JUST IN : Seven sitting Govs who defected from PDP to APC

In a significant political development, seven sitting governors have transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a notable shift in Nigeria's political landscape. This trend underscores the dynamic nature of political affiliations and the strategic decisions leaders make in response to evolving political climates.

1. Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State

On April 23, 2025, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State officially announced his defection from the PDP to the APC. This move was confirmed after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba, where senior APC officials welcomed him into the party. Oborevwori's decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta's long-term development . 

2. Dave Umahi – Ebonyi State

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State made headlines in November 2020 when he left the PDP for the APC during his second term. He cited the marginalization of the Southeast by the PDP and expressed confidence in the APC's commitment to infrastructure development under President Buhari's administration.

3. Ben Ayade – Cross River State

In May 2021, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State defected to the APC. He stated that his decision was driven by a desire to align with the federal government to attract more development projects to Cross River State.

4. Bello Matawalle – Zamfara State

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State joined the APC in June 2021. His defection followed political turbulence in Zamfara and was seen as a strategic alliance to maintain stability and control within the state.

5. Aminu Tambuwal – Sokoto State

Governor Aminu Tambuwal's political journey has seen multiple shifts. He initially moved from the PDP to the APC ahead of the 2015 elections, returned to the PDP in 2018, and was later linked with a fresh move back to the APC while still in office, reflecting his dynamic political positioning.

6. Aliyu Wamakko – Sokoto State

Aliyu Wamakko, during his tenure as Governor of Sokoto State, joined the APC in 2014. He was among the early defectors whose moves helped shape the APC’s victory in the 2015 general elections.

7. Abdulfatah Ahmed – Kwara State

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, who served from 2011 to 2019, defected to the APC in 2014 alongside Bukola Saraki during the famous “political tsunami” in Kwara. Though he returned to the PDP later, the defection during his tenure was pivotal in altering the state's political dynamics.

These defections highlight the fluid nature of political affiliations in Nigeria and the strategic decisions leaders make in response to shifting political landscapes. As the nation approaches future elections, such movements are likely to continue influencing the political narrative.