Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has predicted a decisive victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State during the 2027 general election. This forecast follows a significant defection of PDP members to the APC, with Udeh-Okoye himself recently joining the ruling party.
The predicted win is attributed to the APC’s enhanced structure in Enugu, resulting from the mass defection of former PDP members. Udeh-Okoye stated that the APC’s improved presence in the state would lead to a landslide victory, regardless of other parties’ candidates. When asked about the potential impact of Peter Obi’s candidacy, Udeh-Okoye expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to win, citing the party’s strengthened structure in Enugu.
In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, who ran on the Labour Party platform, secured a win in Enugu. However, Udeh-Okoye attributed this victory to the APC’s lack of structure in the state at the time. He emphasized that key figures, including himself, have since joined the APC, significantly bolstering the party’s presence.
Udeh-Okoye also addressed the notion that residents of the Southeast region are hesitant to support the APC. He argued that this perceived aversion stems from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged disposition towards the region. With Governor Mbah’s recent defection to the APC, three out of five Southeastern states are now under the party’s control.
The APC’s growth in the region may be attributed to the efforts of regional leaders, such as Governor Mbah, who have delivered on campaign promises. Udeh-Okoye suggested that the Ndigbo people, who primarily inhabit the Southeast, may be more open to supporting the APC due to these developments. As the 2027 general election approaches, the APC’s expanding presence in Enugu State is likely to be a significant factor in the region’s political landscape.