The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly expressed profound disappointment following the recent defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, which was confirmed by Governor Mbah in a state-wide broadcast, has sent ripples across the political landscape, particularly within the South-East region where PDP has enjoyed longstanding dominance.
Governor Mbah, who was elected on the PDP platform in the 2023 general elections, announced his departure alongside a significant number of political appointees, local government chairmen, councillors, and party executives in Enugu State. This mass defection highlights a deepening crisis within the PDP’s ranks, exacerbated by internal disputes and disagreements over party leadership decisions, particularly regarding the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary against the preference of the South-East caucus.
In response to the defections, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, conveyed the party’s regret over the departures but acknowledged the right of individuals to make personal political decisions. He also affirmed the PDP’s commitment to overcoming these challenges, stating that the upcoming national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan would serve as a platform to reinvigorate the party and strategize for future electoral contests.
Governor Mbah justified his decision, citing years of perceived neglect and systemic disregard of the South-East by PDP’s national leadership. He emphasized that the move to the APC was a strategic attempt to ensure that the interests of Enugu State and the South-East are better represented and aligned with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
Political analysts note that this defection signifies a major realignment of political power in the region, effectively ending PDP’s longstanding hold over Enugu and marking the APC’s growing influence. With Enugu now joining Ebonyi and Imo states under APC control, the PDP’s presence in the South-East has drastically diminished.
As the PDP grapples with the fallout, its loyalists in Enugu are convening emergency meetings to devise plans to rebuild and reaffirm their political influence in the state. Meanwhile, political observers are closely watching for further developments amid escalating defections, which pose significant challenges to the opposition party’s ability to remain competitive in forthcoming elections.
This development is a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political dynamics, reflecting the shifting allegiances and the intense rivalry between the two major parties as they prepare for the 2027 general elections. PDP’s ability to recover from these setbacks will be critical to its future viability as a national political force.
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