Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement on Tuesday, receiving his APC membership card at the Government House, Enugu, and delivering a televised statewide address.

Mbah said the decision was guided by a vision to better connect Enugu State to the federal government and secure greater development opportunities for the people.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, citing the Renewed Hope agenda and its alignment with his administration’s transformational goals.

According to Mbah, this defection is not just political realignment but a step toward deeper collaboration between state and federal structures for the benefit of citizens.

Below is the full text of Governor Peter Mbah’s official defection speech:

CHARTING A NEW COURSE: TRANSITION FROM PDP TO APC

TEXT OF AN ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. PETER NDUBUISI MBAH, ON HIS FORMAL DECLARATION FOR THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
I want to begin by expressing a deep gratitude to God and Ndi Enugu…
For we are indeed at a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewal.

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 projects and our people.
I offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this journey over the past 28 months.

At the top of that list is Ndi Enugu. At a time when confidence in political leaders had almost collapsed, you chose to believe in us.
When I declared that “Tomorrow Is Here,” it struck a chord in your hearts. You put aside long-held skepticism and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened.

Let us pause for a moment and consider what this transformation looks like.
It looks like Smart Green Schools nearing completion and primary healthcare centres in all 260 wards.

It looks like crime down by 80%; Maternal, Under-5 and infant mortality rates reduced by 400 percent.
It looks like a Command and Control Centre with AI-embedded Security Surveillance System and 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles that guarantee safe streets and neighbourhoods.
It looks like water flowing again through new mains and restored supply.
It looks like over 1000 kilometres of paved roads.
It looks like Internally-Generated Revenue up 600%.

It looks like a fully booked International Conference Centre pouring money into our local economy.
It looks like direct flights taking off – with Enugu Air linking us to key cities across Nigeria and beyond.

It looks like 3 million visitors to Enugu by 2026 – with Nigeria’s first zipline, 4 immersive eco-tourist sites.
It looks like commuting in comfortable CNG buses at 5 world-class terminals; and having 260 Farm Estates that bring production to scale.

It looks like Hotel Presidential and Nigergas revamped; and several moribund assets roaring back to life.
Of course, it looks like winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award as the Cleanest State in Nigeria.
It looks like Enugu on the national – indeed global – map.
Ndi Enugu, Your trust and support have been the bedrock of our success, and we pledge to honour that by delivering on our election promises.

Our elder statesmen have also demonstrated generosity and foresight.
Many of you had witnessed decades of broken promises. When we approached you, we did not ask for blind loyalty but some faith in our vision.
You gave us that faith. Together, with your vote of confidence, we have achieved remarkable progress.

To my colleagues in the administration, I am grateful for your resilience. We have walked a path that often felt like a marathon without rest. Many of the ideas we put forward were dismissed as unrealistic. Yet you kept pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

Because of your dedication, today we hear applause for Enugu across Nigeria and beyond.
To the Peoples Democratic Party, which provided the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined in celebrating the victory.

For nearly 3 decades, the PDP and the people of Enugu walked side by side, united by shared purpose. Together, we built relationships that will always matter to me personally and to this state.

Yet, leadership sometimes demands difficult – even painful – decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there always comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.

Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress.
This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, all political appointees and over 80% of party executives.

Over the past months, I have thought carefully about the path forward. In the end, after much soul searching and discussion, I have concluded that we must stand for the principles and institutions that honour transparency, trust, and above all – the people we serve.

For decades, the South East – especially Enugu – has stood firmly behind the PDP, showing loyalty that shaped the party’s success.
Yet despite this history, our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most.
It has therefore become necessary to seek affiliation where our interests as a region are represented in the form of fair partnership.
We are not moving from a place of resentment or fear. We are confident of our future.

We have no axe to grind, no personal point to make. But fairness, respect and integrity must guide our choices for that future to be ours.
Today, in joining the APC, we are embracing a visionary partnership.

I have found in His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.

Together, we share a conviction that transformation must be bold and disruptive – that roads, railways, and airlines must stretch out from the heart of the South East; that Enugu’s promise, its security, its schools, its hospitals, its markets, its communities – must be reinforced.

The President has shown not only interest, but a deep and vested commitment to Enugu, one that recognizes our region as a pillar of national progress.
We both share a belief that renewal does not stop at the grand highways or the balance sheets. It must reach the ward, the village, our grassroots. It is in the daily life of the farmer, the trader, the young entrepreneur that reforms come alive.

