The New Enugu Group has thrown its weight behind the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, over his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Convener, Barrister Henry Nnanna Okeke, described Mbah as “a capacity leader, reformer, and icon of the new Enugu State,” noting that his courageous and strategic defection to the APC represents a historic moment in the state’s political and developmental journey.
“We declare our unflinching solidarity with His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, as he connects our dear state to the Progressives Government at the center. This is a bold, wise, and disruptive step that signals a new dawn for Enugu State,” he said.
The group further emphasised that Governor Mbah’s vision and actions are consistent with the ideals of transformation and progress that New Enugu stands for, reaffirming their slogan: “New Enugu is here! Tomorrow is here!”
Barrister Okeke reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the governor’s initiatives aimed at driving inclusive development and economic growth across the state.
Mbah officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC in a televised address on Tuesday morning.
Mbah explained that his decision to join the PDP was informed by the need to reshape Enugu and reorganise the politics of the state.
He said, “Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress. Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead. This concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically and how we secure the future of our project and our people.
“Leadership sometimes demands painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes a time, when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”
Ahead of the governor’s defection, all members of his cabinet had on joined the ruling party.
Governor Mbah’s Senior Media Aide, Dan Nwomeh, confirmed the mass defection in a video posted on his social media handles on Monday.
In the video, several government officials were seen openly declaring their allegiance to the APC, chanting praises for President Bola Tinubu and affirming their commitment to the new party.
“Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah,” Nwomeh stated.
The officials, including commissioners and top aides, could be heard in the video declaring, “We are now in APC; tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way; from top to bottom.”
The collective defection marks a significant political shift in Enugu State, which has been a PDP stronghold since 1999.
