- Governor Seyi Makinde addresses the challenges rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s departure leaves PDP with only two governors – Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State
- The Oyo State governor, however, expresses optimism for the future of the PDP despite current political turbulence
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja – Governor Seyi Makinde has described the massive defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a challenging moment for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
Makinde said the PDP is going through a difficult period following the defection of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Source: Facebook
Legit.ng earlier reported that Zamfara state governor and his loyalists defected from the PDP to the ruling APC on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Governor Lawal’s defection to the APC leaves the PDP with Governor Makinde and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, as the only governors elected in the party
Makinde said the current political climate in Nigeria is unusual after discussing with political actors and observers
As reported by TheCable, Makidne stated this while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, during the expanded meeting of the PDP board of trustees (BoT)
“I have been talking to people of knowledge, people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country, and none of them have seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today.
“I can only say we are only two remaining, but we are not bothered.”
Makinde urged PDP leaders to remain conscious of how history would judge their actions during the period.
The governor expressed optimism that the situation would improve, saying difficult times do not last.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh.”
Source: Twitter
Why Zamfara governor dumped PDP for APC
Recall that Governor Dauda Lawal joined the ruling APC to address the PDP’s internal crisis and enhance Zamfara state unity.
Acting Governor Mummuni announced the decision after extensive consultations with key stakeholders in Zamfara
Mummuni said the stakeholders supported the decision to join APC to strengthen the state’s progressive movement and development agenda.
Read more stories on defection and PDP crisis:
Another Senator Dumps PDP For APC
Legit.ng also reported that Senator Ipalibo Banigo defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Banigo said her defection is in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and Governor Sim Fubara’s leadership
The Rivers West senator said her defection follows internal PDP disputes and aims to ensure political cohesion.
Source: Legit.ng
