By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were noticeably absent as Governor Peter Mbah formally ended his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he took up leadership of the All Progressive Party (APC) in the state.
Mbah described the move as “a conscious step toward a more compelling future” for the people of Enugu and the South East region.
Speaking during a ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Mbah announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a detailed address titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”
He said his decision followed deep reflection and wide consultations with political stakeholders across Enugu State. He emphasized that the transition was not driven by resentment but by a desire for fairness, partnership, and stronger alignment with federal reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is no whimsical decision,” Mbah declared. “It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — including members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, the Executive Council, all local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80 percent of party executives.”
He praised President Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and courage to make difficult but necessary reforms,” stressing that both leaders share a commitment to transparency, trust, and grassroots empowerment.
The governor also listed his administration’s achievements over the past 28 months, including the construction of over 1,000 kilometres of roads, the establishment of Smart Green Schools, AI-driven security systems, healthcare centres in all 260 wards, and a 600% rise in internally generated revenue.
According to Mbah, the move to the APC aligns Enugu with national development priorities and ensures that the state’s voice is better heard in Abuja. “Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he said.
Mbah expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing the platform on which he rose to prominence but noted that the South East had often been “disregarded when it mattered most.” He said joining the APC was necessary to secure a fair partnership for the region.
“This is bigger than politics — it’s about alignment at scale,” he added. “It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation.”
He concluded by assuring residents that all ongoing projects would be completed, pledging to continue serving with dedication and integrity. “This will not break our stride. We are a force of endeavour, and we need an ally who can match our ambition. Tomorrow is here,” Mbah affirmed.
Present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; former Governors Sullivan Chime and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani; former and serving members of the National Assembly from Enugu State; Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Chief Enma Ezeukwu; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu; APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; Rt. Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu; Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa; and several other political