Makinde, Mohammed Plan to Leave PDP Amid Crisis

Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, and Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, are reportedly set to leave the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in April 2026 due to escalating internal conflicts within the party. Sources indicate that Makinde is finalizing arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Mohammed is preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This potential exodus follows a trend of defections from the PDP, which has seen at least nine governors leave the party since the last general election. Notable defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC in April 2025 and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno in June 2025.

The ongoing leadership tussles and unresolved legal battles within the PDP are complicating preparations for the 2027 elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduling presidential and state assembly elections for January 16 and February 6, 2027, respectively.