Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the announcement during a statewide broadcast, citing the need to connect Enugu State to the central government for development and regional relevance.
Reasons Behind the Defection:
– Alignment with Federal Government: Mbah expressed optimism that his new partnership with the APC would bring about transformative change to the state and the nation, citing President Bola Tinubu’s policies and support for Enugu State’s development.
– PDP’s Neglect: Mbah lamented that despite the South-East’s loyalty to the PDP, their voices were often disregarded, making the defection necessary to advance the state’s interests.
– Collective Decision: The defection was a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, including members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and over 80% of PDP executives.
Impact of the Defection:
– Collapse of PDP’s Stronghold: Mbah’s defection marks a significant shift in Enugu’s political landscape, effectively collapsing the PDP’s longstanding stronghold in the region. Enugu was one of the last PDP-controlled states in the South-East ⁴.
– Boost to APC: The defection is seen as a major milestone for the APC, which has struggled to gain a strong foothold in the South-East since 2015.
Reactions:
– APC Leaders: Top APC leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, attended the event to receive Mbah into the party.
– Traditional Rulers: The Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council praised Mbah’s leadership, describing his performance as “trailblazing and people-oriented”.
