Enugu Governor Peter Mbah is reportedly se to join APC amid deepening PDP crisis.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah is reportedly on the verge of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Multiple reliable sources in Enugu confirmed to ENigeria News on Monday that Mbah has intensified high-level talks with key figures in the ruling party, with his official defection expected to take place “any moment from now.”
A senior aide close to the Government House hinted that the governor’s decision was driven by the persistent crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying:
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“The governor has read the handwriting on the wall. With the PDP crisis dragging endlessly, he’s simply doing what’s politically smart — aligning with the centre.”
Political analysts see Mbah’s impending move as part of a wider realignment among southern governors, many of whom are said to be quietly shifting allegiance to the APC. Reports suggest that members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have also been approached with offers to join the governor once the defection is formalised.
Within the APC, insider sources revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) is already working to dissolve the current Enugu leadership structure led by Ugochukwu Agballah, paving the way for a caretaker committee loyal to Mbah.
“Names for the new executive are awaiting clearance from the Presidency,” one party source disclosed, hinting that an official announcement could be made by Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Observers have linked the wave of defections to President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing political strategy — one built on quiet persuasion, strategic timing, and the calculated absorption of opposition leaders. Since his days as Lagos governor, Tinubu has been known for fragmenting opposition ranks and expanding his influence through tactical political alliances.
Nigeria’s major opposition parties — notably the PDP and Labour Party — continue to struggle with internal divisions, leadership tussles, and prolonged court disputes, weakening their ability to mount credible challenges ahead of the next general election.
A political analyst in Enugu told ENigeria News:
“Tinubu is building his 2027 victory now, not later. By drawing governors from the South-East and South-South closer to the APC, he’s laying the groundwork for nationwide dominance.”
Meanwhile, Governor Mbah has recently taken steps to align more closely with federal initiatives, a move many interpret as part of his repositioning strategy. His administration recently partnered with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit through the Harvesting Hope Caravan (HHC) — a national food security programme.
Under this collaboration, more than 9,000 farmers in Enugu have been insured against agricultural risks in partnership with Leadway Assurance, Pula Advisors, and Bayer Foundation, underscoring Mbah’s push to remain visible and relevant at the national level.
Unless there is a last-minute change, Governor Peter Mbah appears poised to join what analysts are calling “the great southern political migration” — following the footsteps of some Akwa Ibom and Delta State counterparts.
If confirmed, his defection would not only redefine political power dynamics in the South-East but also strengthen the APC’s path toward a dominant showing in the 2027 elections.
