Why I Dumped PDP for APC – Enugu Gov Peter Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was a strategic step to ensure better governance and faster development for the people of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu shortly after his state-wide broadcast announcing the defection on Monday, Mbah insisted that his action was not an act of betrayal but a demonstration of leadership focused on results rather than party loyalty.

“This is not a betrayal, it is also not abandoning,” Mbah said. “It is more about understanding that I was entrusted with the people’s mandate, and I must carry that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people.”

The governor explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and was driven by the conviction that the PDP had become ineffective in meeting the developmental aspirations of Enugu residents.

“We have people who, under a particular platform, gave me their mandate to lead them,” he said. “But it became clear to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us optimally. So, in consultation with them, we decided to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve their interests.”

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Mbah added that his loyalty has always been to the people of Enugu State and not to any political structure.

“If this move were about self-ambition or to disrupt the progress we have achieved in Enugu, then the criticism might be justified. But this is about putting the people first before the party,” he maintained.

Governor Mbah stressed that his defection was based on practical governance considerations, noting that alignment with the ruling party at the federal level would open more opportunities for Enugu’s development.

“The platform matters,” he said. “If a particular structure is no longer effective in advancing the interest of your people, leadership demands that you take bold decisions. This decision is about progress, not politics.”

The governor further expressed confidence that joining the APC would enhance the state’s access to federal support and partnerships needed to sustain ongoing infrastructure and investment projects.

Mbah’s defection marks another significant political shift in the South-East, making him one of several PDP governors to cross over to the ruling party in recent months.

According to sources within the party, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is also set to join the APC, with his defection reportedly finalised.

Earlier in the year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had also moved to the APC with their state officials and political appointees, signalling a wave of realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mbah’s move to the APC comes just days after top Enugu cabinet members, including commissioners and board chairpersons, were seen holding APC flags and declaring support for the ruling party, a strong signal of coordinated realignment within the state government.

Political analysts say Mbah’s defection could reshape the political dynamics of the South-East, where the PDP had maintained dominance for over two decades.

For now, Governor Mbah insists his priority remains the same: “serving the people of Enugu State and ensuring their mandate is fulfilled, regardless of the political colour of the platform.”