|
Listen to article
|
In a landmark political realignment, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, bringing with him a broad coalition of state lawmakers, local government leaders, and party executives. Speaking before a packed rally in the state capital, Mbah described the decision not as a partisan maneuver, but as a strategic step to ensure Enugu’s voice is heard at the national level.
“This is bigger than politics,” Mbah told supporters. “It is about aligning our state’s future with a vision that delivers tangible results for the people of Enugu.” He dismissed rumors that his move was influenced by internal party disputes or coercion, specifically noting that his decision was not related to controversies surrounding former PDP national youth leader Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The governor’s defection encompasses a sweeping section of Enugu’s political machinery: members of the executive committee, the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and over 80 percent of PDP state executives have joined him in embracing the APC. A reconciliation committee will be formed to unify party structures and integrate former PDP members.
Acknowledging the PDP’s role in his political journey, Mbah expressed gratitude for the platform the party provided over nearly three decades. “The PDP supported us through challenging campaigns and celebrated our victories alongside the people of Enugu,” he said. “Yet, leadership sometimes requires difficult choices. Our voices as a region have too often been sidelined, and today we seek affiliation where our interests are genuinely represented.”
Mbah’s announcement signals a recalibration of South East political influence. Emphasizing alignment with the federal government, he pledged active support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections. “This is about connecting Enugu’s local development priorities with broader national reforms,” he said, citing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, designed to empower communities across Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards.
Read also: I Fell In Love With Tinubu When He Removed Subsidy - Gov Mbah
The governor outlined a vision for Enugu that extends beyond symbolic alignment. Roads, railways, health, education, and grassroots economic empowerment are central to his strategy. “Transformation must reach the ward, the village, the farmer, the trader, and the young entrepreneur,” he said, framing the defection as a bridge to tangible, citizen-focused change.
Responding to concerns over potential voter backlash in 2027, Mbah remained confident, arguing that the electorate will judge leaders by development outcomes rather than party labels. “Enugu is rising,” he said. “Progress will guide the people’s decisions more than politics ever could.” He also emphasized regional unity in addressing politically sensitive matters, including the case of Nnamdi Kanu.
The move drew immediate praise from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hailed it as a historic moment for the South East. “For decades, the Ndigbo were at the margins of national politics. With leaders like Governor Mbah, Hope Uzodimma in Imo, and Francis Nwifuru in Ebonyi, the South East is reclaiming its rightful place in the country’s political mainstream,” Shettima said. He described Mbah’s leadership as bold, visionary, and transformative, underscoring the regional significance of the defection.
Mbah’s declaration concluded with a message of continuity and accountability. “Today, we step into a new chapter, guided by fairness, integrity, and a commitment to the people. Our goal is not merely political alignment but creating a future where Enugu’s promise translates into concrete development, prosperity, and sustainability.”
As the South East watches closely, the governor’s defection represents more than a party switch: it signals a recalibration of political influence, a bid for equitable regional representation, and a commitment to linking local governance with national reform initiatives.
