Umar Sani Declares Gov Mbah’s Defection as a Losing Battle Against PDP’s Strength

Umar Sani, former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and a prominent voice in Nigerian politics, has dismissed concerns that Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will weaken the PDP. In remarks made during an interview with ARISE NEWS, Sani described Mbah’s political move as “swimming against the tide,” emphasizing that it will not disturb the PDP’s firm hold, especially in Enugu State where the party remains deeply rooted.

Sani further explained that the challenges facing the PDP are “externally induced” and not a product of internal dissension. He identified the current crisis as orchestrated from outside forces using internal elements to foment confusion and discord within the party ranks. Despite leadership tussles at the national level, he maintained that the PDP’s organizational strength and grassroots presence remain intact across key states, particularly in Enugu, which has been a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Highlighting the enduring support base of the PDP, Sani assured that the party’s operational base lies beyond the confines of party headquarters, with strong and loyal structures within the states. He insisted that not just the defections but a wider political narrative are at play, aimed at undermining PDP from without rather than from within.

Governor Mbah’s defection, which included a mass exit of commissioners and local government officials in Enugu to the APC, was framed by Mbah as a strategic alignment to bring greater development to Enugu and the South-East region by joining forces with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. However, Umar Sani’s perspective shows the PDP’s confidence in weathering these political storms and continuing to galvanize support from the electorate.

The unfolding political dynamics suggest a heightened contest for influence in the region, yet the PDP’s resilience, according to Sani, signals that isolated defections will not determine the party’s fate. As the 2027 general elections approach, the PDP appears focused on consolidating its grassroots structures and countering narratives that may seek to diminish its relevance.

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