Dumping PDP Not A Betrayal, Says Mbah, As He Joins APC

ENUGU State Governor, Peter Mbah, has defended his decision to officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, insisting it was not an act of betrayal, but a move driven by the need to better serve the interests of the people of the state.
Speaking to journalists shortly before formally announcing his long-awaited defection to APC in a broadcast to the people of the state, the governor dismissed suggestions that his action amounted to a betrayal of PDP, on whose ticket he was elected in 2023.
Rather, he stated: “This is not a betrayal, it is also not abandoning; it is more about thinking I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a cost on me carrying that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people.”
Mbah said his decision came after consultations and was rooted in his belief that the PDP platform could no longer “serve the people optimally,” adding: “We have people who, under a particular platform, gave me their mandate to lead them.”
“But it became clear to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us optimally, and then, in consultation with them decided that we’re now going to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve them.
“So, I don’t see that as a betrayal.”
Mbah responded that his loyalty lies with the people, not the political structure, when asked whether he owed an apology to those who had believed that he could represent them as a member of the PDP.
According to him: “If this move would continue or affect the continuity of progress that we have witnessed in Enugu, or if indeed it’s about self- ambition, then of course your analogy may fit.
“But this is a lot more about the people first, before the party.”
The governor, while announcing his defection to APC in a televised address, said: “Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.”
He stated that this decision was based on the need to reshape Enugu and reorganise its politics, adding: “Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead. This concerns our values, how we organise ourselves politically and how we secure the future of our project and our people.”
Mbah thanked the PDP for the opportinuty to fly its flag and support through the years, stressing that the shift was imperative to achieve his administration’s goals, adding: “To the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude.
“The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory.”
However, he stated: “Leadership sometimes demands painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes a time, when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying the state has enjoyed massive support under his leadership.
Ahead of his formal defection, all members of his cabinet had on Monday, October 13, joined the ruling party, a development confirmed by his media aide, Dan Nwomeh, in a video posted on his social media handles, where several government officials were seen openly declaring their allegiance to the APC, chanting praises for President Bola Tinubu and affirming their commitment to their new party.
Nwomeh, in the post, declared: “Enugu State cabinet members join the APC with full chest, along with Governor PN Mbah.
“We are now in APC; tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way; from top to bottom.”
Mbah’s defection came on the heels of Delta State Governors Sheriff Obvwevori ang Umo Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom states, respectively, and their appointees earlier this year, and ahead of Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State and Taraba’s Agbu Kefas, who are reported to have concluded plans to join the ruling party from the PDP.
Until his announcement of defection, PDP has been stripped of its majority, having moved with House of Assembly members, councillors, local councils chairmen and others, while the APC moves up to become the majority and ruling party in the state.