In a dramatic political realignment, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, declaring that his decision was driven by a desire to align with a “visionary leadership” and to advance the development goals of Enugu State.
Flanked by his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and several state and federal lawmakers, Mbah described the move as a strategic and collective decision made in the best interest of the people of Enugu.
“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.
“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose — a man with the courage to make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”
According to the governor, the decision was not taken lightly but was made after “extensive consultation and reflection” to ensure that the state’s interests align with a broader national development agenda.
He emphasised that the defection represents a new dawn for Enugu and the South-East, assuring residents that the region’s voice will now be “heard louder in Abuja.”
“This is no whimsical decision. It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — comprising members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives,” he noted.
Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him the platform that brought him to office but lamented that the South-East’s loyalty to the party was often met with neglect.
“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,” he said.
He further stated that his defection marks the beginning of a transformative partnership between Enugu and the federal government, promising renewed growth, inclusivity, and progress for the state.
“With this new alignment, we are confident that Enugu will experience a new era of accelerated development and stronger collaboration with the centre,” Mbah added.
The governor’s defection marks one of the most significant political shifts in the South-East in recent times, potentially reshaping the region’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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