In a dramatic political realignment that further weakens Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing years of marginalisation and neglect of the South-East.
Mbah announced his defection during a state-wide broadcast and at a massive rally in Enugu attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda; and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, among others.
The governor said the move followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was not a solo act, noting that over 80 per cent of the Enugu PDP structure, including state assembly members, commissioners, council chairmen, and ward executives, had joined him in moving to the APC.
“Today, after long reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive.
“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to make tough choices that secure lasting prosperity,” Mbah declared.
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for its past support, Mbah lamented that despite the South-East’s consistent loyalty, the region’s voice was often disregarded in national decisions.
“Despite our loyalty, our voices were too often ignored. Aligning with the APC will ensure Enugu and the South-East are heard more effectively in Abuja,” he added.
With Mbah’s defection, the PDP now controls only nine states.
At the same time, the APC expands its hold to 24, consolidating its dominance and securing its first outright governorship control in Enugu—a symbolic breakthrough in the South-East.
At the grand reception in Enugu, Vice President Shettima said the wave of defections from opposition parties was “a reflection of cracks in their walls and the growing strength of the bridges built by the APC.”
“Much has been said about this wave of defections. What the opposition fails to see is that the APC has become the preferred Home of Nigeria’s most visionary political actors. The APC represents order over chaos, progress over paralysis, and hope over despair,” Shettima said.
The Vice President lauded President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership and listening capacity, which he credited for transforming the APC into “the most formidable political family in Africa.”
“Every progressive mind and reformist eventually finds their way here,” he noted, joking that Mbah “must have been hiding a broom in his umbrella all along.”
Shettima formally handed the APC flag to Governor Mbah, declaring him the new leader of the party in Enugu State.
“You now carry the noble task of rebuilding the APC in and from Enugu. Mr President stands ready to partner with you in deepening development for your people,” he affirmed.
APC National Chairman, Yilwatda, described Mbah as a “progressive at heart” whose achievements in education and infrastructure already reflect the spirit of the governing party.
Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Abbas both congratulated Mbah, saying his entry marks “a defining moment” for the South-East’s integration into mainstream politics.
Declaring APC as “the largest political family in Africa,” Mbah said his defection marked “the end of standing on the side-lines” for Enugu.
“We are collectively affirming that we must end segmented politics. We are taking our rightful place in national politics under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Meanwhile, speculation grows that Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas may soon follow suit.
Party insiders suggest ongoing consultations and mounting pressure from loyalists in both states, which could further shrink the PDP’s national footprint.
Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the South-East is now “on the path to full political integration,” adding that Mbah’s entry will “strengthen the region’s stake in national decision-making.”
With the defection, the APC not only gains a symbolic victory in the South-East but also extends its legislative supermajority, as recent switches in the Senate push its dominance to 74 out of 109 seats, a two-thirds majority that ensures smoother passage of significant reforms and confirmations of presidential nominees.
