After months of speculation over his political future, Governor Peter Mbah on Tuesday, October 14, officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement marks one of the most significant political realignments in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mbah’s move, seen as a calculated step to strengthen ties between Enugu and the federal government, underscores his determination to align the state with the ruling party’s development agenda.
“Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah declared. “This decision is in the best interest of our people and our region. There are still many things unfolding, but this is a necessary step toward greater development and inclusion.”
Mbah explained that his defection was motivated by a desire to serve the people of Enugu more effectively and to align with the APC’s broader vision for national growth and progress. He expressed appreciation to the PDP for giving him the platform that enabled his 2023 election victory, but maintained that leadership sometimes demands “painful but purposeful” decisions.
“Leadership requires making difficult choices in pursuit of higher goals,” he said. “There comes a time when one must take bold steps to define their destiny.”
The governor was accompanied into the APC by key figures from his administration, including members of the State Executive Council, House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and several political appointees.
His defection came after the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the party’s Enugu State Executive Committee last week, reportedly to pave the way for his smooth entry.
Speaking earlier, APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Mbah’s move as a significant milestone for the ruling party, saying it reflects the APC’s growing influence in the South-East and its strategic preparation for the 2027 general elections.
“For the past decade, Enugu State has remained in opposition,” Yilwatda said. “That changes today, October 14, 2025, when Governor Mbah and his entire political structure officially join the APC. He’s coming with 260 ward councillors, 24 House of Assembly members, National Assembly representatives, and the entire State Executive Council.”
Political observers say Mbah’s defection adds to the list of high-profile politicians who have recently crossed to the ruling party ahead of 2027.
Earlier in the year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also defected to the APC along with their cabinets. Oborevwori’s move saw the inclusion of his predecessor, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, into the APC fold.
While many Nigerians continue to lament worsening economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the ruling APC’s membership has steadily expanded in recent months, bolstering its political dominance across several states.
