Enugu Politics on Edge Over Rumors of Mbah Joining APC

Rumors are spreading in Enugu State that Governor Peter Mbah may leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This has created political tension in the state.

Sources say Mbah has already spoken with important APC members and even informed some PDP lawmakers about his plan. The former APC chairman in Enugu, Dr. Ben Nwoye, recently confirmed that moves are being made to bring Mbah into the APC.

Nwoye praised Mbah’s performance and said the APC needs him to win future elections. He criticized other politicians who claim they can beat Mbah in 2027, pointing out Mbah’s much higher votes in the last election.

Some of Mbah’s supporters are questioning whether the current Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, can actually win Enugu for the APC in 2027. They accuse Nnaji of trying to block Mbah’s entry into the APC and claim he has little influence in the state.

Reports suggest that if Mbah joins APC, there’s already a plan to share government positions equally between APC and PDP members in both state and local governments.

This is not the first time rumors have come up about Mbah leaving the PDP. His closeness with top APC figures in Abuja has fueled speculation for months. However, in June, Mbah publicly denied plans to defect and promised to stay in the PDP, saying all political parties have their own problems.

Tensions in the PDP grew earlier this year when Mbah’s camp pushed for Sunday Ude Okoye to become the PDP National Secretary, but the party’s leadership chose Senator Samuel Anyanwu instead. This decision angered many South East PDP members, and some left for other parties like the ADC.

Last month, Mbah visited Abia State Governor Alex Otti, which led to more rumor that he might join a different party.

Mbah is currently the only PDP governor in the South East, making him the party’s leader in the region. Many believe he has done well for the PDP in Enugu by weakening the Labor Party and attracting its members.

If Mbah does leave the PDP while still governor, he would be the first in Enugu’s history to do so.

Some PDP leaders want him to stay and help fix the party’s problems. Others believe he should leave, saying the PDP no longer values his role.

Critics argue that leaving now could make him look weak or desperate for federal support. They suggest he should remain in the PDP, finish his term, and only consider moving after winning re election.

Meanwhile, a group called the Concerned PDP Stakeholders Forum insists they will remain in the PDP and rebuild it. They say PDP is the only party the people of Enugu truly know and trust.

For now, all eyes are on Governor Mbah to see if he will actually leave the PDP or remain loyal.