The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is fast losing its once-powerful political base as President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) consolidates control across the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.
Once regarded as impregnable PDP fortresses, the two regions are witnessing an unprecedented wave of defections, internal wrangling, and declining grassroots support — all working in favour of the ruling party.
Governor Peter Mbah Dumps PDP For APC
The latest high-profile defection came on Tuesday when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, officially dumped the PDP for the APC.
In a state-wide broadcast, Mbah said his decision was driven by the need to connect Enugu State to the central government for improved development.
“There comes always a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. Today, after long reflection, we have decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” he declared.
Reports also indicate that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has concluded plans to defect to the APC — another major blow to the PDP’s presence in the oil-rich South-South zone.
APC Expands Influence Across Southern Nigeria
Earlier in the year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also crossed over to the APC with their cabinets and aides, further strengthening the party’s presence in the region.
Political watchers believe these strategic moves have positioned the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, leaving the PDP fractured and vulnerable.
‘Abia, Anambra Next To Fall’ – Udeh-Okoye
Former PDP National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, predicted that more defections are imminent.
“Just wait and see; very soon, another state will fall in the South-East to the APC,” he said, adding that the APC’s rising influence in the region is “unstoppable.”
Bode George: ‘I Never Saw It Coming’
Reacting to Mbah’s exit, PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, expressed shock and disappointment, noting that the party had already resolved internal disputes and scheduled its convention.
“Whatever position the East wanted would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?” George lamented.
“Mbah Rented Crowd’ – Ray Nnaji
Former PDP National Auditor, Ray Nnaji, criticized the governor’s move as a political misstep, alleging that the massive crowd at his defection rally was rented.
“He’s not on ground politically. The people who came were hired,” Nnaji alleged, blaming the PDP’s national leadership for allowing the party to weaken through inaction.
He further claimed Mbah left loyalists behind to control the PDP’s structure in Enugu — a move he believes will fail.
‘PDP Is A Sinking Ship’?
Political analyst and communication scholar, Dr. Nduka Odo of Peaceland University, Enugu, described the PDP as a “sinking ship” whose members are jumping overboard to save their political futures.
“It’s now normal for politicians to join the ruling party. The PDP has become a sinking ship — and survival is key,” Odo said.
He questioned whether joining the APC would truly serve Enugu’s interests, noting that the ruling party performed poorly in the state during the 2023 elections.
HeadlineWave Analysis
With defections sweeping across the South-East and South-South, the APC appears poised for total dominance as the PDP’s strongholds crumble.
Unless a new opposition force emerges, Nigeria may be heading toward a one-party era before 2027
