The capital city of Enugu State is abuzz with anticipation as preparations are finalized for Governor Peter Mbah and his political appointees to officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
Mr. Uche Anichukwu, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on External Relations, confirmed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu.
High-profile figures expected to welcome Governor Mbah into the APC include Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Tajudeen Abbas. Other dignitaries from the APC National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, governors, ministers, federal lawmakers, and party appointees will also be in attendance.
Anichukwu highlighted that key segments of the state, as well as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have expressed strong support for Governor Mbah’s decision to join the APC.
He cited Mr. Augustine Nnamani, former Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, who criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for triggering the mass defection. Nnamani accused the PDP of mistreating the people of the South East and Governor Mbah by refusing to recognize Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary, a move that disregarded established party traditions.
According to Nnamani, the PDP prioritized a few individuals in Abuja over the interests of the South East. As outlined in the region’s communique in May, Governor Mbah’s exit from the party became inevitable due to this lack of respect for the region’s choice.
He lamented that the internal crises and perceived injustices within the PDP have cost the party one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors and led to the loss of all five South East states under PDP control.
Further backing Governor Mbah’s decision, the Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide applauded the move to join the ruling APC. The group described the timing as thoughtful and strategic, highlighting the need to attract more federal government projects to Enugu State.
A statement signed by Ohanaeze’s Vice President General representing Enugu State, Professor Fred Eze, and National Treasurer Dr. Peter Aneke reaffirmed the body’s commitment to the zoning arrangement for the governorship in the state.
“We remain dedicated to preserving the longstanding zoning tradition for the governor’s office in the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice in Enugu State,” the statement read.
Mr. Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, praised Governor Mbah’s “trailblazing performance and grassroots-oriented development” over the past 26 months. He expressed full confidence in the governor’s judgment and wished him success as he embarks on this new political path, stressing that the decision is made in the best interest of the people.
Similarly, Mr. Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, affirmed the readiness of the people to follow the governor’s lead.
“As stated earlier, Governor Peter Mbah represents the political party that Enugu State recognizes today. We believe this move is wise,” Edeh said.
He added, “When it became clear that our voices were no longer being heard in the previous political party, we made a collective decision to chart a new course.”