APC Clears Path for Governor Mbah’s Defection as Enugu Partners FG on Food Security

Barring any last-minute changes, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is on track to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), joining his counterparts from Akwa Ibom and Delta states in what appears to be a coordinated political shift.

Mbah, currently the only PDP governor in the South-East, is expected to be formally welcomed into the APC in the coming days, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) moves to restructure its Enugu chapter. The Guardian has learned that the APC leadership is finalising plans to dissolve the existing state executive committee led by Ugochukwu Agballah. A caretaker committee, whose members are reportedly awaiting clearance from the Presidency, will take over pending new elections.

Sources within the party indicate that the formal defection ceremony is slated for Thursday, October 9, with several APC governors expected to attend. Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, is said to be playing a key role in managing the transition process.

However, internal resistance remains. Uzodimma is reportedly seeking to retain influence over the party structure in Enugu, a move that has created friction with Mbah’s camp. Both Ugochukwu Agballah and embattled Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji known allies of Uzodimma are said to be opposed to Mbah’s entry.

The rivalry between Mbah and Nnaji has deep roots. Both contested the 2023 gubernatorial election, with Mbah emerging victorious and Nnaji, then the APC candidate, finishing third. The political tension deepened with allegations over their respective academic credentials claims that have been widely seen as politically motivated.

Enugu Advances Food Security Agenda

Amid the political realignment, the Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to food security through a new partnership with the Harvesting Hope Caravan (HHC), a flagship initiative under the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) in the Office of the Vice President.

The state has also collaborated with Pula Advisors, Leadway Insurance, and other donor partners to insure over 9,000 farmers against agricultural risks—an effort aimed at strengthening farmer resilience and boosting agricultural productivity.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, HHC Coordinator, Safiya Umar, said the initiative bridges the gap between government policies and grassroots realities. She noted that the Caravan promotes inclusive engagement by involving women, youth, and smallholder farmers in shaping national agricultural strategies.

“The HHC fosters dialogue, builds partnerships, and unifies efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems. It promotes inclusivity by giving traditionally marginalised groups a voice in the agricultural space,” Umar said.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports evidence-based, people-centred agricultural reform.

Ugwu Ndubuisi, Head of Pula Advisors in Enugu, praised the state’s proactive approach to agricultural policy and insurance coverage. He commended Governor Mbah for prioritising farmer welfare and ensuring data-driven participation in the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).

Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Mbah at the flag-off, highlighted the state’s broader agricultural reforms, including the establishment of the Enugu Agricultural Farmland Bank, which currently holds over 130,000 hectares of land to attract investment and support commercial farming.

He lauded the partnership with the Presidency and noted that food security remains a cornerstone of economic development in the state.