By Sandra UKandu, Enugu.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Tuesday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring the move as a strategic and collective decision by the people of Enugu to align with the political centre and end years of marginalisation.
Speaking at a rally held at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, Governor Mbah described the defection as a turning point for the state and the broader South East region.
“Today marks a new beginning — the end of years of being on the sidelines,” Mbah said.
“This is the day we chose to take our destiny in our hands and chart a new political course for Enugu State and the entire South East. We are now renewed in progress and committed to moving forward," the governor further stated.
He emphasized that the move to the APC was not a personal decision, but one rooted in the aspirations of the people of Enugu to benefit more directly from federal initiatives and national political inclusion.
Mbah further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development through closer collaboration with the Federal Government, stating that Enugu is now positioned to enjoy the full benefits of national infrastructure and economic programmes.
“We are joining hands with the centre not out of convenience but conviction — conviction that this is the path to sustainable development, inclusion, and prosperity for our people," he hinted.
The high-profile defection was attended by several key figures of the APC, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi. Also present were former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Rochas Okorocha, among other party stalwarts.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima hailed Governor Mbah’s decision as a “significant political realignment” that marks the end of what he described as the long-standing marginalisation of the South East in national politics.
“The Igbo are the Jews of Nigeria, a resilient and resourceful people,” Shettima said.
“Sadly, one of the most vibrant parts of this nation has been on the margins of national politics. But with the coming of Governors Mbah, Uzodinma, and Nwifuru, Ndigbo have now returned to the mainstream.”
Shettima announced that Mbah would assume the role of APC leader in Enugu State, expressing confidence that the governor’s alignment with the ruling party would translate into tangible developmental gains for the state.
Until his defection, Governor Mbah had been elected under the PDP platform and served just over a year in office.
His switch to the APC is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political dynamics of Enugu State and the South East region at large.
