Breaking: Powerful Southeast Governor Reportedly Moves to Dump PDP, Next Party Emerges

• Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state is reportedly set to defect from the PDP to the ruling APC after extensive consultations with political allies
• Influential figures, including former governors Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani, have reportedly played key roles in persuading Mbah
• The defection comes amid national PDP crises and perceived marginalisation of the Southeast, while Mbah’s spokesperson maintains no official decision has yet been made

Barring any last-minute changes, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is reportedly preparing to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources close to the governor said Mr Mbah has consulted widely with political allies and leaders in Enugu and beyond in recent weeks over the planned move.

Political heavyweights influence decision

As reported by Premium Times, two former governors of Enugu, Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, along with former Senate President Ken Nnamani, all now aligned with the APC, are said to have played key roles in persuading Mr Mbah to join the ruling party.

A close associate revealed:

“The consultation rounds will conclude this week, after which the governor and his inner circle will set and announce a date for his formal defection.”

Setback for PDP amid national crisis

Mr Mbah’s imminent departure represents another blow for the PDP, which has governed Enugu since 1999 and is currently engulfed in a deepening national crisis.

His planned exit follows similar defections by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta within the past few months.

Reasons for defection explained

A PDP chieftain privy to the governor’s consultations said Mr Mbah cited two main reasons for the impending defection: the persistent strife within the PDP at the national level, which he described as threatening for anyone seeking to contest under the party in 2027, and what he perceives as unfair treatment of the Southeast within the party leadership.

On 30 June, the governor threatened to lead the PDP’s Southeast zone out of the party after Abuja insisted on retaining Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary instead of the zone’s preferred candidate, Sunday Udeh-Okoye. Despite the warning being ignored, Mr Mbah is reportedly finalising his move to the APC.

Spokesperson maintains cautious stance

When contacted on Thursday, the governor’s spokesperson, Uche Anichukwu, acknowledged the consultations but said he was unaware of any final decision to leave the PDP, The Cable reported.

However, sources close to the governor insist they are “100 per cent certain” that Mr Mbah will defect to the APC within weeks, if not days.

Mbah’s political background

Mr Mbah, 53, a lawyer, businessman and politician, was elected governor of Enugu in 2023. He previously served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 2003 and later as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development.

During his two years in office, his administration has been credited with advancements in security management, fiscal prudence, innovative governance, and infrastructure and human capital development

Gov Eno: 'Why I dumped PDP for APC'

Previously, Legit.ng reported that Governor Umo Eno said President Bola Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years was the reason for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Legit.ng recalls that Governor Eno officially dumped the PDP for the ruling APC on Friday, June 6, 2025, ending months of speculation.

Source: Legit.ng