New Leadership Takes Over Enugu PDP After Mbah’s Defection to APC

A new leadership has emerged in the Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the defection of Governor Peter Mbah and several top officials to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The new leaders, after a high-level meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, pledged to embark on a reconciliation drive to reunite aggrieved members and strengthen the party’s base across the state. They also announced plans to begin an aggressive membership recruitment campaign to attract new progressives into the party.

The development comes just days after Governor Mbah formally defected to the APC along with several members of his executive council, local government chairmen, councillors, and other party loyalists.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, signed by the newly appointed Chairman, Dr. Godwin Udibe, and Secretary, Barr. John Nwobodo, the party leaders described Mbah’s defection as “cringeworthy,” but acknowledged his constitutional right to freedom of association.

They, however, criticized him for allegedly dismantling the PDP structure in the state before his exit.

> “Notwithstanding the vacuum created by the governor’s departure, we have competent and progressive members ready to reposition the party and reclaim the governorship seat from Peter Mbah in 2027,” the statement read.



The leaders maintained that the mass defection would not diminish the PDP’s strength or political relevance in Enugu State.

> “The PDP remains a formidable platform in Enugu. The exit of the governor, lawmakers, and other government officials will not derail our resolve to rebuild and reclaim our mandate,” they added.



The meeting also commended the national leadership of the PDP for its ongoing efforts to restructure the party and ensure a successful National Convention.

They particularly praised the Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who chairs the National Convention Organising Committee, for his commitment to the party’s unity.

The statement further appreciated the PDP for appointing Senator Ben Ndi Obi as Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee, replacing Governor Peter Mbah, who previously held the position before his defection.

With the new leadership now in place, the Enugu PDP has vowed to rebuild its structures, regain public confidence, and prepare strategically for the 2027 general elections.