Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party b and his subsequent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress b, marking one of the most significant political developments in Nigeria’s South-East region in recent months.
The announcement, which came during a well-attended press conference held in Enugu on Tuesday, has sent ripples across the political landscape of the state. Governor Mbah, who described the decision as “deeply considered and borne out of long reflection,” stated that his move was motivated by the need to pursue broader developmental opportunities and strengthen partnerships with the federal government for the benefit of Enugu people.
Speaking to journalists, Mbah explained that his defection was not driven by personal ambition, but by a sense of duty and responsibility as a leader. He noted that the people of Enugu deserve accelerated growth, infrastructural transformation, and political inclusion at the national level—objectives he believes can be better achieved through alignment with the ruling party at the center.
Mbah expresses gratitude to PDP
Governor Mbah took a moment to express his appreciation to the Peoples Democratic Party for playing a key role in shaping his political journey and giving him the platform to emerge as governor. “To the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend my deepest gratitude,” he said.
He continued, “The PDP stood by us during a demanding campaign period, believed in our vision for Enugu State, and joined us in celebrating our victory at the polls. For this, I will remain forever grateful. However, leadership sometimes requires difficult, even painful decisions, especially when the future and progress of millions depend on them.”
Governor Mbah further emphasized that his choice to join the APC was made after careful deliberation and wide consultation with stakeholders across different sectors of Enugu State. He noted that aligning with the ruling party would enable his administration to access more federal resources, foster collaboration on infrastructure, and attract strategic investments that will fast-track development in key areas such as energy, transportation, and education.
“Leadership is not about comfort or convenience,” he declared. “It is about courage, vision, and the willingness to make tough decisions when they are in the best interest of the people you serve. After a long reflection, we have made the decision to join the All Progressives Congress. This step is not about politics—it is about progress, development, and ensuring that Enugu State occupies its rightful place in Nigeria’s future.”
Cabinet members also join APC
Governor Mbah’s defection did not come as an isolated event. Just 24 hours before his official announcement, several members of his cabinet—including key commissioners, advisers, and senior aides—publicly declared their intention to follow him into the APC. The collective move has been described by political observers as a “massive political realignment” in the South-East, one that could reshape power structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts believe that the defection could bolster the APC’s influence in Enugu, a state that has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. The shift also signals what many see as the beginning of a broader regional integration with the federal government, as other political figures in the zone reportedly consider similar moves.
Mbah, who was elected as governor under the PDP platform in 2023, reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Enugu with integrity, transparency, and renewed vigor. He expressed optimism that the partnership with the APC-led federal government would unlock new opportunities for the state in areas such as infrastructure development, security improvement, and youth empowerment.
“Our goal remains the same—to deliver quality governance and create prosperity for every Enugu citizen,” he said. “What has changed is our political platform, not our vision. I invite all well-meaning people of Enugu to join hands with us as we continue this journey of transformation.”
Governor Peter Mbah is expected to officially register as a member of the All Progressives Congress in the coming days, alongside his top aides and supporters, as preparations are underway for a grand reception by the APC leadership to formally welcome him into the party’s fold.