Enugu State witnessed a defining moment in its political evolution on Monday, October 13, 2025, when the Executive Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what observers have described as one of the most strategic political realignments in recent Nigerian history.
The defection, which took place at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, marked a new dawn for the state and sent ripples across the national political landscape. Thousands of jubilant supporters, party faithful, and political stakeholders from all 17 Local Government Areas of the state converged to declare their loyalty to the Governor and his new political platform.
The Enugu State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), led by its Chairman and Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sidney Okey Edeh, has pledged total support for the Governor’s decision, describing it as a “progressive leap forward” for the people of Enugu State.
A Bold and Strategic Step Forward
In a statement signed by Hon. Edeh, ALGON hailed the Governor’s move as “a demonstration of political courage, maturity, and foresight,” adding that it represents a calculated effort to realign Enugu State with the national mainstream for greater infrastructural and economic benefits.
“For years, Governor Mbah showed extraordinary patience and commitment in trying to reform and stabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement read. “But the PDP’s internal crises, injustice to the South East, and declining relevance left no room for progress. This defection is therefore not an act of rebellion—it is a step of renewal and destiny.”
According to ALGON, Governor Mbah’s transition to the APC was not a hurried decision but one “anchored in deep reflection and statesmanship,” noting that his consistent performance in governance proves he is driven by service, not self-interest.
Mass Solidarity Across Enugu State
The rally at Okpara Square was a massive show of strength and unity. Political leaders, cabinet members, and grassroots mobilizers across Enugu’s 17 LGAs turned out in full force, waving brooms—the symbol of the APC—as a sign of solidarity and renewal.
ALGON stated that the decision of the local government chairmen to follow the Governor into the APC was borne out of shared vision and trust in his leadership. “Governor Mbah has shown capacity, intellect, and integrity. He has opened up Enugu to innovation, investment, and development,” the statement said.
National Leaders Welcome Mbah to APC
The defection ceremony drew high-profile attendance from national APC figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and political heavyweights such as Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
Their presence underscored the significance of the event and confirmed Governor Mbah’s new role as the undisputed leader of the APC in Enugu State.
The ‘Tomorrow is Here’ Vision Strengthened
Governor Mbah’s defection also reaffirmed his popular “Tomorrow is Here” mantra—a vision rooted in innovation, service delivery, and transformational governance.
Hon. Edeh described the Governor’s address at the event as “visionary and deeply inspiring,” adding that his words reflected a leader focused on inclusion, unity, and performance.
“His Excellency’s composure and message captured the essence of true leadership—one defined by humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people,” the ALGON Chairman said.
ALGON’s Full Alignment and the Future Ahead
The Enugu ALGON Chairman announced that the association would fully align with the Governor’s political direction and collaborate with the APC at all levels to ensure the continued progress of Enugu State.
“We, the 17 Local Government Chairmen, pledge our total loyalty and readiness to work closely with His Excellency to consolidate the gains of good governance and to mobilize for the APC ahead of its forthcoming congresses,” Hon. Edeh affirmed.
He added that the recent decision by the APC National Working Committee to dissolve the Enugu State Executive Committee and install a Caretaker Committee signified a new beginning for the party in the state.
“The future is now, and it begins with us,” he declared. “This is not merely a political change—it is a movement of purpose, designed to reposition Enugu for prosperity and inclusion.”
Enugu’s Political Balance Reimagined
Governor Mbah’s move has already begun to reshape the political terrain in Enugu, with massive defections rocking the PDP and growing enthusiasm around the APC’s prospects in the Southeast.
Analysts say the Governor’s entry into the ruling party could strengthen the region’s ties with the Federal Government and open new opportunities for development partnerships.
As the ALGON statement concluded:
“Long live His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Long live His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Long live ALGON, Enugu State.”
With this symbolic declaration, Enugu appears poised for a new chapter of political inclusiveness and developmental acceleration under the APC-led government.
