Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is set to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political realignment in the South-East and potentially ending his affiliation with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mbah, currently the only PDP governor in the South-East, is expected to be received into the APC in the coming days, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) finalises plans to dissolve the existing Enugu APC executive led by Ugochukwu Agballah.
Sources told DAILY GAZETTE that names for a new caretaker committee are already with the Presidency for approval.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, also Chair of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, is reportedly coordinating the harmonisation of the party’s leadership structure in the state, amid tensions with existing stakeholders, including Minister Uche Nnaji, a political rival of Mbah’s from the Enugu East Senatorial District.
Their rivalry, which began during the 2023 governorship election, has continued with mutual allegations, including over certificate controversies.
Mbah’s entry into the APC could put an end to speculations of a 2027 rematch, unless Nnaji himself returns to the PDP.
Amid the political shifts, the Enugu government is pushing forward on economic reforms, announcing a landmark agricultural insurance programme that covers over 9,000 farmers against production risks.
This move is part of a collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) under the Vice President’s office, through the Harvesting Hope Caravan (HHC) initiative, alongside Pula Advisors and Leadway Insurance.
Speaking at the launch, HHC Coordinator Safiya Umar said the programme aims to connect government policy with farmers and local communities, ensuring inclusivity, especially for women and youth.
It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting grassroots involvement in food system reform.
Ugwu Ndubuisi, Pula Advisors’ state head, praised Enugu for embracing data-driven agricultural policies through its participation in the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).
He applauded Governor Mbah’s leadership in expanding access to agri-insurance.
Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai reaffirmed Enugu’s commitment to transforming agriculture, citing the establishment of the Enugu Agricultural Farmland Bank, which has over 130,000 hectares earmarked for commercial farming and investment.
“Food security is the cornerstone of economic stability,” said Ossai.
“Our reforms are focused on creating wealth, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.”
