Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are reportedly planning to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before April.
According to reports, the PDP has been facing a turbulent period as several key members continue to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Since the 2023 general elections, at least nine PDP governors, 19 senators, and 47 members of the House of Representatives have reportedly left the party, citing unresolved internal conflicts.
A source familiar with developments in the party disclosed that Bala Mohammed is likely heading to the APC, while Makinde is said to have finalized plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The source stated, “Many PDP leaders are leaving. Bala Mohammed is already moving to the APC, while Makinde is preparing to join the ADC.”
INEC Timeline Mounts Pressure On Politicians
Many politicians considering switching parties are reportedly rushing to finalize their decisions ahead of April, following the newly released election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In the revised schedule, INEC fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Party primary elections, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Political parties are also expected to submit their membership registers to INEC between April 1 and April 21, 2026, in accordance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The law requires parties to submit their registers “not later than 21 days before the conduct of party primaries.”
In addition, parties must complete their primaries by May 30, 2026, to allow them “democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026,” INEC stated.