In a landmark political development, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “a bold, conscious step towards a more compelling future.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Delivering his address titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC,” at a gathering in Enugu, the governor expressed deep gratitude to God and the people of Enugu State, noting that the decision marked a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewal.
“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead. This concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically, and how we secure the future of our projects and our people,” he declared.
Governor Mbah thanked Ndi Enugu for their trust and support throughout his administration’s 28-month journey, saying their belief in his “Tomorrow Is Here” mantra was the foundation of the state’s ongoing transformation.
He listed several achievements that defined his government’s performance so far, including near-completion of Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare centres across all 260 wards, an 80 percent reduction in crime, and significant progress in road infrastructure, water supply, and revenue generation.
“It looks like Smart Green Schools nearing completion and primary healthcare centres in all 260 wards. It looks like crime down by 80%; maternal, under-5 and infant mortality rates reduced by 400 percent,” he said.
The governor also cited the establishment of an AI-powered Command and Control Centre, restoration of water supply, over 1,000 kilometres of newly paved roads, and a 600 percent increase in Internally Generated Revenue as proof of Enugu’s transformation under his leadership.
He highlighted the completion of major state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas, and the successful attraction of tourism and investment projects, including Nigeria’s first zipline and four eco-tourist sites expected to bring over 3 million visitors to Enugu by 2026.
“Of course, it looks like winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award as the Cleanest State in Nigeria. It looks like Enugu on the national – indeed global – map,” he stated proudly.
Mbah expressed appreciation to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledging its role in his political rise and past victories, but emphasized that leadership sometimes demands difficult decisions for the sake of higher principles and the common good.
“After long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress. This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State,” he announced.
He explained that the move involved all members of the political structure in Enugu State — including members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80 percent of party executives.
According to him, despite the South East’s long-standing loyalty to the PDP, the region’s interests were often neglected at the national level, necessitating alignment with a platform that guarantees fair partnership and representation.
“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 point to make. But fairness, respect and integrity must guide our choices,” he stated.
Governor Mbah described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a visionary leader and partner in purpose, praising his courage to make tough but necessary reforms for national stability and growth.
“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,” he said.
Mbah said his administration shares the President’s commitment to grassroots empowerment through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which seeks to empower over 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 wards.
He acknowledged that reform policies such as subsidy removal and forex unification were challenging but necessary to free resources for investment in citizens’ welfare — a philosophy he said his government in Enugu also embraces.
“This move is bigger than politics – it is about alignment at scale. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation,” the governor explained.
Addressing concerns about the implications of his defection, Mbah assured Enugu people that the state’s progress would not be derailed.
“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, adding that ongoing projects would be completed as promised.
The governor called on political leaders in the South East to prioritize service and results over personal ambition, stressing that the people care most about performance and tangible impact.
He urged Ndi Enugu to maintain their trust and support as the administration embarks on this new chapter, assuring that the move signifies renewed hope and partnership for greater progress.
“Let me reassure you – this is not a detour, but a conscious step towards a more compelling future,” he said.
“Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve.”
Governor Mbah concluded his address with gratitude to President Tinubu for his encouragement and support, expressing optimism that the alliance would usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for Enugu State.
“Tomorrow is here,” he affirmed, as the audience responded with applause.