ABUJA — The political landscape in Enugu State is on the verge of a major transformation as Governor Peter Mbah prepares to lead a sweeping defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to party sources, the move could spell the end of PDP’s 25-year dominance in Enugu politics. The APC caretaker chairman in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, disclosed in Abuja that Governor Mbah will officially join the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2024, alongside the entire political structure of the PDP in the state — including 260 ward councillors, 24 members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly representatives, and the full State Executive Committee.
“Political evangelism has begun,” Nwoye announced to loud applause during the inauguration of the Enugu APC caretaker committee in Abuja. “We met with the governor, and he has agreed to join the APC with his entire structure. He is not coming alone — he is coming with the whole PDP family in Enugu.”
Party insiders described the planned defection as the most significant political shift in the Southeast since 1999. They believe it will completely reshape the region’s political alignment and strengthen the APC’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who inaugurated the caretaker committee, urged members to consolidate the anticipated defection into lasting political strength.
“APC is home for everyone — whether you joined yesterday, today, or tomorrow, you have equal rights,” Yilwatda stated. “Our mission is simple: to expand, to win, and to secure a resounding victory in 2027.”
The party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, hailed the development as a turning point for the Southeast.
“With Enugu joining the APC, the Southeast has regained its political relevance,” he said. “We will no longer play second fiddle.”
Party strategists predict that the defection will severely weaken the PDP’s base in the region and could trigger similar movements in Anambra and Abia States, giving the APC an unprecedented foothold in the Southeast.
“Where Enugu goes, the Southeast follows,” Nwoye added. “Governor Mbah has already transformed Enugu in two years, and now he will drive the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the region.”
