This post has already been read at least 1113 times!

It was an extraordinary day in Enugu on October 14, 2025 — one that will long be remembered in Nigeria’s political chronicles. The Coal City buzzed with energy and anticipation as virtually the entire political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but the culmination of months of internal turmoil within the PDP and careful reflection about the future of the state.

According to a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwafor on behalf of the Concerned Professionals For Good Governance (CPGG), the mass movement was described as “a political tsunami of sorts” — a move long overdue, made inevitable by the PDP’s persistent leadership crisis and its refusal to heed the counsel of the South East Caucus. The group stated that the PDP’s internal conflicts had become “the Achilles’ heel” of the party, leading to disillusionment among its most loyal members.

For Governor Peter Mbah, however, the defection was more than politics — it was about purpose. “This is no whimsical decision,” he declared before a cheering crowd. “It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, all political appointees, and over 80 percent of Party Executives.”

Mbah’s tone was confident, deliberate, and unapologetic. To him, the transition represented not betrayal but evolution — a necessary step to secure the state’s progress and ensure continuity of the reforms that have defined his administration. He explained that the decision was neither about being politically correct nor currying federal favour; rather, it was about the destiny of Enugu and the collective welfare of its people.

“When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here,’ it struck a chord in your hearts,” Mbah reminded the crowd. “You put aside skepticism and trusted us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened.”

He spoke passionately of the progress achieved so far: Smart Green Schools nearing completion, primary healthcare centres across 260 wards, and crime rates slashed by 80 percent. He highlighted the advances in health, infrastructure, and revenue — including a 600 percent increase in internally generated revenue, a fully functional Command and Control Centre with AI-driven security surveillance, and over 1,000 kilometres of newly paved roads.

In Mbah’s words, Enugu’s transformation “looks like water flowing again through new mains and restored supply, like CNG buses at five world-class terminals, like 260 farm estates that bring production to scale.” His voice carried conviction as he painted a vivid picture of a state reborn — one that is cleaner, safer, wealthier, and more globally connected than ever before.

For the governor, moving to the APC was simply aligning that vision with the central government to ensure its sustainability. “This move is bigger than politics,” he said. “It is about alignment at scale — about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader reforms shaping our nation.” He reassured the people that Enugu’s progress would not falter. “Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the Federal level.”

As he spoke, it was evident that this was not a moment of hesitation but of conviction. Mbah acknowledged the political risks of such a move, yet he remained firm. “We chose the people; we chose performance; we chose service to Ndi Enugu; and we chose continuity over political correctness,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

The Concerned Professionals For Good Governance echoed the governor’s sentiments, describing the mass defection as “purpose-driven, people-oriented, and strategically progressive.” The group argued that the shift was not about populism but about the long-term benefits of aligning state policies with federal priorities for more effective governance and resource flow.

Governor Mbah’s message to the political elite of the South East was direct: “True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.” He urged them to focus on results and public good rather than party loyalty or political showmanship.

As dusk fell on the Coal City, it became increasingly clear that this was not just another political event. It was a redefining moment — a deliberate recalibration of Enugu’s political trajectory. The symbolism was unmistakable: a young, reform-minded governor making a bold move to secure his state’s place in the national agenda.

“This will not break our stride,” Mbah concluded. “We are a force of endeavour, and we need an ally who can match our ambition. This is not a detour but a conscious step toward a more compelling future. As we begin this new chapter, I ask for your trust and continued support.”

The message resonated deeply across the crowd and the broader South East. For many, it was a reminder that in politics, as in governance, courage often comes at a cost — but so does stagnation.

With Peter Mbah at the helm, and the full weight of Enugu’s political machinery now aligned with the APC, the message from the Coal City was clear: Tomorrow is not just here — it’s taking shape before our eyes.

This post has already been read at least 1113 times!