Shock Defection: Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Dumps PDP, Joins APC After ‘Long Reflection’

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant political realignments in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mbah announced his decision in a televised address on Tuesday, describing the move as a “painful but necessary step” to secure the state’s political and economic future.

“Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” he declared.

The governor, who was elected under the PDP platform, said his defection was born out of a desire to drive deeper transformation in Enugu and reposition the state politically.

“This is a break from the past,” Mbah said. “It concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically, and how we secure the future of our project and our people.”

He added that leadership sometimes requires “painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals,” suggesting that his move was guided by conviction rather than convenience.

Mbah’s defection is expected to reshape political alignments in the South-East, where the PDP has maintained a stronghold for decades. Political observers say the development could strengthen APC’s influence in the region, especially as President Bola Tinubu’s administration continues to court opposition leaders.

While PDP officials in Enugu are yet to formally react, sources within the party describe the governor’s exit as a “major setback” that could trigger further defections.