PDP Loses Five Governors Within 12 Months

Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed major shifts in 2025 as five state governors resigned or defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The governors who left the opposition party include:
Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State,
Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State;
Peter Mbah – Enugu State;
Douye Diri – Bayelsa State;
Ademola Adeleke – Osun State

Their defections contributed to a sharp decline in the number of PDP-controlled states, weakening the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The departures are a reflection of ongoing internal crises, leadership disputes, and shifting alliances across Nigeria’s political blocs.

The exit of these governors further solidifies the growing strength of rival parties especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has continued to attract key political figures nationwide.

However, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

This comes with less than 24 hours to the PDP governorship primary election.

Adeleke’s decision was communicated in a letter which surfaced on Monday, but was dated November 4, 2025.

The governor cited the crisis in the party as the reason behind his decision.

It read: “Due to the current crisis of the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my Membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect.

“I thank the People’s Democratic Party for the opportunities given to me for my elections as a Senator (Represented Osun West) and as Governor of Osun State under the People’s Democratic Party.”

The PDP Chairman in Osun State, Mr Sunday Bisi, on Monday said the party would not hold the primary election on Tuesday as scheduled due to factional crisis within the party.

Bisi also revealed that Adeleke is no longer interested in picking the party’s nomination as a result of the crisis.