Governor Peter Mbah Officially Joins APC at Grand Rally in Enugu

By Emmanuel Miracle Naomi
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a grand reception held at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Tuesday.
The ceremony, which drew a massive crowd of supporters, party faithful, and political leaders from across the Southeast, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event.
Speaking at the rally, Vice President Shettima described Mbah’s defection as a significant milestone for both the APC and the Southeast region. He noted that the governor’s move “exposes cracks in the opposition camp” and signifies that “many progressive leaders are finding their home in the APC.”
“Governor Mbah’s decision reflects a growing recognition that the APC is the most viable platform for national development and inclusion,” Shettima said, while officially welcoming the Enugu State governor into the ruling party.
In his address, Governor Mbah said his decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to align Enugu State with the federal government for greater developmental benefits.
“This is not a personal decision; it is a collective step toward ensuring that Enugu remains part of the national growth agenda. Our people deserve to be fully included in the progress that is transforming Nigeria,” Mbah stated.
Other dignitaries present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, among others.
The APC leadership used the opportunity to declare Governor Mbah as the new leader of the party in Enugu State, a position traditionally held by sitting governors under the party’s structure.
The event turned Okpara Square into a festival-like atmosphere, with traditional dancers, music, and chants from supporters celebrating the governor’s defection.
Political observers say Mbah’s entry into the APC could reshape political alignments in the Southeast, a region where the PDP has historically dominated.