Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political future.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mbah announced his decision on Tuesday at a press conference held in Enugu, where he was received by top APC leaders. He said the move was driven by his desire to bring greater development and national attention to Enugu State.

“After careful reflection and wide consultations, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress to align our state with the party at the center,” Mbah said. “This decision is about the people of Enugu and the need to deepen development, not personal ambition.”

The governor’s defection marks a major political shift in the South-East, a region that has been largely dominated by the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Mass Defection

Alongside Mbah, several members of the Enugu State Executive Council, local government chairmen, and party officials also announced their defection to the APC.
Mbah described the mass move as a “collective decision” aimed at strengthening unity and ensuring that Enugu benefits more from federal programs and policies.

“We believe this alignment will help us access more opportunities for our people and allow Enugu to play a stronger role in national development,” he said.

Appreciation to PDP

Despite his defection, Mbah thanked the PDP for providing him the platform to serve.
He acknowledged the support the party gave him during his campaign and since taking office, but said recent developments made it necessary to take a new direction.

“I remain grateful to the PDP family for the journey so far. However, we must move forward with a broader vision that connects Enugu to the national grid of progress,” he added.

Reactions and Implications

Political observers say Mbah’s move could reshape the political map of the South-East and influence future elections in the region.
Enugu has been a PDP stronghold for more than two decades, producing governors and lawmakers under the party’s platform.

Analysts believe Mbah’s entry into the APC could boost the ruling party’s influence in the zone, while others warn it may create tension among his former allies in the PDP.

Meanwhile, the APC leadership in Enugu and Abuja has welcomed Mbah’s defection, describing it as a sign of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Promise of Continuity

Mbah assured residents that his defection would not affect ongoing development projects in the state.
He said his administration would continue to focus on improving infrastructure, education, health care, and job creation.

“Our mission remains the same — to build a modern, prosperous, and safe Enugu. We are only changing platforms to accelerate that mission,” he said.

He also called on the people to remain calm and supportive, stressing that “politics should be about service, not division.”

With Mbah’s defection, the APC now controls two South-East states — Imo and Enugu — strengthening its foothold in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.