The executive governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, is on the verge of joining Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, following the downfall of the People’s democratic party over serious internal issues.
The news of a possible decamp by Peter Mbah to the APC has been on the political sphere for a while now, which is not surprising given the dwindling fortunes of the PDP in Nigerian politics.
Mbah plans to decamp alongside his appointees, 24 state lawmakers, National Assembly members, and 260 ward councilors, effectively dissolving PDP’s grip on Enugu.
The PDP has platformed former governors of the state like Chimaroke Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Sullivan Chime, plus ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani. The party is also home to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the biggest political icon and longest-serving senator in Enugu state.
The planned defection points towards APC’s growing influence in the Southeast region, having captured Ebonyi state and Imo state. The Party, perceived as anti-Igbo due to its divisive political messaging, is faced with an image problem it will have to deal with in the region.
PDP Woes Continue
The PDP grapples with deepening internal crises threatening its viability and survival ahead of the 2027 general elections. Factional rifts, led by Nyesom Wike’s group, have triggered parallel congresses and executive elections in Edo, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and Cross River.
PDP Governors like Seyi Makinde revolt against INEC verdicts, while the party’s NEC meetings face postponements and boycotts. Proposed Defections of figures like Enugu’s Peter Mbah to the APC compound losses, with legal adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade warning on the long-term effects of prolonged division and crisis in the party.
Infoeast View
- Enugu’s governor proposed defection points to an incoming political shift in the southeast region, with only Abia state and Anambra state left to join the party.
- The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, is spearheading the APC’s effort in Abia state, hosting a pro-APC rally in the state recently.
- The APC eyes the commercial powerhouse state, making serious inroads with the Labour Party under the leadership of Alex Otti.

