|By Chinwendu Nwani
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Alex Chukwuemeka Obiechina, has hailed Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing it as an act of foresight and political courage.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Obiechina said Governor Mbah’s decision reflects a leader who “cares about tomorrow more than today,” adding that his second term in office was already secured even before joining the ruling party.
Governor Mbah, who was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2023, is expected to be officially received into the APC on Tuesday.
Obiechina praised Mbah’s leadership style, noting that he has infused “zeal, excellence, courage, and foresightedness” into Enugu’s governance. He faulted the PDP for what he described as “26 years of stagnation” in the state, citing the party’s alleged impunity, indiscipline, and resistance to change.
“Here is a governor whose second term is guaranteed,” Obiechina declared. “His decision to join us in the APC shows that he cares about tomorrow more than today.”
Recalling his experience as the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State in 2011, Obiechina accused the opposition party of robbing him of his mandate through internal impunity. He said the governor’s defection marks a turning point for the South East, which he claimed had long suffered political marginalization under the PDP.
“There is no doubt that PDP is paying for its many political sins — corruption, bad party politics, impunity, and indiscipline,” Obiechina added. “Governor Mbah’s move has swept away the last remnants of PDP’s years of indignity in the South East.”
Meanwhile, several members of Governor Mbah’s cabinet have also crossed over to the APC. In a viral video recorded at the Enugu State Government House, the officials were seen waving APC flags and chanting, “We are in APC now, Jagaban all the way, APC from bottom to top.”
Among those who joined the ruling party are Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology; Dr. Amaka S. Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical, Vocational Schools Management Board; and Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour.
Governor Mbah’s defection is expected to reshape Enugu’s political landscape and strengthen APC’s foothold in the South East.
