Connect with us

Breaking News

PDP Lawmaker Defects to APC, Cites Party Crisis, Division

Published

on

The political atmosphere in Enugu State has taken a dramatic turn as several key members of Governor Peter Mbah’s cabinet have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling what appears to be the governor’s imminent move to the ruling party. Those who have so far switched allegiance include the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh; Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr. Felix Nnamani; and Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr. Amaka Ngene. The development was confirmed on Monday through a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dan Nwomeh, which showed the officials holding APC flags while declaring loyalty to the party. “Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah – from left to right, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Prince of Mburumbu, Dr Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr Amaka S. Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani,” Nwomeh captioned the video. The video quickly went viral, fuelling widespread speculation that Governor Mbah’s long-rumoured defection to the APC was imminent. According to reports, the APC leadership has finalised plans to receive Governor Mbah formally at a high-profile ceremony scheduled to hold in Enugu on Tuesday. Party officials and supporters have been spotted around the Government House and Michael Okpara Square, reportedly making arrangements for the event. Multiple sources confirmed to The PUNCH that the APC’s national leadership, including senior figures from the South-East, will be present at the ceremony, which is expected to draw a large political crowd. Mbah’s defection, when confirmed, will make Enugu the first South-East state under APC control since the 2023 general elections, marking a major political realignment in the region. The speculation reached fever pitch on Sunday night when an APC flag was hoisted at the Enugu Government House, a move many interpreted as a symbolic declaration of the governor’s new political allegiance. Sources close to the government said the governor had been in closed-door meetings with top APC figures over the past weeks, finalising the terms of his switch. Although Mbah has not made an official statement, several of his aides and associates have already rebranded their social media pages with APC logos and slogans. The defection wave represents yet another blow to the PDP, which has suffered a series of high-profile departures since the 2023 elections. The party, once dominant in the South-East, is now struggling to maintain its influence amid rising defections to the ruling APC. Political observers say Mbah’s anticipated move could reshape regional alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, with implications for both national and state politics. “This is a political earthquake in the South-East. If Mbah completes his move to APC, it will change the power dynamics in the region,” a senior political analyst in Enugu told The PUNCH. Mbah, who was elected governor under the PDP in March 2023, has so far maintained silence on his political future. However, insiders describe his alignment with the APC as “strategic”, possibly aimed at attracting more federal support for Enugu State. Political watchers say the governor’s defection could embolden other South-East politicians to follow suit, giving the APC a stronger foothold in a region that has historically resisted its influence. For now, all eyes are on Tuesday’s event, which is expected to confirm what has been weeks of speculation, that Governor Peter Mbah is officially crossing to the All Progressives Congress.

The lawmaker representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Amos, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amos made his defection public in a letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Jagindi Ward, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, stating that his resignation from the opposition party took effect immediately.

In the letter, the lawmaker said, “I write to formally tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, with immediate effect. This decision did not come lightly, as I have, over the years, given my utmost commitment and loyalty to the ideals of the party.”

Amos expressed appreciation to the PDP for providing him the platform to serve and participate in the democratic process, saying he remained “deeply thankful” for the opportunity.

Advertisement

He, however, lamented that unresolved internal divisions within the PDP had frustrated genuine efforts toward collective growth.

According to him, “It has become increasingly evident that the perennial crises and unresolved internal divisions that continue to bedevil the party, particularly at the national levels, have made it difficult to pursue collective progress and uphold the principles of unity and purpose upon which the party was founded.”

Amos noted that after wide consultations with his supporters and stakeholders, he decided to join the ruling APC to pursue a new direction that aligns with his convictions and the aspirations of his people.

Advertisement

He said, “I sincerely thank all PDP leaders and members, especially at the state and Jema’a/Sanga LGA levels, for their support and fellowship over the years. I remain committed to working with all who share a vision for the advancement of Kaduna State and our great nation.”

Briefing journalists in Kafanchan on Friday, the lawmaker confirmed that several PDP members from Southern Kaduna were also set to defect to the APC during the weekend.

He described the mass defection as a strategic move that would benefit the people of Southern Kaduna, the state, and Nigeria at large.

“We will continue to work closely with members of the ruling party to ensure that the Southern Kaduna zone benefits from the programmes of both the federal and state governments,” Amos assured.

Advertisement
Advertisement