Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has shed light on his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic decision aimed at enhancing service delivery and accelerating development in Enugu and the South-East region.
In a detailed interaction with a team of editors, Governor Mbah explained that his decision was not about personal ambition but a commitment to continue serving the people of Enugu effectively. According to him, service to the people takes precedence over party loyalty.
> “Our allegiance is not to a colour or a party logo,” Mbah said. “Our allegiance is to the people of Enugu State who entrusted us with their mandate. What we’ve done is to carry that trust to a stronger platform where we can better serve them.”
Defection Rooted in Service, Not Self-Interest
Governor Mbah explained that his administration’s focus has always been people-centred, and his defection was guided by the desire to align with a system that ensures accountability, fairness, and effective governance.
He emphasised that remaining in a political system that no longer serves these principles would be counterproductive.
> “If we believe that the system that brought us to office no longer provides fairness or accountability, then we must make that difficult choice to move forward,” he noted. “This decision goes beyond personal ambition—it’s about service and principle.”
Grassroots Support and Collective Decision
Mbah disclosed that his decision followed extensive consultations across the state, noting that the move to APC had overwhelming support from grassroots leaders, councillors, local government chairmen, and members of the State House of Assembly.
> “Those who gathered at Okpara Square were not rented crowds. They were true representatives of the 260 wards and 17 local governments of Enugu State. This was a collective movement,” he explained.
Unity of the South-East and Political Positioning
Governor Mbah also highlighted the need for political unity in the South-East, stressing that the region has become more politically fragmented than ever before. He urged the Igbo nation to rise above emotional politics and focus on strategic positioning for national relevance.
> “The South-East has never been this divided. Out of five states, we have four different political parties. That is not in our best interest,” he said.
“We need to think smart, plan ahead, and position ourselves strategically. Politics is about positioning, not emotion.”
Not a Move Towards One-Party State
Addressing concerns that multiple defections to the APC could turn Nigeria into a one-party state, Mbah dismissed such fears, saying that the country still has a strong opposition and that new parties are emerging to ensure a vibrant democratic system.
Achievements: Over 2,000 Projects in 29 Months
Mbah highlighted the progress of his administration, describing it as “24 months of wonder,” with over 2,000 projects currently underway across various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and security.
> “Our manifesto is a social contract with the people of Enugu,” he said. “Two hours after taking my oath of office, I signed Executive Order 001, which legally binds me to that contract through the Citizens Charter.”
Economic Growth: From ₦4.4 Billion to ₦30 Billion
He reaffirmed his administration’s goal of growing Enugu’s economy from ₦4.4 billion to ₦30 billion, eradicating poverty, and making the state the top destination for investment, business, and tourism.
To achieve this, Mbah said the state adopted a “disruptive innovation” strategy, focusing on private-sector-driven growth. He noted that investors are attracted by security and profitability, not emotion.
Ending Sit-at-Home and Boosting Security
Mbah recounted his administration’s bold step to end the Monday sit-at-home order in the state, which had hindered business and social activities.
> “We knew it was a risky step, but we were determined,” he said. “We deployed technology and built one of Africa’s most sophisticated security surveillance systems, complete with AI-powered cameras and a command and control centre.”
He revealed that the system has helped reduce crime in Enugu by over 80%, ensuring that criminals are swiftly identified and apprehended.
Ease of Doing Business and Investment Drive
To attract investors, Mbah’s government established a one-stop investment centre to simplify business registration and approvals. He also prioritised Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to reactivate moribund assets such as the Hotel Presidential and the International Conference Centre, while also facilitating major agricultural investments like:
₦100 billion Pragmatic Farm Project, and
₦40 billion Sunrise Farm Partnership.
Transforming Education: Smart Schools and Experiential Learning
Mbah highlighted his administration’s investment in education, including the construction of 7,000 smart classrooms featuring AI, robotics, ICT hubs, and e-libraries, powered by renewable energy.
He revealed that Enugu recently won the Spencer Foundation Vision Grant, an international recognition awarded to only 10 institutions worldwide each year, to train teachers in experiential learning techniques.
> “We are not just building classrooms or providing digital tools; we are also training teachers to raise problem solvers,” Mbah said.
Reviving Infrastructure and Aviation Development
Governor Mbah disclosed that his administration successfully lobbied for the inclusion of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in the Federal Government’s concession programme, which is now approved by the Federal Executive Council.
He added that Enugu is set to become a regional aviation hub, with Enugu Air already operating three aircraft and six more expected before the end of the year.
Agriculture and Food Security
The governor said his government is establishing 260 farm estates across communities to boost food production, promote agribusiness, and contribute significantly to the state’s GDP.
Conclusion
Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the APC, according to him, is not about political survival but a strategic alignment to drive faster growth, deeper development, and a stronger voice for the South-East in national politics.
> “Our goal remains the same—to build an Enugu that stands tall in business, education, security, and quality of life. For us, politics is simply a tool for service, not a theatre for personal ambition,” he concluded.
