In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement, made on Tuesday at a packed press conference in Enugu, marks a dramatic shift in the state’s political alignment — one that could reshape power dynamics in the South-East.
Flanked by his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside state and federal lawmakers, local government chairmen, and top political appointees, Mbah declared that the decision was born of deep reflection and a burning desire to reposition Enugu for accelerated growth.
“Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC,” Mbah said, his tone resolute. “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.”
The governor expressed confidence that the APC platform would offer greater opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and development, adding that his defection was “not whimsical” but a collective decision by his political family.
“This move represents the voice of the Enugu people and, indeed, the South-East. It is a collective decision involving members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the Executive Council, all local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of our party executives,” Mbah declared.
It is a collective decision involving members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the Executive Council, all local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of our party executives,” Mbah declared.
While extending gratitude to the PDP for supporting his political rise, Mbah lamented that the South-East’s loyalty to the party had often gone unacknowledged.
“To the Peoples Democratic party, which gave us a platform to campaign and win, I extend my deepest gratitude. But despite our loyalty, our voices were too often disregarded,” he said.
Governor Mbah expressed optimism that aligning with the APC would usher in a new era of inclusion and progress for Enugu and the region at large.
“With this decision, the voice of Enugu, and that of the South East will now be heard clearly in Abuja,” he concluded.
Political observers describe Mbah’s defection as one of the most consequential in recent years, signaling what could be the beginning of a major political realignment in the South-East.
