The development has, however, ignited fears of a one-party state, with opposition leaders condemning the mass movement to the ruling party.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, dismissed the defections as acts of desperation by politicians seeking personal survival.

They declared that the “battle line is drawn,” vowing that Nigerians will “take their pound of flesh” at the polls by voting out President Tinubu APC for allegedly deepening the country’s hardship and decline.

According to reports, top APC officials, who are privy to the ongoing political manoeuvring, say that more governors from the South would soon declare for the ruling party.

Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State and his Bayelsa counterpart defected from the PDP to the APC alongside the members of the State Executive Council.

Diri’s resignation comes just days after the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed concern over the growing number of governors and senior party figures crossing to the APC.

Party insiders hinted that Governors Siminalayi Fubara and Alex Otti of Rivers and Abia States may soon switch to the APC.

Also, Governors Caleb Mutfwang  (Plateau) and Agbu Kefas of Taraba are reportedly warming up to join the Tinubu-led political camp ahead of 2027.

A senior party official disclosed that Otti, Fubara and Diri are set to defect to the APC, noting that several northern governors were equally preparing to join the ruling party.

He stated, “The APC is attracting them all. I am aware that discussions are ongoing with other PDP governors from the South. Soon, the governors of Abia, Rivers, and even Diri, who just resigned from the PDP, will join the APC.

“This development is not limited to the South, as some governors from the North, particularly the North Central and North East, are already finalising talks to join the ruling party.”

Another party insider explained that Kefas and  Muftwang are set to defect to the APC soon.

He stated, “They just want to reduce the influence of the PDP. We are aware they are discussing with the Taraba and Plateau State governors, so they will join others in the APC.”

Read Also: Kwankwaso Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to NNPP

Speaking in Abuja after inaugurating the party’s convention communication sub-committee, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed admitted that the defections had unsettled the party, though he said efforts were ongoing to keep it united ahead of the November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan.

He said, “If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”

Source: Punch