The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a bold stance against the speculated defection of Governor Peter Mbah to the party, firmly stating that such a move will be strongly resisted.
This declaration came during the APC’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at its Enugu Secretariat over the weekend, where more than 150 prominent members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) officially decamped to the APC.
During the event, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, the Enugu APC State Chairman, criticized the current PDP-led administration under Governor Mbah, citing its inability to secure the lives and properties of residents, especially in rural areas like Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas, which have seen increased attacks by suspected armed herders.
According to Premium Times, the ongoing rural insecurity crisis in Nigeria has been linked to inadequate law enforcement and governance in many states.
Agballah asserted that Governor Mbah’s administration has lost the confidence of the people due to what he described as “misgovernance and misplaced priorities.” He emphasized that the APC has a more competent and credible candidate ready to contest and win the gubernatorial election in 2027, with the aim of reclaiming the Lion Building—the seat of power in Enugu.
Some of the notable defectors welcomed during the meeting included:
- Barr. Peter Okonkwo, former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs (PDP)
- Hon. Nonso Ochi, 2023 LP House of Assembly candidate (Awgu North)
- Hon. Onyeka Chukwuedo, PDP aspirant for Awgu South Constituency
- Chief John Edeh, PDP House of Reps aspirant (Nkanu West)
- Chief Tony Chigbo, former Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman and State House of Assembly member
Agballah also used the occasion to address internal party discipline, warning that the APC will no longer tolerate anti-party activities. He alleged that the party’s past electoral defeats in Enugu were due to “planted moles” and revealed that decisive steps are being taken to sanitize the system.
Insecurity in Rural Enugu: A Growing Concern
Speaking on the state’s worsening security challenges, especially the spike in kidnappings and killings along roads such as Ugwogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka, the APC stakeholders lamented the state’s lack of effective response mechanisms. Agballah criticized the much-publicized Command and Control Center, describing it as ineffective beyond a 10-kilometer radius from Enugu’s city center.
For a deeper look into the increasing trend of rural insecurity in Nigeria, check this BBC report on how marginalized communities are being left behind by state governments.
The APC noted that the rural population continues to suffer from violent crimes, with little to no government intervention. This has led to a loss of trust in the Mbah-led government’s commitment to public safety.
Internal Reforms and Suspension of Senator Utazi
In a related development, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed the suspension of Senator Chukwuka Utazi, accusing him of undermining party unity. The State Executive Committee has been directed to ratify this decision and communicate it to the party’s Zonal leadership.
PDP Structures in Nsukka Zone Will Fall — Okonkwo Vows
One of the high-profile defectors, Mr. Peter Okonkwo, declared his intention to collapse the PDP structures in Nsukka zone ahead of the next election cycle. He pledged to popularize the APC and mobilize widespread support across the region.
To stay updated on Nigeria’s political scene, read our latest coverage on party realignments and political dynamics in the Southeast.
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