Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mbah made the announcement on Monday during a state-wide broadcast, ending months of speculation over his next political move.
The governor said his decision to switch party was informed by the need to connect Enugu State to the central government and ensure greater development for the people.
“Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah declared during his address.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it gave him to contest and serve, describing the move as a tough but necessary decision.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory,” he said.
According to the governor, leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions in pursuit of higher goals, and his defection is to enable Enugu benefit more from federal policies and programmes.
“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny,” he added.
Mbah commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his inclusive governance and support to the South-East, noting that Enugu has enjoyed federal attention under the current administration.
“I am convinced that joining the APC will give us a stronger platform to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people and ensure that Enugu’s voice is heard in national affairs,” he stated.
The governor was joined in the defection by members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, council chairmen, and other political office holders.
His move follows a similar trend among PDP governors in the South-South and South-East, including Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, who defected to the ruling APC earlier in the year.
Reports indicate that Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, may also be next to announce his defection to the ruling party.
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