We both welcome initiatives that decentralize opportunity, that strengthen the capacity of local government, that bring seed capital and credit to our youth, and that expand healthcare and education at the community level.
Just as we do in our ward-based development initiatives, these convictions are boldly expressed in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, an idea conceived to empower over 8.8 million Nigerians across the country’s 8,809 electoral wards.

Yes, some choices demand sacrifice. Removing subsidies, unifying our foreign exchange markets, confronting crippling inefficiency – these are not easy decisions. But these are the smart choices that free resources for investment in our people.
His Excellency, the President has shown he is not afraid to make the tough decisions for a fair and stable nation. And here in Enugu, we have been just as audacious.

This move is bigger than politics – it is about alignment at scale. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation.
Of course, this does raise some questions:
Will the voice of Enugu be heard now in Abuja?
How will the change affect our progress at home?

How will your lives be touched by this decision?
Let me be clear, I will represent our state and our region with the same strength of purpose as I have always done. Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level.

The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. Yes, there have been challenges and delays along the way, but make no mistake – schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be finished as promised.
To the political elite across the South East, I say this: our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.

To Ndi Enugu, let me say this: this will not break our stride. We are a force of endeavour, and we need an ally who can match our ambition.
Let me reassure you – this is not a detour, but a conscious step towards a more compelling future.
As we begin this new chapter, I ask for your understanding, your trust, and your continued support.
Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve.

Finally, I want to express our most profound gratitude to Mr President for his support and encouragement of our vision. I’m confident this marks the beginning of a new era of growth and progress.
Thank you, and may God bless Ndi Enugu; God Bless Enugu State and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Tomorrow is here….

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.

Governor Mbah made the announcement during a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, telling citizens that the move was made in the interest of aligning Enugu State more closely with the federal government.

“This decision is driven by the need to better connect our state to the centre and secure greater benefits for our people,” the governor said.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that Enugu has already begun to feel the impact of progressive federal policies under the APC-led government.

“Under President Tinubu, we have witnessed increased federal attention and support. We must consolidate on that,” Mbah added.

Governor Mbah’s defection was not a solo move.

He was joined by a large contingent of political allies, including members of the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors and other key political appointees.

His exit from the PDP follows a growing trend among governors in the South-South and South-East regions.

Sources confirm that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is also set to formally defect to the APC, having reportedly concluded internal arrangements.

Earlier in the year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also crossed over to the APC, bringing along their entire political structures and appointees.

Enugu State’s political scene experienced a shake-up as former federal lawmaker, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Ofor Gregory Chukwuegbo, formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter dated October 13, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward 02 Chairman in Amechi-Uwani, Enugu South Local Government Area, Chukwuegbo cited deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs within the PDP as the reason for his decision.

The letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE reads;

“I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), effective this 13th day of October, 2025,” the letter read.

Offering further insight into his defection, Chukwuegbo said the PDP no longer represented a viable platform for pursuing meaningful political goals or effecting change.

“This decision follows deep reflection. The ongoing decline in the party’s structure and vision has made it increasingly incapable of serving as a platform where members can pursue genuine aspirations,” he stated.

According to the former lawmaker, the need to align with a political body that reflects his commitment to development and impactful governance informed his move.

“It is essential for me to work with a platform that allows me to continue making a difference in my community and in the nation at large,” he explained.

Chukwuegbo was candid in his assessment of the PDP’s current state, declaring that the party no longer offers him the opportunity to achieve his political mission.

“As of today, the PDP is no longer in a position to offer me that opportunity,” he declared.

He ended his letter with a definitive statement about his next political chapter:

“I have joined and pledged my loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

A coalition of transport operators, unions, and sector stakeholders in Anambra State have officially declared their support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election campaign during a major rally held at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha North Local Government Area on Monday.

Governor Soludo, who was first elected in March 2022 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s sweeping reforms, particularly in the transportation sector, under the “Solution Agenda.”

The rally, described as a show of solidarity, saw large attendance from drivers and transport workers across the state.

Speaking at the event, Osita Obi, Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum and Head of the Media Sub-Committee for the rally, praised Soludo’s leadership, describing it as transformative and focused on restoring order in a once-chaotic sector.

“Under Soludo, the era of harassment, illegal levies, and multiple taxation is fading fast. He brought structure, discipline, and fairness to the system,” Obi stated.

