By Hon. Barr. Lotachukwu Ogbonnia
Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, this piece examines the strategic implications of the recent mass defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Governor of Enugu State, along with key stakeholders.
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the nation witnessed a defining moment in Enugu’s political evolution. His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, formally hoisted the APC flag at a grand defection ceremony — a move that saw him, his cabinet members, and key stakeholders cross over from the PDP to the ruling party.
This historic transition effectively redefined the political balance in Enugu and, by extension, the South-East region. While many political chieftains hailed it as a bold step toward progress, others voiced skepticism and concern.
The Background
Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has transformed the face of governance in Enugu State. His administration has recorded visible achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Over 1,000 km of roads have been constructed; the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown by more than 600%; and Enugu’s urban renewal projects have brought a new wave of aesthetics, order, and modernity.
Initially, many doubted the feasibility of his ambitious manifesto. Today, however, those doubts have given way to pride, as the governor’s visionary leadership continues to exceed expectations. By most metrics, it would not be out of place to describe Dr. Mbah as one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors — a fact that once served as a source of pride for the PDP.
But now, the unthinkable has happened. The man who once symbolized PDP’s success in Enugu has taken his vision elsewhere — to the APC. What began as whispers of possibility has now become political reality.
Where Did It All Start?
For over a year, speculation about Mbah’s defection persisted. Two key factors made the rumors plausible.
First was his cordial working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the national leader of the APC, under whose administration federal–state cooperation has become increasingly critical to accessing national development initiatives.
Second was the deepening crisis within the PDP — marked by internal wrangling, indiscipline, and disregard for party hierarchy. A notable example was the party’s treatment of Governor Mbah and their consensus candidate, Rt. Hon. Ude-Okoye, in the contest for the position of National Secretary. This erosion of internal cohesion and trust left the governor with diminishing confidence in the party’s leadership and its ability to protect his political future.
Thus, his eventual defection — while dramatic — came as no surprise to many observers.
The Implications
The central question now is: What does this mean for Enugu State and its people?
1. Enhanced Access to Federal Resources:
With Enugu now aligned with the ruling party, the state stands to gain improved access to federal funding and support for key projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industrial development.
2. Stronger Voice at the Centre:
Governor Mbah’s membership in the APC gives Enugu a firmer foothold in national decision-making, amplifying the state’s influence in Abuja and facilitating more strategic partnerships and investments.
3. Greater Political Stability:
Having departed from what has been an increasingly fragmented PDP, Governor Mbah’s move to a more structured and cohesive ruling party may provide a stable platform to advance his transformative agenda.
As former Governor Barr. Sullivan Iheanacho Chime aptly put it on X (formerly Twitter):
“Political alignment is not betrayal; it is the courage to follow a vision when old paths can no longer carry the dream.”
Indeed, no party currently offers a sturdier platform for Mbah’s vision than the APC.
Conclusion
In the governor’s own words, this move represents “charting a new course.” It is, without doubt, a strategic alignment designed to position Enugu at the centre of national relevance and opportunity.
Ultimately, the success of this “Enugu APC Gambit” will depend on performance continuity, citizen engagement, and effective political education to help Ndi Enugu understand the long-term benefits of this alignment.
If Mbah’s track record is any indication, the decision is not only wise but timely. With less than 18 months to the 2027 general elections, his partnership with the APC could prove decisive — merging the visions of Tomorrow is Here and Renewed Hope into a single, potent narrative for progress.
In sum, this defection is a strategic masterstroke — a bold, calculated move that may well redefine Enugu’s destiny within Nigeria’s political equation.
– Hon. (Barr.) Lotachukwu Ogbonnia is a Nigerian lawyer with UK training, currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is the former Vice Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.