On 14th October 2025, a significant political shift unfolded as nearly the entire political framework of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State transitioned to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move had been anticipated for some time, given the PDP’s prolonged reluctance to address the leadership crisis that had become its Achilles’ heel, which the South East Caucus had been urging them to resolve. Regrettably, the PDP underestimated the concerns raised by the South East Caucus.
The myriad issues within the PDP, coupled with its failure to respond promptly to the South East Caucus’s calls for action regarding its leadership crisis, rendered the transition to the APC unavoidable. For the enthusiastic Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, this decision was well-considered; it is popular, proactive, and distinctly progressive. He remarked, “This is not a whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, including members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of Party Executives.”
The Governor and his team were acutely aware of the urgency of the situation. This move was not about political correctness or populism; it was about the future of the State, the welfare of Ndi’Enugu, the sustainability of ongoing commendable projects, and the greater good. In the words of Governor Peter Mbah, “When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here,’ it resonated deeply with you. You set aside long-held doubts and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we witness today would not have been possible. Let us take a moment to reflect on what this transformation entails. It encompasses Smart Green Schools nearing completion and primary healthcare centres in all 260 wards. It signifies an 80% reduction in crime; a 400% decrease in maternal, under-5, and infant mortality rates.”
“It manifests as a Command and Control Centre equipped with an AI-embedded Security Surveillance System and 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles, ensuring safe streets and communities. It represents water flowing again through new mains and restored supplies. It translates into over 1,000 kilometres of paved roads, a 600% increase in Internally Generated Revenue, and a fully booked International Conference Centre boosting our local economy. It involves direct flights taking off – with Enugu Air connecting us to key cities across Nigeria and beyond. It envisions 3 million visitors to Enugu by 2026, featuring Nigeria’s first zipline and four immersive eco-tourist sites. It means commuting in comfortable CNG buses at five world-class terminals and operating 260 Farm Estates that drive large-scale production. It includes the revitalisation of Hotel Presidential and NigerGas, alongside several previously dormant assets becoming operational again. Ultimately, it entails winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award as the Cleanest State in Nigeria. It places Enugu firmly on the national – indeed global – map. Ndi Enugu, your trust and support have been the foundation of our success, and we pledge to honour that by fulfilling our election promises.”
Peter Mbah was clear about the challenge facing his government and his team, which was a choice between political correctness and prioritising the collective good through the transition from PDP to APC. They chose to serve the people, to focus on performance, and to ensure continuity over political correctness.
Without ambiguity, Peter Mbah stated, “Today, I stand before you to announce a departure from the past and to share a decision that will shape our future. This pertains to our values, our political organisation, and the security of our projects and our people.” Governor Mbah was forthright about the challenges ahead and made it clear that the choice made with his team was encapsulated in these words: “This move transcends politics – it is about large-scale alignment. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader reforms shaping our nation. This does raise important questions: Will Enugu’s voice be heard in Abuja? How will this change impact our progress at home? How will this decision affect your lives? Let me assure you, I will continue to represent our State and Region with the same commitment as I always have. Our Igbo identity remains unchanged; our destiny remains unchanged. What changes is that our vision now receives stronger support at the Federal level. The progress you witness today will not waver, and the projects we have initiated will be completed. Yes, there have been challenges and delays, but rest assured – schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be delivered as promised. To the political elite across the South East, I say this: our people are observant. What matters most to them is results. True leadership is about serving the people, not serving oneself. Principles, not personalities, must guide us. To Ndi Enugu, I assure you: this will not disrupt our momentum. We are a force of progress, and we require an ally who shares our ambition. I want to reassure you – this is not a detour but a deliberate step towards a brighter future. As we embark on this new chapter, I seek your understanding, your trust, and your continued support.”
The event on 14th October 2025 in Coal City, Enugu, vividly showcased that the migration of PDP structures to the APC was unprecedented. It was purpose-driven, people-oriented, issue-based, politically strategic rather than politically correct, and proactively progressive. It was about achieving success both locally and nationally, enhancing service delivery, consolidating existing achievements, and forging strategic alignment for the collective good. Indeed, under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and his team, “Tomorrow Is Here.”
Okechukwu Nwafor
Concerned Professionals for Good Governance (A Good Governance Advocacy Group)