He highlighted key achievements including the introduction of a digital unified ticketing system, which has reduced corruption and improved revenue transparency.

According to Obi, drivers now operate with more dignity, freed from the daily harassment of touts and illegal collectors.

Obi also pointed to the Smart Transportation Management System, a technology-driven initiative aimed at improving traffic management and safety.

He credited this and the government’s investments in road construction and rehabilitation for opening up access to markets and industrial zones.

“These are not just stories on paper, we see the results every day. That is why we are rallying behind Soludo. He is a friend to the transport community and a visionary leader,” Obi concluded.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Soludo thanked the transport community, recognizing them as essential contributors to Anambra’s economy.

“You are the engine that keeps our economy moving. We don’t take your support for granted,” Soludo said.

He acknowledged complaints about ongoing illegal levies imposed by impostors posing as government agents and vowed to take action.

A special task force will be set up to curb extortion and protect operators, the governor promised.

He also reminded drivers not to make any payments outside government-approved channels, emphasizing the exclusive use of digital platforms for all official transactions.

Celestine Anere, Managing Director of Ocha Brigade and Coordinator of the Solution Marshal/Transport, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the preparedness of the governor’s supporters.

“The Solution Marshals and our transport union members are fully mobilized for the upcoming November 8 election. We’re ready to ensure the governor’s re-election through all legal and democratic means,” Anere said.

Hon. Gabriel Eze, the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly has officially announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Governor Peter Mbah’s recent move to the ruling party at the centre.

The lawmaker, who was elected on the platform of the labour Party, described his decision as a bold but necessary step taken in the interest of his constituents and the future of Enugu State.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, the Isi-Uzo representative said the time had come to put political sentiment aside and align with a national movement that would guarantee greater development for the people of Enugu East and beyond.

“This is not about personal gain or political ambition. It is about aligning with a progressive vision for our state and our people. It is about ensuring that Isi-Uzo is not left behind as Nigeria moves forward. The decision was not easy, but it is the right one,” he said.

He noted that under Governor Mbah, Enugu State has witnessed new energy in governance and his move to the APC is a clear readiness to collaborate with the federal government to attract more development to the state.

“His Excellency’s move is strategic. We can no longer operate in isolation. If we must bring federal presence, investments and infrastructure to our state, we must build bridges. I’m proud to walk that path with him.”

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Isi-Uzo with renewed energy and assured them that his decision would translate into more opportunities and greater attention from Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, originally slated for Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The decision was announced in a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

According to the statement, the National Working Committee (NWC) convened an emergency meeting in Abuja on October 13, 2025, and resolved to postpone the NEC session in light of “recent developments in the party.”

The postponement was made under the authority of Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

Ologunagba reminded NEC members that their scheduled meeting was earlier communicated, but he asked them to await a fresh date, which will be shared in due time.

The party’s leadership called on all NEC members to take note of the change and remain alert for further instructions.

This move comes amid a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which many see as placing enormous pressure on the PDP.

In response, Governor Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, publicly reaffirmed the party’s resolve.

He assured stakeholders that neither defections nor external forces will derail the planned National Convention in Ibadan, set for November 15–16, 2025.

Governor Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has tasked the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba, with discharging his duties with honour, integrity, and a strong commitment to the state’s interests.

Governor Fubara gave the charge during Anabraba’s official swearing-in ceremony, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor emphasised that the appointment was not based on merit alone but on divine favour.

“Congratulations. It is not by our power but by God’s special grace that a few of us are called to serve in exalted positions. Leadership is not attained solely by effort, but by His favour,” Fubara said.

He described the Office of the SSG as one of great responsibility and honour, noting that only a select few have held the role since the creation of Rivers State.

He urged Anabraba to serve with humility and dedication.

The governor expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, referencing his experience as a former principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This office is a rare privilege. Guard it with integrity. Let your service be remembered with honour,” Fubara stated.

“This is not a platform for showmanship or the display of authority, but a call to responsible service.”

The governor also highlighted that the appointment comes at a crucial time, as his administration seeks to rebuild public trust and consolidate the peace recently restored in the state.

“We’re emerging from a difficult phase. Now that peace has returned, we must show our people that we are committed to their welfare,” he said.

Fubara urged the new SSG to align with the administration’s vision and work toward meaningful development and progress for all residents of Rivers State.

Earlier that day, the appointment was formally confirmed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo.