Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, will officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He will defect with his cabinet members, federal lawmakers, and state assembly members.
Sources from both the Enugu State Government and the APC National Secretariat confirmed that all plans for the move are complete. Mbah’s decision is seen as a political shift that could reshape the Southeast’s power structure and boost the APC’s presence in the region.
The Chairman of the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, Dr. Ben Nwoye, announced the development in Abuja on Friday. He said the governor agreed to join the APC to align Enugu’s policies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, gave us a clear directive to strengthen the party in Enugu,” Nwoye told reporters. “We have reached out to major stakeholders, including Governor Peter Mbah. He has agreed to work with us to reposition the APC and deliver better results.”
Nwoye expressed confidence that Mbah’s entry would energize the party’s structure. He described the governor’s move as a turning point for Enugu, which has been under the opposition for over a decade.
“During the last election, APC recorded only 2,774 votes. That result was disappointing,” he said. “Now we want to change that story. On Thursday, October 9, the governor confirmed his readiness to join us. He wants to ensure the Renewed Hope Agenda reaches Enugu.”
Nwoye explained that Enugu has lost many opportunities due to its opposition status. He added that joining the ruling party would give the state more access to federal development programs.
“For too long, Enugu has stayed behind while other states advanced. That will change on Tuesday, October 14, when the governor declares for the APC,” he said confidently.
Excitement filled the APC National Secretariat as word spread about Mbah’s defection. Party members described it as a major victory for the APC’s expansion drive in the Southeast.
Earlier on Friday, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, inaugurated the Enugu State Caretaker Committee at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. He urged the new team to unite members, rebuild trust, and prepare for future elections.
The seven-member committee includes Dr. Ben Nwoye as chairman, Mrs. Fidelia Njoeze, Comrade Peter Chime, Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Ajih, Dr. Chiedozie Nwafor, and Engineer Emma Ekeh. Former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, will serve as secretary.
Yilwatda tasked the team to strengthen the party at the grassroots and expand its reach in all 17 local government areas.
“Your mission is to rebuild confidence among members and bring everyone together,” he said. “APC must perform better than it did in 2023.”
Nwoye pledged that his committee would reconnect with local leaders and ensure the party grows stronger across Enugu State. He said Mbah’s decision to join the APC would accelerate that effort.
“The governor’s defection will open a new chapter for Enugu. It shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is gaining more acceptance across Nigeria,” Nwoye said.
Party insiders revealed that the official defection ceremony will take place at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu. The event is expected to draw national party leaders, governors, ministers, and National Working Committee members.
Political observers believe Mbah’s move could reshape the Southeast political landscape. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has long dominated the region, but this development may give the APC a stronger foothold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
