Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has justified his choice to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that this decision was motivated by the desire to better serve the interests of the state’s residents.
In a statement to journalists shortly after revealing his defection during a state-wide broadcast, the governor rejected claims that his actions constituted a betrayal of the PDP, the party under which he was elected.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning,” he stated.
“It is primarily about the belief that I was entrusted with the people’s mandate, and it is my responsibility to carry that mandate on a platform that will most effectively serve the people.”
The governor elaborated that his decision was made after consultations and was based on the conviction that the PDP platform could no longer “serve the people optimally.”
“We have individuals who, under a specific platform, granted me their mandate to lead them,” he remarked.
“However, it became evident to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us in the best possible way, and after consulting with them, we decided to transition to a more robust platform that will better serve their needs.”
“Therefore, I do not perceive this as a betrayal.”
When questioned about whether he owed an apology to those who believed he could represent them as a member of the PDP, the governor asserted that his allegiance lies with the people, rather than the political framework.
“If this move would hinder or impact the continuity of progress that we have experienced in Enugu, or if it is indeed driven by personal ambition, then your analogy may be applicable,” he remarked.
“However, this is fundamentally about prioritizing the people before the party.”
His departure from the PDP is expected to be followed by that of Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, whose defection has reportedly been finalized.
