In what appears to be one of the biggest political shakeups in Enugu State in recent years, Governor Peter Mbah and all members of his cabinet have officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection, which was confirmed on Monday, comes ahead of Mbah’s formal declaration to join the APC on Tuesday. For over two decades, Enugu has been known as a stronghold of the PDP, but this latest move may mark the end of that political era in the state.
Governor Mbah’s Senior Media Aide, Dan Nwomeh, announced the development in a video posted on his social media pages. The footage showed several top government officials including commissioners, advisers, and aides openly declaring their allegiance to the APC.
In the video, the officials could be heard chanting political slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. “We are now in APC; tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way; from top to bottom,” they declared enthusiastically.
Nwomeh captioned the post: “Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah.”
Adding to the wave of defections, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP and one-time contender for the position of National Secretary, also resigned from the party.
In a resignation letter dated October 13 and addressed to the PDP chairman in his Agbogugu Ward, Awgu Local Government Area, Udeh-Okoye said the party had “lost its moral compass and ideological direction.”
He expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the party’s departure from its founding principles.
“The decision to quit the party did not come lightly,” he wrote. “The PDP was an integral part of my political journey, offering me opportunities to contest and serve in various offices. For these privileges, I remain profoundly grateful.”
He added that remaining in the party had become “a matter of conscience,” explaining that the PDP he once knew was no longer committed to democracy, accountability, and service to the people.
“I am compelled to part ways with the PDP as I embark on a progressive journey dedicated to restoring the values of democracy, accountability, and service to the people,” Udeh-Okoye said.
Udeh-Okoye’s resignation did not come as a surprise to many political watchers. He had been at the center of the party’s internal battles, particularly after his contest with Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the position of National Secretary. The controversy deepened existing cracks within the PDP and weakened its unity in the South-East.
Governor Mbah’s defection, along with that of his cabinet members, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political scene. For decades, the PDP has been the dominant force in Enugu politics, winning every governorship election since 1999.
Political observers believe the governor’s move could change that history and reshape the political alignment in the region.
“This is not just about one man moving,” said a political analyst based in Enugu. “It’s about the entire government structure of commissioners, advisers, and aides shifting allegiance. It sends a strong signal that the PDP’s dominance in Enugu is coming to an end.”
The timing of the defection is also significant. It comes as the APC seeks to strengthen its influence in the South-East, a region where it has struggled to gain traction over the years. With Mbah’s entry, analysts believe the ruling party may finally have a foothold in Enugu ahead of future elections.
For the PDP, the defection represents another major setback in the South-East. The party, which once enjoyed almost total control across the region, has seen its dominance gradually eroded by internal wrangling and leadership disputes.
In Enugu, the cracks became more visible during the 2023 elections, when factional disagreements nearly cost the party several legislative seats. Mbah’s defection may now deepen those wounds.
A PDP member who spoke anonymously expressed disappointment but not surprise. “The warning signs have been there for a while,” he said. “The governor and some of his aides had been flirting with the APC for months. What we’re seeing now is just the official confirmation.”
Another party loyalist blamed the national leadership of the PDP for failing to address internal divisions. “Many members feel abandoned,” he said. “The leadership has lost touch with the base, and people are simply moving where they think their political future is secure.”
Meanwhile, the APC leadership is said to be preparing an elaborate ceremony to welcome Governor Mbah and his team into the party. Sources close to the party say the event will take place in Enugu on Tuesday, with top APC figures from across the country expected to attend.
An APC chieftain in the state described the move as “a new dawn for Enugu politics.”
“Governor Mbah’s decision to join the APC is a testament to President Tinubu’s growing influence in the South-East,” he said. “This is just the beginning of greater things to come.”
With the defection, Enugu’s political landscape is set for a major realignment. The PDP, once seen as unshakable, may now struggle to maintain its hold in the state.
Political analysts say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the APC can consolidate its new gains or whether internal rivalries will undermine the governor’s move.
