Amid growing speculation that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of political and community leaders under the aegis of Enugu State Patriots has declared unwavering support for the governor, saying they would follow him regardless of political affiliation.
The group made the declaration in a communiqué issued on Sunday after a strategic meeting held in Enugu. The communiqué, titled “Peter Mbah is Our Party”, was presented by Prof. Mathine Anikwe, who emphasized that Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership transcends party lines.
“We are convinced that Governor Peter Mbah, by virtue of his transformational agenda and achievements in office, has become a political party on his own,” the Patriots said. “His economic blueprint to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years is on course, and that is what truly matters to Ndi Enugu—not party labels.”
The development follows an earlier statement by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, who expressed their commitment to remain in the party even if Mbah were to switch political camps. However, the Enugu State Patriots maintained that the governor’s performance has earned him the loyalty of the people.
They cited recent endorsements of Mbah’s leadership qualities by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as proof of his growing national influence.
“Since 1998, Enugu State has given the PDP unwavering support and has benefited in return. However, with Governor Mbah’s superlative performance in just over a year in office, he has become the rallying point for our political future,” the statement read.
The Patriots also expressed confidence in Mbah’s re-election prospects in 2027, highlighting both his achievements and the state’s zoning arrangement, which currently favors Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
“The rotational zoning formula has brought political stability to Enugu State, producing governors from each of the three senatorial zones. With Governor Mbah representing Enugu East, his second term is naturally supported by this arrangement, coupled with the exceptional work he is doing,” the group stated.
Notable figures at the meeting included former PDP National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye; traditional ruler of Ogboli Ohaja Autonomous Community, Igwe Kingsley Okeke; former Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Luke Mmamel; Ezeagu lawmaker, Hon. Chima Obieze; Nsukka LGA Chairman, Engr. Jude Asogwa; former state legislator, Hon. Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu; and former Nkanu West LGA Chairman, Hon. Henrich Okenwa.
With growing public endorsements and bipartisan admiration, Governor Peter Mbah appears to be consolidating a political base rooted more in performance and trust than in party loyalty—making him a central figure in the evolving political landscape of Enugu State.
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