In a significant political shake-up reminiscent of recent developments in Delta and Cross River states, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is set to officially defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14.
The defection, described as a “historic alignment,” will include all elected and appointed officials in the state, signaling a massive political realignment in Southeast Nigeria.
Enugu APC Caretaker Chairman Confirms Defection
Speaking at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, the newly inaugurated Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, confirmed the development during a press briefing held shortly after taking his oath of office.
“For the past 10 years, Enugu State has remained in opposition. But all that ends on Tuesday when Governor Peter Mbah declares for the APC. And he is not coming alone,” Nwoye stated.
According to him, the defection of Peter Mbah to APC will see the governor joined by:
- 260 councillors
- 24 state lawmakers
- National Assembly members
- Entire Enugu State Executive Council
This unprecedented move is being positioned as a strategic alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, marking what Nwoye called “a merger between transformation and renewed hope.”
Benue State May Follow as APC Eyes Suswam, Orhii
The wave of PDP to APC defections may soon hit Benue State, with strong speculation surrounding the planned defection of former Governor Gabriel Suswam and former NAFDAC DG Dr. Paul Orhii.
Enugu’s Political Shift Seen as a Turning Point for Southeast Nigeria
Dr. Nwoye declared that Mbah’s move to the APC signifies a new chapter not only for Enugu State but for the entire Southeast geopolitical zone.
“Where Enugu goes, the Southeast goes. This marks the beginning of the Southeast’s political reawakening and full integration into national politics,” he emphasized.
Nwoye, a founding chairman of the APC in Enugu, praised Mbah’s achievements in the last two years, particularly his strides in boosting internally generated revenue (IGR) and advancing economic and infrastructural reforms.
He noted that the synergy between Mbah’s Transformation Agenda and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision will fast-track development across the region.
