A good governance advocacy group, Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, has described the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress as “bigger than politics,” insisting it represents a strategic alignment for the state’s future.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwafor, the group said the governor’s move was about “alignment at scale,” and about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader national reforms under the APC-led Federal Government.
“This move is bigger than politics – it is about alignment at scale. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation,” Nwafor said.
Governor Mbah, during the event held in Enugu on Tuesday, declared that his decision was a deliberate and forward-looking step aimed at ensuring the state’s progress and stronger federal collaboration.
“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past, and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead,” Mbah said. “Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the Federal level.”
He reassured residents that all ongoing projects would be completed, noting that his administration remained committed to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and service delivery.
“The progress you see today will not slow down. Schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be finished as promised,” he affirmed.
The governor also urged political leaders in the South-East to focus on results rather than self-interest, stressing that true leadership is about service to the people.
“To the political elite across the South-East, I say this: our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self,” he said.
Observers described the event as unprecedented in the political history of Enugu, noting that the defection was purpose-driven, people-centred, and strategically aligned with national development goals.
With Mbah and his team now in the APC, many believe Enugu’s political landscape has entered a new phase of consolidation and cooperation with the Federal Government — a move that could redefine governance in the Coal City.