By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Enugu, Nigeria – October 14, 2025
ENUGU, Nigeria — In what is being described as a major political earthquake in the South East, Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday at a well-attended press conference in Enugu, where he explained that his decision was motivated by a sincere desire to “better serve the people of Enugu State” and to “align with the progressive vision” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“After wide consultations with my team, political allies, and leaders across the state, we have resolved to join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah said. “This decision is not born out of personal interest, but from the conviction that Enugu’s future is best secured when we work in alignment with the federal government for the good of our people.”
The governor described his defection as a collective decision, stating that many of his political associates within the PDP in Enugu had also agreed to join him in the APC, signalling a significant political realignment in the region.
“This is not just about Peter Mbah,” he added. “It is about the collective desire of our political family to ensure that Enugu continues to enjoy the dividends of democracy by building stronger ties with the federal administration.”
Mbah praised President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic and infrastructural reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the ongoing investment in road networks, housing, and social infrastructure across Nigeria.
“The APC-led government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and direction,” Mbah said. “The removal of fuel subsidy, though tough, has laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth. The administration’s focus on social infrastructure and investment in the states shows a genuine commitment to national progress.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the PDP for the platform it provided throughout his political journey but maintained that his move to the APC was strategic and in the best interest of Enugu people.
“I remain grateful to the PDP for the years of partnership and support,” he said. “However, leadership is about taking tough decisions when the people’s welfare is at stake. My goal is to unlock new opportunities for Enugu through collaboration and shared vision with the federal government.”
Political observers see Mbah’s defection as one of the most significant realignments in the South East in recent years, with implications for the region’s political balance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders revealed that Mbah had held several consultative meetings with key APC leaders in Abuja before the official declaration, reportedly including discussions on economic cooperation, federal projects in Enugu, and political inclusivity for the South East.
The Merit Newspaper reports that in a swift reaction, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed Mbah into the party, describing him as “a visionary leader whose defection represents the dawn of a new political chapter for the South East.”
“Governor Peter Mbah’s entry into our great party is a reflection of the growing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, Yilwatda said. “The APC is home to all Nigerians who desire development and prosperity.”
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With this move, Mbah becomes the first sitting governor from the South East to defect to the APC since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 — a development that may significantly strengthen the party’s presence in a region traditionally dominated by the opposition.
