The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has said the “voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East people would now be heard in Abuja” while defending his official defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
Governor Mbah had earlier announced his defection to APC on Tuesday during a press conference, saying the move was driven by his desire to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress.”
He formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, state and federal lawmakers, among others.
In a broadcast to the Enugu people, Mbah announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the APC, citing a desire for a platform where the people’s interest would be represented and respected.
“Today we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and join the All Progressives Congress,” he declared.
Mbah stated that the decision was not taken alone, but was a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, State Executive Council, local government chairmen, councilors, and over 80% of party executives.
“We are not moving from a place of resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. We have no axe to grind, no personal points to make, but fairness and respect and integrity must guide our choices for that future to be ours,” Mbah said.
He expressed his admiration for President Bola Tinubu, saying, “I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”
Mbah expressed confidence that his decision would bring about a new era of development and progress to Enugu State, saying, “The voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East people would now be heard in Abuja.”
“This is no whimsical decision,” Mbah emphasised.
“It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu state, comprising members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all the local government chairmen, all councilors, all political appointees, and over 80% of party executives.”
Mbah thanked the PDP for standing by him throughout his election period, but lamented that despite the South-East’s loyalty to the party, “our voices were too often disregarded.”
He expressed optimism that his new partnership with the APC would bring about a brighter future for Enugu State and the nation.
The governor expressed confidence that the APC platform would enable stronger collaboration and open new opportunities for growth in the state.
