Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a development that signals one of the most significant realignments in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mbah’s defection was confirmed on Friday in Enugu during a formal event attended by top APC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the Deputy National Chairman (South-East), Chief Emma Eneukwu.
The ceremony also featured the inauguration of the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, chaired by former state chairman Dr. Ben Nwoye, at which Mbah’s entry into the ruling party was officially announced.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ben Nwoye hailed Mbah’s decision as a turning point for the party in the region.
“Governor Peter Mbah has officially joined the All Progressives Congress with all his appointees,” Nwoye stated.
“His coming into the APC marks a new chapter for the party in Enugu and the entire South-East. It strengthens our structure and unites our members ahead of the next election cycle.”
APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Yilwatda, described Mbah’s defection as “a bold and progressive decision,” adding that it would deepen the party’s reach in the South-East, a region long regarded as a stronghold of the PDP and Labour Party.
Mbah, in his brief remarks, said his decision was driven by a desire to align Enugu State with the federal government for accelerated development and stronger political collaboration.
“This move is about partnership, progress, and prosperity for our people. Enugu deserves to be at the center of national growth, and I believe the APC offers that opportunity,” Mbah said.
Meanwhile, there are growing indications that Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas may also defect to the APC in the coming days. While he has yet to make an official statement, sources within both parties confirmed that discussions are already at an advanced stage.
Political observers say Mbah’s defection is a major blow to the PDP, which has dominated Enugu politics for over two decades. With his entry into the APC, analysts predict a reshaping of the political landscape across the South-East and a renewed push by the ruling party to consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
