The Digest:
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces near-total collapse as Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde prepare to defect before April, according to DAILY POST sources. Mohammed is heading to the ruling APC, while Makinde has concluded plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Since the 2023 elections, nine PDP governors have left the party, citing irreconcilable crisis: Delta's Sheriff Oborevwori (APC, April 2025), Akwa Ibom's Umo Eno (APC, June 2025), Enugu's Peter Mbah (APC, Oct 2025), Bayelsa's Douye Diri (APC, Nov 2025), Rivers' Siminalayi Fubara (APC, Dec 2025), Plateau's Caleb Mutfwang (APC, Jan 2026), Taraba's Agbu Kefas (APC, Jan 2026), Adamawa's Ahmadu Fintiri (APC, Jan 2026), and Osun's Ademola Adeleke (Accord, Dec 2025). Zamfara's Dauda Lawal is also set to join APC after Eid. Additionally, 66 PDP federal lawmakers (19 senators, 47 reps) have defected to APC since June 2023. The defections come ahead of INEC's April 21 deadline for party register submission before primaries. PDP may boycott the 2027 presidential election due to unresolved leadership tussles, with factions awaiting Appeal Court rulings.
Key Points
- Nine PDP governors have defected, with two more (Mohammed, Makinde) imminent.
- 66 federal lawmakers have also left, gutting PDP's legislative presence.
- INEC's April 21 membership register deadline is driving defections.
- PDP's leadership crisis may lead to presidential election boycott.
- The party's collapse leaves APC and ADC as main opposition alternatives.
Sources: DAILY POST
