The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faced another wave of high-profile defections in 2025, with several governors abandoning the party for other political parties like the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
These defections are a result of the growing internal crisis within the PDP, which has struggled with leadership disputes and party cohesion. The party postponed its 103rd National Executive Committee meeting in October 2025, a move widely seen as linked to these political shifts.
Despite this, PDP leaders maintain that the defections will not impact their strategies for the 2027 general elections, however these moves reflect the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. 
Here’s a look at the governors who have switched allegiance this year:
1. Ademola Adeleke – Osun State
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, announced Accord Party as his new political platform, revealing that he had officially joined the party on November 6, 2025.
Accord Party is holding its governorship primary in Osun State on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and Adeleke is expected to participate, with strong indications that he may emerge as the party’s candidate for the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Earlier, the Accord Party leadership in Osun had promised to grant him a waiver to contest the governorship ticket upon joining the party.
Confirming his participation in the primary, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said:
“The governor joined Accord Party on November 6, 2025. He will participate in the party’s primary. He has fulfilled all conditions and complied with all requirements.”
2. Peter Mbah – Enugu State
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also officially left the PDP and joined the APC in October 2025. Announcing his defection at a press conference in Enugu, Mbah cited his commitment to the state’s development and alignment with APC’s vision for progress.
Mbah, who was joined by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, state and federal lawmakers, emphasized that the decision was made after careful reflection. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a partner in purpose” and expressed confidence that his move would amplify the voice of the South-East in Abuja.
3. Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno joined the APC in early June 2025 after months of consultations. Eno expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support during his tenure but stated that aligning with the federal government would ensure stability and developmental progress for Akwa Ibom.
He cited his admiration for President Tinubu and the need to support Senate President Godswill Akpabio as key reasons for the switch. The defection triggered political realignments within the state, with several cabinet members following him into the APC.
4. Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State
In April 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, defected from the PDP to the APC. The move was announced in Asaba by Senator James Manager after an extended meeting at the Government House.
The decision was collectively supported by the state’s PDP leadership, including the Speaker, party chairman, and local government chairmen. The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Aniagwu Charles, confirmed that the defection aimed to promote development, security, and welfare in the state, describing the PDP as a “sinking boat” that necessitated change.
5. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri joined the APC in 2025 after months of quiet political consultations and growing tensions within the PDP. Diri stated that the defection was driven by the need to secure stronger federal alignment for Bayelsa’s development priorities, particularly in areas of infrastructure, security, and environmental protection.
He emphasized that moving to the APC would give the state a more influential voice at the national level, ensuring Bayelsa is not left behind in the country’s evolving political and economic landscape.
His defection reshaped political dynamics in the Niger Delta, prompting several local leaders and lawmakers to follow his lead into the ruling party.
For the APC, these influx of high-profile defectors strengthens its political dominance and broadens its influence across key states.
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