’t know whether or not it will be on Tuesday.”
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, charged the new caretaker committee to consolidate the defection into a lasting political conquest, stating, “Our goal is simple; to expand, to win and to deliver overwhelming victory in 2027.”
Bayelsa: Defection Amidst Opposition
In Bayelsa, Governor Diri’s planned defection, while in advanced stages, is facing internal resistance. Sources revealed that Diri has consulted with former President Goodluck Jonathan and state elders and has the backing of a majority of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
However, his move is being opposed by several National Assembly members, including his immediate predecessor and former backer, Senator Seriake Dickson. They argue there is no compelling reason to join the APC.
Despite the opposition, a top Bayelsa legislator close to the governor asserted, “There is no going back on the governor crossing to the APC. We have passed the stage of consultation… The defection may be next week.”
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said he was unaware of any defection plans.
Why Mbah is Dumping the PDP
A top aide to Governor Mbah outlined three primary reasons for the defection:
1. Maltreatment of the South-East: The PDP’s failure to ratify the South-East’s chosen candidate, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the party’s National Secretary has created deep resentment. The zone had previously warned it would “reconsider our relationship with the PDP” if this was not addressed.
2. Endless Internal Crises: The perennial infighting within the PDP has disillusioned many members. Governor Mbah himself had stated that the South-East reserves the right to review its membership if the party fails to “put its house in order.”
3. National Relevance: Party leaders believe the move will reposition the South-East within Nigeria’s ruling coalition. APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, declared, “With Enugu in APC, the South-East has found its voice again.”
The ruling party is planning a grand reception for the defecting governors, similar to the events held for Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).