Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced Tuesday his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, bringing along a broad coalition of state officials in a move he described as essential for amplifying the region’s voice in national affairs.
The governor, flanked by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other lawmakers, revealed the switch at a press conference in the southeastern state’s capital, framing it as a collective decision by Enugu’s political leadership.
“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,” Mbah said, emphasizing the need for bold changes to foster development.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow,” highlighting the APC’s alignment with his goals for progress.
Mbah noted that the defection includes members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, the executive council, all local government chairmen, councilors, political appointees, and over 80 percent of party executives — effectively shifting the bulk of Enugu’s PDP structure to the APC.
“The voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East people would now be heard in Abuja,” he added, citing past frustrations where the region’s concerns were “too often disregarded” within the PDP despite its loyalty.
The governor expressed gratitude to his former party, saying: “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 the victory.”
He stressed that the decision was not impulsive but the result of extended deliberation, expressing optimism that the partnership with the APC would usher in “a new era of development and progress” for Enugu and the nation.
The move comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria’s southeast, a region historically supportive of the PDP, as parties jockey for influence ahead of future elections.
