Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has defended his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was driven by the need to better serve the interests of the people of the state.

The governor, who announced his defection in a state broadcast on Tuesday, was also presented with the membership card of his new party by the members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC)

Mbah, who was elected governor on the PDP platform in 2023, has been in a battle to control the South east structure of the party with other stakeholders before his eventual resignation and defection
Speaking to journalists shortly after announcing his defection during a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state, the governor dismissed suggestions that his action amounted to a betrayal of the PDP, under which he was elected.

Governor Mbah described the move as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, saying leadership sometimes demands difficult decisions in pursuit of greater goals.

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the platform that brought him to office in 2023 but said it was time to move forward.

The governor explained that the defection was a collective decision involving National Assembly members, State Assembly lawmakers, members of the State Executive Council, councillors, and over 80 per cent of the former PDP structure in Enugu.

He said the decision followed years of reflection and a desire to align the state with what he called a platform that respects our regional voice and supports our vision for development.

Governor Mbah, who commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and reform efforts, describing him as a partner in progress, and assured the people of Enugu State that his defection would not disrupt the state’s development agenda but instead amplify the state’s voice at the national level.

He said, “This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning. It is more about thinking I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a cost on me carrying that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people.”

The governor explained that his decision followed consultations, adding that it was rooted in the belief that the PDP platform could no longer “serve the people optimally.”

“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, and then, in consultation with them decided that we’re now going to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve them.”

“So I don’t see that as a betrayal.

“If this move would continue or affect the continuity of progress that we have witnessed in Enugu or if indeed it’s about self ambition, then of course your analogy may fit. But this is a lot more about the people first, before the party.”

This is even as Nigeria’s business magnate and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, has hailed the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a bold and intelligent move that signals hope and a new beginning for Enugu State.

Prince Eze made the remarks in Enugu during the official defection ceremony of Governor Mbah into the APC fold.

The event was graced by the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, and all APC governors from across the federation, in what observers described as a major political realignment in the South East.

Speaking at the gathering, Prince Eze commended Governor Mbah for his courage and foresight, noting that his decision to join the ruling party at the federal level demonstrates “maturity, vision, and commitment to the development of Enugu State.”

“Governor Mbah is a very intelligent leader who understands that Enugu must be connected to the center for growth and progress,” Prince Eze said.

“This step will bring more federal presence, infrastructure, and investment opportunities to our people. Enugu is now fully aligned for greatness.”

The oil and gas tycoon further urged Ndi Enugu and the entire South East to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, assuring that the President has been fair and generous to the region and deserves another term.

“President Tinubu has been good to the South East. He is a man of vision and inclusion. I call on all our people to stand with him in 2027 because he will do even more for Ndi Igbo in his next four years,” Prince Eze declared.

Prince Eze described the defection as a sign of political maturity and a turning point for the South East, saying the region must seize the opportunity to build stronger ties with the central government.

“This is the time for unity and progress. I commend Governor Mbah for his wisdom and courage. With this step, Enugu will witness greater development, federal projects, and peace,” he added.

The event drew massive attendance from APC stalwarts, traditional rulers, business leaders, and supporters across the South East, marking what many political observers see as the beginning of a new chapter in Enugu’s political landscape.

Governor Mbah’s defection now makes it three PDP governors who have emptied into the APC with the entire structure of the party, following earlier defections by Governors Sheriff Oborovwori of Delta and Unoh Eno of Akwa Ibom state