Umar Sani, a former Special Assistant on Media to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, has downplayed the impact of Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview on Arise Television, Sani described Mbah’s move as “swimming against the tide,” suggesting it would not significantly affect the PDP.

Sani also addressed reports of an internal crisis within the PDP, attributing the party’s current challenges to external factors. He stated that the party remains unfazed by the defection, characterizing the situation as “induced crisis” fueled by external influences using internal instruments to create confusion and chaos.

The PDP chieftain acknowledged potential leadership issues at the national level but emphasized the party’s strong roots in the states, particularly in Enugu, where the PDP’s dominance remains unshaken. Sani’s comments come as the party navigates the aftermath of Mbah’s defection, which some have speculated could impact the PDP’s fortunes in the region.

Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to join the APC has been seen as a significant development in Nigerian politics, with potential implications for the balance of power in Enugu State and beyond. However, Sani’s assessment suggests that the PDP is confident in its ability to withstand the loss of a high-profile member and maintain its position in the state.

As the PDP and APC continue to maneuver in the lead-up to future elections, the dynamics of Nigerian politics are likely to remain complex and unpredictable. Sani’s comments offer insight into the PDP’s perspective on the current situation, highlighting the party’s efforts to project stability and confidence despite external challenges. The ongoing developments in Nigerian politics are being closely watched by observers, who will be keen to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.