ENUGU, Nigeria — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most high-profile political shifts in the South East in recent years.
The governor announced his decision at a press conference in Enugu on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, citing a desire to align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress” and to better position Enugu for federal support and collaboration.
“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals,” Mbah said.
“After long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress. This is about advancing the interests of Enugu State.”
Mbah, elected governor in 2023 under the PDP, expressed gratitude to his former party for what he described as “years of partnership and support,” but said the move was necessary to achieve his administration’s broader development goals.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude,” he said.
“The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory.”
The governor’s defection was met with celebration across Enugu, where large crowds gathered as top APC leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, arrived to receive him into the party.
The APC National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as well as several governors, ministers, and lawmakers, were also in attendance.
Mbah’s defection has drawn support from several key stakeholders, including the Enugu chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the state’s traditional rulers, and local government chairmen.
In a statement signed by Professor Fred Eze, Vice President General representing Enugu State, and Dr. Peter Aneke, National Treasurer, Ohanaeze described the governor’s move as “thoughtful and timely.”
The group said the decision would help attract more federal projects to the state.
“We remain committed to upholding the long-standing zoning tradition for the office of the Governor, in the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice in Enugu State,” the statement added.
Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, praised Mbah’s leadership, describing his performance as “trailblazing and people-oriented.”
“The traditional rulers and people of Enugu State have absolute trust in his judgement,” Asadu said.
“This move is about the people and the continued development of Enugu State.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, said the people were prepared to follow the governor’s lead.
“Governor Peter Mbah is the political party Enugu State knows today. This is a wise and strategic decision,” he said.
Ahead of Mbah’s defection, several members of his cabinet had already joined the APC.
They include Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Amaka Ngene, Chairperson of the Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools Management Board; and Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour and Employment.
In a post shared on X by Dan Nwomeh, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, the officials were seen embracing their new political identity.
“Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah,” he wrote.
Former Enugu APC Chairman Augustine Nnamani also reacted to the development, saying the PDP had “mistreated and betrayed” the South East, pushing many of its members away.
“The PDP chose a few people in Abuja over and above the South East,” he said.
“Mbah’s exit is a direct result of that injustice.”
Mbah’s move effectively signals the collapse of the PDP’s once-dominant influence in Enugu State, which it has controlled since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
As the governor formally joins the APC, the party’s flag has already been hoisted at the Enugu Government House — a symbolic confirmation of what many in the state see as a new political era.
