Raphael Kanu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for a new political partnership that will drive “transformative change” in the state and across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Enugu, Mbah said the decision followed “a long period of reflection” and was made in consultation with key political stakeholders across the state.
“Today, after deep reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive,” Mbah announced.
The governor, who was accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as several state and federal lawmakers, said his move was aimed at aligning Enugu with the federal government’s development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose — a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow,” he said.
Mbah stressed that the defection was a collective decision involving members of the Enugu State Executive Council, the National and State Assemblies, all 17 local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and more than 80 percent of party executives in the state.
He expressed optimism that joining the ruling APC would strengthen the voice of Enugu and the South-East at the national level.
“The voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East will now be heard in Abuja,” he declared.
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for providing him the platform to emerge as governor, Mbah lamented that the South-East’s loyalty to the party had often gone unrewarded.
“To the PDP which gave us the platform to campaign and win, I extend deep gratitude. But despite our region’s steadfastness, our voices were too often disregarded,” he said.
Mbah concluded by expressing confidence that his defection would usher in a new era of growth and development for Enugu State under the APC.