Political tension is rising in Enugu and Bayelsa States following reports that Governors Peter Mbah and Douye Diri are set to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to reports, both governors, who secured their mandates on the PDP platform, have finalized plans to cross over to the APC, with the move initially expected to take place on October 14.

In Enugu State, Governor Mbah’s anticipated defection has already sparked internal wrangling within the APC. Ahead of his arrival, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) last Thursday dissolved the State Working Committee (SWC) and installed a caretaker committee led by Ben Nwoye.

However, the dissolved SWC has rejected its removal, insisting it remains the legitimate leadership of the party in the state. This has thrown the APC into fresh disarray, with the Nwoye-led faction preparing to welcome Mbah even as the ousted executives continue to resist the changes.

In Bayelsa State, reports of Governor Diri’s planned defection have also divided political stakeholders.

While some of his allies support the move, saying alignment with the APC-led federal government could attract more development and federal attention to the state, others have criticized it as a self-serving political gamble, questioning its potential benefits given the PDP’s long-standing dominance in the state.

A source within the Bayelsa Government House confirmed that Governor Diri’s defection is certain, though the widely reported October 14 date might not be accurate.

The insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed:

“Yes, the governor is leaving the PDP, but I can’t confirm the October 14 date. He has told us of his decision to leave, and as his loyalists, we will follow him. He will make an official announcement soon.”

The looming defections, if confirmed, could further reshape the political landscape in both states ahead of the 2027 general elections.