In Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, a coalition of leaders has pledged unwavering support for Governor Peter Mbah amid speculation about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group, known as Enugu State Patriots, includes figures from diverse political, professional, and community backgrounds who declared their readiness to follow Mbah’s political decisions during a Sunday meeting. This comes one day after a faction of the PDP in the state vowed to remain loyal to the party regardless of the governor’s moves.
In a communiqué titled “Peter Mbah is Our Party,” read by Professor Mathine Anikwe, the Patriots emphasized that Mbah’s leadership and economic agenda—not party affiliation—were their primary focus. They highlighted his goal to expand Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, a plan they claim is already gaining traction. The document also cited endorsements from President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, both APC leaders, who reportedly acknowledged Mbah’s governance capabilities despite political differences.
“Governor Mbah has transcended traditional party lines through his performance. He is the political party we recognize, and the people of Enugu will follow his lead,” the statement read. It further asserted that Mbah’s re-election in 2027 is “sacrosanct,” citing both his policies and Enugu’s longstanding power-sharing tradition, which rotates the governorship among the state’s three senatorial zones every eight years. This arrangement previously saw leaders from Enugu East (1999–2007), Enugu West (2007–2015), and Enugu North (2015–2023) hold office, paving the way for Mbah’s 2023 victory as an Enugu East candidate.
The Patriots’ stance contrasts with that of some PDP loyalists, who recently reaffirmed their commitment to the party. However, the coalition argued that Mbah’s development-focused governance has reshaped priorities for residents, whom they refer to as Ndi Enugu. “The electorate now values economic progress over partisan loyalty,” the communiqué stated.
Key figures at the meeting included former PDP National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye, traditional leader Igwe Kingsley Okeke, and several former state officials. Their collective backing underscores Mbah’s influence across factions, even as political dynamics evolve ahead of the next election cycle.
While Mbah has yet to confirm or deny defection rumors, the Patriots’ declaration signals a potential shift in Enugu’s political landscape, where performance and regional power-sharing norms may outweigh traditional party allegiances.
