Enugu APC bars Gov Mbah from joining party, gives reason

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected the idea of Governor Peter Mbah joining its ranks, citing concerns over his administration’s handling of security issues.

Speaking during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, APC State Chairman Ugochukwu Agballah made the party’s position clear, stating: “We will not accept Governor Peter Mbah into our party.” The gathering also marked the formal defection of 150 key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the APC.

This development comes shortly after a major political shift in Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and the entire State Executive Council abandoned the PDP for the APC. Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a onetime PDP vice-presidential candidate, also joined them in the transition, following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba.

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Oborevwori’s defection ended over two decades of PDP dominance in the oil-rich state, with internal strife and waning grassroots support cited as key reasons behind the move.

In Enugu, the APC took aim at the Mbah administration, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety of residents, especially in light of ongoing attacks by suspected herdsmen in Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo local government areas.

“The Peter Mbah-led government has failed in its primary duty of protecting lives and property of citizens of Enugu state,” the party declared. It further accused the state government of trying to downplay the gravity of the situation and suppress reports of violence.

In a communiqué released after the meeting and shared with SaharaReporters, the party welcomed its new members, promising inclusivity and loyalty.

Among the high-profile defectors were Barr. Peter Okonkwo, a former PDP aspirant for the House of Assembly, who pledged to dismantle PDP structures in the Nsukka zone. Others included Hon. Nonso Ochi, LP House of Assembly candidate for Awgu North; Hon. Onyeka Chukwuedo, PDP aspirant for Awgu South; Chief John Edeh, PDP House of Reps aspirant from Nkanu West; Chief Tony Chigbo, a former Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman and House of Assembly member; and Engr. Emeka Abba, a notable LP figure from Udenu.

“We are confident that our party will continue to grow from strength to strength,” the APC said, attributing its rising profile to growing disillusionment with the PDP and LP.

The party also endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged support for his second-term bid. Furthermore, it ratified the suspension of Senator Chukwuka Utazi for alleged anti-party activities.

Commending Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for his continued backing, the stakeholders urged party members across Enugu State to stay active at the grassroots and remain committed to the APC’s mission.