ENUGU, Nigeria — Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political shift in the South-East region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The defection was confirmed on Tuesday during a state broadcast in Enugu, where Mbah said his decision followed “deep reflection” on the political and developmental direction of the state.

“I believe this move will better position Enugu for national growth and partnership,” the governor said. “Our people deserve progress that aligns with the country’s leadership, and this is the right step toward that goal.”

His announcement came shortly after all members of the Enugu State Executive Council also declared their move to the APC. Commissioners, advisers, and special assistants were seen in a viral video waving APC flags and pledging loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sources close to the government said the defection includes the 24 members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, 260 ward councillors, and all members of the State Executive Council.

Dr. Ben Nwoye, Chairman of the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, described the development as “historic,” saying it will strengthen the party’s presence in the South-East.

“This is not just a defection; it is a realignment of political forces,” Nwoye said. “Governor Mbah’s leadership experience and transformation agenda will add great value to APC and to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.”

The defection has already caused major shake-ups in Enugu politics. The PDP, which has controlled the state since 1999, is facing what analysts describe as a total collapse of its political structure.

Political commentator, Chief Ray Nnaji, said the move could trigger wider changes in the region. “This is the biggest political shift we have seen in the South-East in years. It will definitely affect future elections,” he said.

However, Nnaji also warned that Governor Mbah might face challenges integrating into the APC, where long-standing members could view him as a new entrant. “There will be internal struggles, but if managed well, it could unite the party further,” he added.

Party sources said preparations are underway for a grand ceremony to officially welcome Governor Mbah and his team into the ruling party. The event is expected to take place on October 14, 2025, in Enugu, with top APC leaders in attendance.

Supporters of the governor have described the move as strategic, saying it will attract more federal projects and cooperation from Abuja.

“This is a wise decision,” said a local councillor from Nsukka. “Our state needs to be part of the national leadership structure if we want faster development.”

For many residents, the defection is both surprising and symbolic. It highlights a growing trend of political realignments across Nigeria, as state leaders seek closer ties with the federal government ahead of future elections.

The Enugu governor’s switch to APC adds to a series of recent defections by key political figures in the South-East, raising speculation about the region’s changing political map.

With the governor, lawmakers, and local government officials now in APC, observers say the PDP’s influence in Enugu has weakened significantly.

Governor Mbah, a lawyer and businessman before entering politics, was elected in 2023 under the PDP. His move to APC marks a turning point in the state’s political history and may signal a broader realignment ahead of 2027.