At least three governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly finalizing plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These governors include Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. While Enugu's Governor Mbah is expected to formally join the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2024, the moves by governors Kefas and Diri are still in the consultation phase.

The anticipated defections are primarily attributed to the PDP's prolonged leadership crisis, which has already led to several key figures joining either the APC or the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This development comes weeks before the PDP's National Convention on November 15, an event where all three governors are integral members of the planning committee. Earlier instances of defection include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who also left the PDP for the APC citing similar leadership issues. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC national chairman, had previously hinted that more opposition governors would follow suit.

Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP's national publicity secretary, acknowledged that some governors were on the verge of leaving but asserted that their exit would not disrupt the upcoming national convention. He also accused the APC of orchestrating these defections through intimidation, coercion, and blackmail in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah's defection is reportedly imminent, with hints emerging during the inauguration of a seven-man caretaker committee for the APC in Enugu. This committee, led by Dr. Ben Nwoye, was established in anticipation of Mbah's official entry, as the APC aims to gain total control of the South East geopolitical zone. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda emphasized strengthening the party's influence in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mbah's reasons for leaving the PDP reportedly include the party's failure to ratify Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the South East's choice for a party position and the incessant internal crises. A source close to Mbah indicated that he would be joined by numerous local and national assembly members, along with the entire state executive council, signifying a major shift for the APC in Enugu and the South East.

In Taraba State, the APC chairman, Barr. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, confirmed that the party is prepared to welcome Governor Agbu Kefas once his consultations are complete. El-Sudi noted that Kefas had established a committee to gauge his acceptability across the 16 local government areas before making a formal move. Despite official denials from the Taraba State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Ahmed, who dismissed the story as