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DEFECTIONS: LIST AND ANALYSIS OF STATES STILL IN PDP
In Nigeria’s ever-shifting political landscape, party loyalty is rarely permanent. The recent wave of defections and political realignments has left many wondering: where does the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) still hold power?
Following high-profile moves by key politicians and changing tides at the federal level, the PDP — once Nigeria’s ruling party — now governs 10 out of the 36 states. While this represents a decline from its dominance in the early 2000s, the party still maintains a foothold in several strategic regions, including the South-West, South-South, North-East, and Middle Belt.
Here’s a breakdown of the states where PDP still holds the governorship as of June 8, 2025
1. Oyo State
Governor: Seyi Makinde
Region: South-West
Tenure: Second term (2019–2027)
Seyi Makinde remains one of PDP’s most prominent faces in the South-West. Known for his pragmatic approach to governance, Makinde has positioned Oyo as a PDP bastion even amid APC dominance in the region.
2. Adamawa State
Governor: Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri
Region: North-East
Tenure: Second term (2019–2027)
Governor Fintiri has kept Adamawa steady under PDP control, especially notable after narrowly defeating his APC challenger in 2023.
3. Bauchi State
Governor: Bala Mohammed
Region: North-East
Tenure: Second term (2019–2027)
A vocal figure in PDP’s national strategy, Bala Mohammed continues to play a key role in both state and party leadership.
4. Bayelsa State
Governor: Douye Diri
Region: South-South
Tenure: First term (2020–2024)
With elections approaching in late 2024, Bayelsa will be the first PDP-governed state to test its staying power in the next cycle.
5. Enugu State
Governor: Peter Mbah
Region: South-East
Tenure: First term (2023–2027)
Peter Mbah’s technocratic style has brought a new tone to governance in Enugu, ensuring continued PDP dominance in the South-East.
6. Osun State
Governor: Ademola Adeleke
Region: South-West
Tenure: First term (2022–2026)
After reclaiming the state for PDP in 2022, Adeleke remains a key political figure, especially among younger and urban voters.
7. Plateau State
Governor: Caleb Mutfwang
Region: North-Central
Tenure: First term (2023–2027)
Plateau is a swing state, and Mutfwang’s win was significant. His administration’s handling of security and unity is under close observation.
8. Rivers State
Governor: Siminalayi Fubara
Region: South-South
Tenure: First term (2023–2027)
Despite intra-party tensions, Fubara remains at the helm, holding one of PDP’s most influential and resource-rich states.
9. Taraba State
Governor: Agbu Kefas
Region: North-East
Tenure: First term (2023–2027)
Kefas’s leadership continues the PDP tradition in Taraba, focusing on education, youth inclusion, and rural development.
10. Zamfara State
Governor: Dauda Lawal
Region: North-West
Tenure: First term (2023–2027)
Zamfara is PDP’s only hold in the North-West, a region otherwise dominated by APC. Dauda Lawal’s win was one of the party’s biggest surprises in 2023.
What This Means for PDP
The PDP now governs 10 states, representing just under 30% of Nigeria’s 36 states. While the party has lost its majority control at both the state and federal levels, it continues to command significant influence through strategic states such as Oyo, Rivers, and Bauchi.
Key Observations
Geopolitical Spread: PDP still holds ground across Nigeria’s regions — a signal that it retains national relevance.
Upcoming Elections to Watch
Bayelsa (2024) – first major test of PDP’s electoral strength post-2023.
Osun (2026) – will Adeleke’s populism hold up?
Others (2027) – most PDP governors will face term limits or reelection.
Future Outlook
The 2027 general elections could either revive PDP’s prospects or further marginalize it, depending on how well it consolidates its strongholds and adapts to emerging political trends. The party must also navigate internal conflicts, particularly in states like Rivers and Plateau
