Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is alleged to have abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what could mark one of the most significant political shifts in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the governor revealed that Mbah has held extensive consultations in recent weeks with political allies both within Enugu and at the national level. Among those believed to have influenced his decision are former governors Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, as well as former Senate President Ken Nnamani, all of whom are now prominent figures in the APC.
Insiders disclosed that the final consultations are expected to wrap up this week, after which Governor Mbah and his political structure will announce an official date for his defection.
According to sources, Mbah’s decision stems from two major grievances. First, he has reportedly grown disillusioned with the PDP’s lingering internal crises, which he views as a threat to the party’s chances in 2027. Secondly, he has voiced concerns over the continued marginalization of the Southeast in the PDP’s leadership hierarchy.
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The tension dates back to June, when Mbah threatened to lead the Southeast bloc out of the PDP after the national leadership reinstated Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary over Sunday Udeh-Okoye, the preferred candidate of the zone. The move, allegedly influenced by former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, further deepened Mbah’s frustrations.
If confirmed, Mbah’s defection will be a major blow to the PDP, which will be left with control of only nine states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara. With Rivers already under strong APC influence through Wike’s alliance with the Tinubu administration, the party’s grip appears increasingly fragile.
The APC, on the other hand, will extend its dominance to 24 states nationwide, leaving only Abia (Labour Party), Anambra (APGA), and Kano (NNPP) under opposition control.
Mbah’s rumored switch has already triggered intense debate across the political spectrum, with analysts suggesting it could reshape alliances in the Southeast and alter Nigeria’s political balance ahead of 2027.
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