Why I left PDP for APC — Governor Peter Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to ensure that the voices and interests of the people of Enugu and the South-East are better represented.

In a state broadcast on Tuesday morning, Mbah confirmed that he had quit the PDP alongside his predecessor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as several state and federal lawmakers. Former Governor Sullivan Chime and other APC leaders in the state were present at the event where the defection was made official.

The governor expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support during his election but explained that leadership sometimes required making bold and difficult decisions for the greater good.

“Today, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah said. “For nearly three decades, the PDP and the people of Enugu State walked side by side, united by shared purpose. Yet leadership sometimes demands difficult—even painful—decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. There always comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”

Mbah clarified that the decision was not his alone, but one collectively taken by National and State Assembly members, State Executive Council members, and over 80 percent of party executives and appointees.

He stated that despite the South-East’s consistent support for the PDP over the years, the region’s concerns were frequently ignored. “For decades, the South-East stood behind the PDP, but despite that loyalty, our voices were too often disregarded,” he said.

According to him, the move to the APC was driven by the quest for a political platform that prioritizes the interests of his people. “We are seeking an alternative where our people’s interests will be respected and represented,” the governor declared.

Mbah added that he shares a common vision with President Bola Tinubu for transformative governance. “We are envisioning a partnership built on innovation and disruptive transformation,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the APC National Working Committee, led by Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, are expected to formally receive the governor into the party.