Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), failed to acknowledge the voices of his constituents.
In a broadcast to the people of Enugu on Tuesday morning, Mbah announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mbah left the PDP alongside his immediate predecessor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as various state and federal lawmakers among others.
Former Governor Sullivan Chime was present at the event, representing APC leadership in the state.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the PDP for its support during his election campaign, but noted that there comes a time when one must make a decisive choice.
“Today, we have resolved to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided the platform on which we campaigned and triumphed.
“For nearly three decades, the PDP and the people of Enugu State have walked together, united by a common purpose.
“However, leadership sometimes necessitates difficult, even painful decisions in pursuit of higher principles and aspirations.
There always comes a moment when one must make a bold choice to shape their destiny,” he stated.
Mbah clarified that this decision was not made in isolation but was supported by National and State Assembly members, State Executive Council members, and over 80 per cent of party executives and appointees.
He remarked that for years, the South-East had stood firmly behind the PDP, yet despite this support, “our voices were frequently overlooked.”
Mbah explained that his move to the APC was motivated by the need to find an alternative where the interests of the people would be represented and respected.
He expressed his vision for a transformative partnership with President Bola Tinubu, emphasising that “we share a vision that transformation must be disruptive.”
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the APC National Working Committee, led by its Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, are expected to welcome the governor into the party. (NAN)
