The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing another wave of defections as two serving governors are reportedly preparing to leave the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is reportedly set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is planning a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The defections come amid ongoing internal disagreements and leadership crises within the PDP, which have prompted several top members to seek alternative political platforms. Since the 2023 general elections, multiple PDP governors, including Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, Bayelsa’s Douye Diri, and Rivers’ Siminalayi Fubara, have left the party, with most aligning with the APC.
In recent months, governors from Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun, and Zamfara States have also indicated plans to exit the PDP, either joining the APC or other parties. The wave of defections extends beyond governors, with numerous National Assembly members also switching allegiances.
Many politicians are reportedly racing to formalize their party changes before April 2026, ahead of party primary elections scheduled between April 23 and May 30, and in compliance with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadlines for submitting updated membership registers. Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
The exodus highlights a continuing challenge for the PDP as it approaches the next general elections, with its internal crisis showing little sign of abating.
