The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday described the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major step towards bringing the Southeast into Nigeria’s political mainstream.
Governor Mbah officially joined the APC during a grand rally at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, after announcing in a statewide broadcast that the entire political leadership of Enugu State — including members of the National and State Assemblies — had moved to the ruling party.
Mbah, who completed his APC membership form and received his party card at the event, said his defection followed years of unreciprocated loyalty to the PDP.
Leading a delegation of top government officials, Vice President Shettima said Mbah’s decision marked “a turning point” for the Southeast, ending the region’s years of political isolation.
“The Igbo are one of the most economically enterprising, educationally ambitious, and vibrant tribes in Africa,” Shettima said. “With the coming of Governor Peter Mbah, alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, the Southeast has now moved to the centre of Nigerian politics.”
He assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would promote inclusive governance and equitable development across the region. Addressing Mbah directly, Shettima quipped, “I believe you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right time to bring it out.”
The Vice President affirmed Mbah’s leadership of the APC in Enugu State, stating that “by the constitution and convention of the party, the governor is the leader of the APC in his state.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed the defection as “a catalyst for development in Igboland,” while Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, assured Mbah of equal standing with long-time party members.
Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, praised Mbah for making “a bold and wise decision” that strengthens Ndigbo’s reintegration into national politics.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, likened Mbah’s move to “leading his people from Egypt to the promised land,” lauding his achievements in infrastructure, education, electricity, and water supply.
“Enugu now represents progress,” Yilwatda said. “We are delighted to welcome you back to the progressive family to expand the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots.”
Dignitaries at the event included former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Ned Nwoko, Orji Uzor Kalu, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Osita Ngwu.
