- Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) to join APC next week.
- Over 24 lawmakers and 260 councillors expected to move with Mbah.
- PDP faces growing internal crisis and accusations of marginalising South-East members.
A massive political realignment is unfolding as Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State prepare to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) next week.
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Sources within the ruling party confirmed that both governors have concluded arrangements to officially declare for the APC on Tuesday, October 14, alongside dozens of state lawmakers and local government officials.
Political Earthquake in Enugu
The defection of Governor Mbah is expected to trigger what insiders described as the “death knell” of the PDP in Enugu State.
Dr. Ben Nwoye, Caretaker Chairman of APC in Enugu, revealed in Abuja that the governor will lead an entire political structure into the party.
“Political evangelism has started. Governor Mbah is coming to APC with his entire structure — 24 lawmakers, 260 councillors, and the state executive,” Nwoye declared at the inauguration of the APC caretaker committee.
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He described the move as the most consequential political shift in the South-East since 1999, saying it will end PDP’s 25-year dominance in Enugu and reposition the region within the national power bloc.
APC Leadership Welcomes the Defections
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, while inaugurating the caretaker committee, said the ruling party remains open to all Nigerians.
“Our goal is to expand, win, and deliver victory in 2027. The APC is home for everyone,” Yilwatda said.
Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, described the event as a political turning point.
“With Enugu in APC, the South-East has found its voice again. We will no longer play second fiddle,” he said.
Why Mbah is Leaving PDP
A close aide to the Enugu governor listed three main reasons for the defection:
- Marginalisation of the South-East by the PDP.
- Failure to ratify Mr. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.
- Endless internal crises that have weakened the party structure.
The aide added that the PDP’s inability to manage its internal rifts, coupled with its disregard for South-East loyalty, pushed Mbah to make a strategic political decision.
Diri’s Bayelsa Move
In Bayelsa, Governor Duoye Diri has reportedly finalised his plans to join the APC after months of consultations with key political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.
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