How PDP Lost Its Hold On South South

Once the strong base of the Peoples Democratic Party since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, the South South region is now slipping away from its grip.

What used to be a six-state fortress for the PDP has crumbled as the All Progressives Congress steadily gained ground.

The shift began gradually. Edo State was the first to break free when Adams Oshiomhole took office in 2008 under the APC. Though the PDP reclaimed the state with Godwin Obaseki’s return to the party in 2020, the gain didn’t last. Obaseki’s fallouts with key stakeholders and internal disagreements left the party vulnerable. In 2024, Edo fell back into APC control, reversing the short-lived PDP comeback.

Leadership struggles and defections have helped shape the new political map. Cross River State followed the trend when Governor Benedict Ayade switched sides in 2021. Despite opposition from some former PDP leaders, he successfully handed power to APC’s Bassey Otu in 2023. Delta State, once a PDP stronghold, made the next big move. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori crossed over to the APC in April 2025. Backed by his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and welcomed by powerful allies, he led the state’s political class into the ruling party, leaving the PDP disoriented.

Akwa Ibom joined the wave in June when Governor Umo Eno abandoned the PDP. Although his decision raised eyebrows, the move strengthened his political partnership with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The two now co-lead APC activities in the state. Eno’s defection also hints at political survival, as it could shield past leaders from scrutiny and reinforce control ahead of the 2027 elections.

In Rivers, the situation is more complex. The ongoing battle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, threw the state into crisis. President Bola Tinubu stepped in to mediate, suspending Fubara and appointing a retired military officer as interim administrator. Talks of reconciliation have emerged, and it’s widely believed that Fubara’s return will come with a shift to the APC. As part of the political settlement, he is not expected to seek re-election, nor participate in picking local council leaders. His switch may be the final piece to put Rivers firmly in APC’s column.

Bayelsa is the last PDP stronghold standing in the region. Governor Douye Diri has denied any plan to leave the party, despite growing pressure and recent visits from influential defectors like Oborevwori and Okowa. Though the APC in Bayelsa remains divided, some insiders say consultations are ongoing, and most of the House of Assembly is reportedly in support of a switch. Diri maintains that any move will reflect the wishes of his people and not just political calculations.

What stands out is that a combination of political deals, internal PDP struggles, and alliances with Tinubu’s presidency has turned the tide. The APC now firmly holds Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. Rivers is tilting in that direction. Bayelsa could follow next. For a party that once boasted complete control of the South South, the PDP is now scrambling to hold on to what little remains.