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In a dramatic turn in the political landscape of the South East on Nigeria, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has formally transitioned Enugu State’s political alignment from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision he says is grounded not in personal ambition but in a pursuit of fairness, respect, and meaningful partnership for the people of Enugu.

Speaking in a statewide address, Governor Mbah declared, “Today marks a bold and historic chapter in our journey together. After deep reflection and consultations, I have led Enugu State to transition from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).” He emphasized that this decision resulted from prolonged consideration and shared dialogue, not anger or resentment, stressing that “leadership sometimes demands painful but necessary choices.”

Governor Mbah reflected on Enugu’s nearly three-decade loyalty to the PDP that, in his view, was not reciprocated when it mattered most: “For nearly three decades, our state and indeed the South East gave the PDP unwavering loyalty, carrying the party on our shoulders with commitment and sacrifice. Yet, when critical national decisions were taken, our voices were too often ignored.”

He asserted that the APC represents the platform better suited to give voice to Enugu State at the national level. Addressing concerns about identity, he said that neither Igbo heritage nor Enugu’s destiny changes with this shift; rather, what changes is the strength of their voice and the capacity to advocate for their future.

Governor Mbah was not alone in the move. He said the defection is collective, involving members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, his Executive Council, all 17 Local Government Chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and more than eighty percent of party executives in Enugu.

Why APC, According to Mbah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges in Mbah’s speech not just as Nigeria’s leader but as a partner whose national vision aligns with Enugu’s aspirations. Mbah praises reforms undertaken by the federal government—such as subsidy removal, exchange‐rate unification, and efforts to tackle inefficiency—which he sees as tough but necessary decisions that free up resources for the people.

Mbah says that under APC governance, the benefits are already visible in Enugu: new Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare centres in all 260 wards; internal security strengthened via AI‐embedded systems and Distress Response Squads; major infrastructural work, including restored water mains and over a thousand kilometres of paved roads; expansion of Internally Generated Revenue by a factor of six. He points to the revived Hotel Presidential and Nigergas, the crowning of Enugu as Nigeria’s Model Green State, eco‐tourism initiatives, farm estates, and an air link connecting Enugu to other cities.

He assured residents that these achievements are not promises: “These are not promises; they are realities because you believed in us.”

Message to Ndi Enugu and Beyond

Governor Mbah appealed to the people for trust and understanding as the state embarks on this new political path. He reiterated that this is not a detour from the vision they have pursued since his election; it is a step to amplify that vision through better alignment with the centre. He emphasized that the transition is about ensuring Enugu is heard and treated fairly at the highest levels, especially in Abuja.

He closed by saying, “Tomorrow is here – and with your support, the best of Enugu is yet to come.”

Analysis

Mbah’s defection marks a major shift in the politics of Enugu State and signals changing dynamics in the South East, traditionally a stronghold for the PDP. It underscores concerns among regional political actors that loyalty to a party has not translated into influence or inclusion in national decision‐making. By aligning with the ruling party, Mbah and his supporters believe that Enugu can better tap into federal resources and have greater say in shaping policy.

However, such a move also brings risks: internal party dynamics, expectations from constituents that the shift will translate into better service delivery, and skepticism from those who see defections as opportunistic. The governor’s emphasis on fairness, respect, performance, and identity aims to address such concerns.

Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the PDP to the APC is presented as more than a political maneuver—it is a strategic move to strengthen Enugu’s voice at the national level, accelerate development, and ensure that the people of the state are respected and heard.

Whether this transition delivers on its promise of enhanced fairness, improved services, and real partnership will be measured in the months and years ahead.

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