Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for “visionary partnership” and “transformative leadership” as key motivations behind his move.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Enugu, the governor announced that his decision followed months of deep reflection and consultation with political stakeholders across the state.
“Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive. I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose — a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow”, Mbah declared.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State received in the APC
The defection event, attended by his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, and political appointees, marked a sweeping realignment in Enugu’s political landscape.
Mbah said the decision was collectively taken by the “political family” in the state, claiming that over 80 percent of PDP executives had joined him in the move to the APC.
“This is no whimsical decision. It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State. The voice of Enugu people, and indeed the South-East, will now be heard more strongly in Abuja”, he added.
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for the platform that brought him to office, Mbah lamented what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East within the party.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating victory. But despite our region’s loyalty, our voices were too often disregarded,” he said.
Governor Mbah expressed optimism that his alignment with the ruling APC would usher in “a new era of collaboration, progress, and development” for Enugu State and the entire South-East.
“With the APC, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for our people and ensure that Enugu takes its rightful place in Nigeria’s growth story,” he affirmed.
