In a major political development, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a dramatic shift in the state’s political landscape. The announcement, made on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, has stirred intense political discussions across the region and beyond.
Governor Mbah, who has been a prominent figure in the PDP and one of its key political assets in the Southeast, explained that his decision was motivated by a desire to serve the people of Enugu State more effectively and align his administration with the APC’s national vision for sustainable development, progress, and unity.
Speaking at the event, Mbah expressed optimism that joining the APC would open new doors for collaboration between Enugu State and the federal government, creating opportunities for infrastructure growth, job creation, and economic advancement. He emphasized that governance transcends political party lines and that the ultimate goal remains the well-being of the people.
According to the governor, “This decision was not made lightly. It comes after deep reflection and consultation with key stakeholders, supporters, and leaders who share our vision for a more prosperous Enugu. Leadership often requires difficult, sometimes painful decisions, and this is one of them — taken in the best interest of our state and our people.”
He further stated, “To the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided the platform through which we campaigned and won the governorship, I express my heartfelt gratitude. The PDP stood by us during challenging times, and for that, I remain thankful. However, leadership demands courage and the willingness to make choices that can shape the destiny of our people.”
Mbah’s defection marks a significant realignment in Enugu politics, a state long regarded as a stronghold of the PDP. His move to the APC could strengthen the party’s presence in the Southeast, where it has struggled to gain substantial footing in past elections. Political analysts believe that Mbah’s switch might inspire other key figures in the region to follow suit, potentially altering the balance of power in upcoming political contests.
The governor highlighted that his administration’s development agenda — anchored on industrialization, innovation, and inclusive governance — aligns closely with the APC’s national policy direction under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that this alignment would help facilitate better access to federal support for key projects, from road rehabilitation to education and health reforms.
While many of his supporters have expressed confidence in his leadership and decision, some within the PDP have described his exit as a blow to the party’s unity in the state. Nevertheless, Mbah reiterated his commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with members of his former party, stating that politics should not divide people but rather unite them in service of the public good.
Governor Mbah’s defection comes amid growing political movements across Nigeria, as leaders reposition themselves ahead of future elections and realign with parties that best reflect their evolving policy visions. His entry into the APC is widely seen as a strategic move that could bring both political and developmental dividends to Enugu State.
As Enugu enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on how Governor Mbah navigates the transition and leverages his new political platform to deliver on his promises of transformative governance, economic growth, and inclusive progress for all residents of the state.
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