Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision marks “a new chapter for Enugu” and reflects “a conscious step towards a more compelling future.”
Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a special address to the people of Enugu titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”
He described the move as a product of long reflection and broad consultation, stressing that it was neither impulsive nor politically expedient but a “strategic alignment” designed to deepen Enugu’s transformation and secure federal partnership for the state’s long-term development.
A Moment of Reflection and Renewal
In his address, the governor began by expressing gratitude to God and the people of Enugu, noting that his journey so far had been anchored on trust and shared vision.
“At a time when confidence in political leaders had almost collapsed, Ndi Enugu chose to believe in us. When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’, you put aside skepticism and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened,” Mbah said.
He highlighted major achievements recorded under his administration in less than three years, including:
- Smart Green Schools nearing completion across the state,
- Primary healthcare centres established in all 260 wards,
- Crime rate reduction by 80%,
- Massive infrastructure projects, including over 1,000 km of paved roads,
- AI-driven Command and Control Centre and 150 distress response vehicles,
- Revamped water supply,
- 600% growth in Internally Generated Revenue, and
- Revitalized state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas.
He also noted that Enugu had earned national recognition as the Cleanest State in Nigeria, winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award.
Appreciation to PDP, But Time for Bold Choices
Governor Mbah commended the PDP for providing the platform that brought him to power, describing the party as “a house where Enugu had shared history, struggles, and victories.”
However, he emphasized that leadership sometimes demands “painful but necessary decisions” for the greater good.
“After long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives,” Mbah explained.
He noted that despite Enugu’s longstanding loyalty to the PDP, “our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most,” necessitating a shift to a platform where the state’s interests would receive fairer representation.
Partnership for Progress with President Tinubu
Mbah said his decision to join the APC was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and courage to make tough choices for national transformation.”
“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.
He praised the President’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which targets the empowerment of 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards, saying it aligns with Enugu’s own grassroots-driven development model.
Mbah described his defection as “alignment at scale”, aimed at connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader economic and governance reforms driving Nigeria’s renewal.
“We are not moving from resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. This move is about fairness, respect, and partnership. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he added.
Reassurance to Ndi Enugu and the South East
Addressing concerns about how the political shift might affect ongoing projects, the governor assured citizens that his commitment to the state’s development remained unwavering.
“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. This is not a detour but a step toward a stronger, more connected Enugu,” he affirmed.
He also called on the political class across the South East to prioritize service delivery and regional interest over partisan loyalty.
“Our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self,” he said.
A Call for Unity and Shared Vision
Governor Mbah ended his address with a call for unity, urging Ndi Enugu to rally behind the administration’s vision as the state embarks on a new political and developmental trajectory.
“Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve. Tomorrow is here,” he concluded.
Background
Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public policy expert, was elected governor of Enugu State under the platform of the PDP in 2023. His administration’s Tomorrow is Here agenda focuses on technology-driven governance, industrialization, education reform, and fiscal expansion.
His defection to the APC marks a major political realignment in the South East, with implications for the region’s relationship with the federal government and the 2027 political landscape.