The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its disappointment over the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The opposition party described the move as unfortunate but acknowledged it was within the governor’s constitutional rights.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated this on Wednesday, October 15, while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He said the party respects Mbah’s personal decision but considers it regrettable, especially given the mandate he secured under the PDP platform in 2023.
“We are disappointed by the governor’s decision, but we recognise that everyone has a right to make political choices. However, every choice comes with its consequences,” Ologunagba said.
He also accused some members within the party of undermining its unity and progress but assured that the leadership was taking steps to address internal divisions ahead of its national convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to him, the upcoming convention will serve as a “reset point” for the PDP, producing a new National Working Committee committed to rebuilding public confidence and strengthening the party’s position as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
Governor Mbah had announced his defection to the APC in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, October 14. He described his decision as a strategic effort to “connect Enugu and the South-East to the centre of power in Abuja” and align with the ruling party’s development vision.
Mbah’s move was accompanied by members of the Enugu State Executive Council, the House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and political appointees.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed the governor and his team, saying their defection underscored the ruling party’s growing influence in the South-East and its readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The ICIR reports that the PDP has suffered a series of high-profile defections in recent months, with several governors, lawmakers, and party leaders crossing over to the APC. On the same day Mbah made his announcement, Bauchi North Senator Kaila Dahuwa Samaila and three House of Representatives members from Kaduna State also defected, citing persistent internal crises within the PDP.
Earlier this year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno joined the APC, taking with them key members of their cabinets and political associates.
Despite public concerns over inflation and economic hardship, the APC continues to expand its membership base, consolidating its dominance across the regions. Meanwhile, the PDP insists it remains focused on rebuilding its internal structures to provide Nigerians with a strong and credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
