BREAKING: Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Dumps PDP, Joins APC With Cabinet Members

• Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has dumped the PDP for the APC, saying the move will better connect Enugu and the South-East to the federal government.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, during a statewide broadcast, describing the move as a necessary step to “connect Enugu and the South-East region to the central government in Abuja.”

“Today, after long reflection, we have decided to join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah declared, stressing that the decision was made in the best interest of the people and the development of the region.

Governor Mbah explained that his defection was driven by a desire to serve the people of Enugu more effectively and align with the APC’s developmental vision. He also expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him the platform on which he campaigned and won the 2023 governorship election.

“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. There always comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny,” he added.

The governor defected alongside members of the State Executive Council, House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and other political appointees.

Last week, the APC had confirmed that Mbah’s defection would take place on October 14 following the dissolution of the party’s Enugu State Executive Committee to make room for his entry.

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APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda welcomed the development, describing it as a reflection of the ruling party’s growing influence in the South-East and its determination to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party leader Ben Nwoye said the governor’s defection marked “a turning point” for Enugu politics.

“For the past 10 years, Enugu State has remained in opposition. But all that will change when the governor declares for the APC,” he said.

“He’s not coming alone — he’s coming with 260 ward councillors, 24 members of the House of Assembly, members of the National Assembly, and the entire state executive council.”

Governor Mbah’s move follows similar defections by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who both joined the APC earlier this year along with their cabinets.

Despite growing public criticism over the economic hardship under the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ruling party’s membership has continued to expand across the country in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.