Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially defects from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today, a move that signals the beginning of a broader wave of defections by PDP governors.
Governor Mbah is expected to move alongside members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and political appointees in a mass transition to the ruling party.
The Coal City is already aglow with political activity as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads a high-powered APC delegation to welcome Governor Mbah into the party.
The delegation includes APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, who will present the APC flag to the governor at a ceremony in Enugu.
The defection, according to political observers, marks a significant consolidation effort by the APC ahead of the next election cycle, particularly in the South East where the party seeks to expand its influence.
Reports indicate that Mbah’s move is only the first in a series of planned defections. Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri is reportedly set to join the APC “in a matter of days,” according to a senior government official.
A PDP governor from the North-East is also said to be finalizing arrangements to cross over. Earlier in the year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno defected to the APC with their cabinets, signalling growing cracks within the opposition party.
Despite the looming defections, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, dismissed the development as a distraction. He maintained that the PDP remains focused ahead of its national convention scheduled for next month in Ibadan.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership has thrown its support behind Governor Mbah’s defection, describing it as “a strategic and progressive step” for Enugu State.
In a joint statement, Ohanaeze Vice President Prof. Fred Eze and National Treasurer Dr. Peter Eke applauded Mbah for his “bold and timely decision” to align with the ruling party, emphasizing that the move would enhance the state’s access to federal projects.
“This decision is both thoughtful and timely, considering the compelling need to attract more federal government projects to Enugu,” the statement read.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to governorship zoning, noting that the principle of equity, fairness, and justice would continue to guide political decisions in the state.
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