By Charles Pemu 
The South-South, once the bedrock of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now slipping fast into the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Once dominant in all six states, the PDP has lost control of four with Rivers teetering and Bayelsa under intense pressure.
Delta: Oborevwori’s Shock Switch
Delta’s PDP governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, stunned many in April by defecting to the APC, a move allegedly orchestrated with backing from ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. This ended PDP’s 25-year control. With party structure now in flux, former Governor James Ibori, though yet to publicly defect, is a known Tinubu ally. APC leaders across Delta have since rallied behind Oborevwori, further weakening PDP’s base.
Akwa Ibom: Eno Follows Akpabio’s Lead
Governor Umo Eno crossed to the APC in June, reportedly guided by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. His defection came despite being installed by his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, who remains silent amid growing resentment. The APC, previously disjointed in the state, has since found new life under the Eno-Akpabio alliance. The test of loyalty and fallout will come in the 2027 elections.
Rivers: Fubara Caves In
After months of intense power struggle with his political godfather Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to officially defect to the APC upon reinstatement from suspension. His return is being brokered by President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly extracted a promise from Fubara not to seek re-election or make local government appointments. APC’s control of Rivers now seems inevitable.
Bayelsa: Diri on the Edge
Governor Douye Diri is the last PDP governor standing in the South-South. Amid rumors of an imminent defection, Diri insists he remains loyal to the PDP, though he has praised Tinubu’s interventions in Bayelsa, especially the Nembe-Brass road project. Analysts believe mounting pressure may force a shift, despite resistance from figures like Senator Seriake Dickson and PDP legislators. An alleged endorsement by the majority of Bayelsa’s Assembly members is yet to be confirmed.
Edo: Obaseki’s Gamble Backfires
Governor Godwin Obaseki, after defecting from APC to PDP in 2020, failed to unite PDP factions or appease the old political guard. His imposition of Asue Ighodalo as 2024 governorship candidate caused mass defections. Despite early APC disarray, Senator Monday Okpebholo secured victory, returning Edo to the APC fold. Many blame Obaseki for alienating the party’s core base.
Cross River: APC’s Beachhead
Cross River’s fall began in 2021 when Governor Ben Ayade defected to the APC and ensured Senator Bassey Otu succeeded him in 2023. Despite lingering resentment from PDP stalwarts Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, APC remains firmly in control.
Bottom Line: APC – 4, PDP – 1, Rivers in Limbo
As of now, the APC controls Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. Rivers is in transition. Bayelsa may soon follow if pressure continues to mount. What was once a PDP fortress is now a battleground won by presidential influence, internal PDP disarray, and tactical defections.