Governor Peter Mbah’s Defection to APC Shakes PDP, Strengthens Ruling Party’s Grip on Senate
Story: written by Uzuh Rita October 15,2025
The defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown Nigeria’s main opposition party into fresh turmoil, while further solidifying the APC’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With Mbah’s exit, the PDP now controls only nine states, and its representation in the Senate has dropped to 27, as the ruling APC officially secured a two-thirds majority in the upper chamber on Tuesday.
Governor Mbah made his defection public at a press conference in Enugu, explaining that his decision followed “a long period of reflection” and was driven by a desire to build stronger ties with the federal government to fast-track Enugu State’s development.
“Today, after deep reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a common vision that transformation must be disruptive,” Mbah declared.
“I have found in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a partner in purpose — a leader willing to make the tough choices that guarantee lasting prosperity.”
The governor, accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, lawmakers, and political leaders from Enugu, described the move as a collective decision by his political family. He said over 80 percent of Enugu’s PDP structure — including National Assembly members, State Assembly members, local government chairmen, and councillors — had joined him in the defection.
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for its past support, Mbah lamented that the South-East zone had been consistently marginalised in national politics despite its long-standing loyalty to the opposition party.
“This is not a whimsical decision,” he said. “Our people deserve to be heard in Abuja. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.”
Mbah affirmed his commitment to representing the interests of Enugu State and the South-East, stressing that the region’s political relevance would be better secured through alignment with the ruling party.
“Our Igbo identity does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he stated.
APC Consolidates Power in the Senate
In a related development, the PDP’s presence in the Senate further weakened on Tuesday following the defection of Senator Kaila Dahuwa Samaila (Bauchi North) to the APC. His switch increased the APC’s strength in the upper chamber to 73 senators, giving the party a firm two-thirds majority.
In his letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Samaila attributed his defection to the PDP’s persistent internal crises and “lack of clear direction,” which he said had hindered his ability to serve his constituents effectively.
“The ongoing factionalisation and absence of purposeful leadership within the PDP have gravely constrained my ability to deliver on my mandate,” he wrote.
Political analysts believe Mbah’s defection could mark a turning point in South-East politics, signalling growing alignment between the region and the ruling APC — a dynamic that may significantly reshape the political map before the 2027 polls.
