Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what observers describe as a major political shift in the South-East.
The governor made the announcement during a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday morning, saying the move was aimed at aligning Enugu State with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This move became necessary to connect our dear state to the central government,” Mbah declared, emphasizing that his administration’s top priority remains the development and prosperity of Enugu people.
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He commended President Tinubu for implementing policies that, according to him, have brought “massive support and benefits” to the state since the start of the current administration.
“Under President Tinubu, Enugu State has enjoyed unprecedented attention and support from the Federal Government. We cannot afford to remain isolated from the centre,” he said.
Governor Mbah’s defection did not come alone, as he was joined by members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and other key political stakeholders in the state.
His exit marks another major blow to the PDP in the South-East, following a series of defections to the ruling APC in recent months.
According to reliable sources, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is reportedly preparing to join the APC soon, having concluded arrangements to formalize his move. Earlier this year, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, also defected to the APC with their cabinets and political appointees—signalling what analysts describe as a “realignment of forces” ahead of the 2026 elections.
Governor Mbah’s defection is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in the South-East, a region that has long served as a stronghold of the PDP.
A formal reception to welcome Governor Mbah into the APC will take place in Enugu on Tuesday, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, several governors, and other top party figures expected to attend.