Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “a conscious step towards a more compelling future” for the state and the South East region.
Speaking in Enugu on Monday during a statewide broadcast titled Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC,” Mbah said the decision came after deep reflection and consultations with key stakeholders across the state.
“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead.
“We have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress.” the governor declared.
Mbah said the decision was not whimsical but the outcome of “long reflection” and “collective reasoning” by his political family in Enugu.
“It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State comprising members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all local government chairmen and councillors, political appointees, and over 80 percent of party executives,” he explained.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing the platform that brought him to office, saying both he and the party shared a long history of partnership.
“For nearly three decades, the PDP and the people of Enugu walked side by side, united by shared purpose. Together, we built relationships that will always matter to me personally and to this state,” he said.
However, the governor noted that despite the PDP’s dominance in the South East for decades, the region’s voice was often disregarded at the national level.
“It has therefore become necessary to seek affiliation where our interests as a region are represented in the form of fair partnership,”
“We are not moving from a place of resentment or fear, but from a place of confidence and conviction.” Mbah said.
Mbah said his decision to align with the APC was driven by a shared vision with President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as “a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”
According to him, “The President has shown not only interest but a deep and vested commitment to Enugu, one that recognizes our region as a pillar of national progress.”
The governor highlighted the strides made under his administration, noting achievements such as the construction of over 1,000 kilometres of roads, restoration of water supply, a significant drop in crime, and increased internally generated revenue.
“When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here,’ you believed in us,”
“Without your trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened.” he added.
Mbah also pledged that the ongoing projects in the state would not be affected by the political transition.
“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed”
“Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level.” he assured.
He called on political leaders across the South East to prioritize service over self-interest, saying that the region must now engage strategically with the centre.
“Our people are watching. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.” Mbah said
Mbah expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as “his support and encouragement of our vision,” pledging to work closely with the federal government to accelerate development in Enugu.
. “This is not a detour, but a deliberate step toward greater progress,” the governor said. “Tomorrow is here.” he concluded.
