In a major political realignment in Enugu State, prominent federal and state lawmakers have dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing Governor Peter Mbah’s exceptional performance and inclusive leadership style as their reason for the defection.
The defectors include Hon. Dennis Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu federal constituency), Hon. Mark Chidi Obetta (Igbo-Eze South/Nsukka federal constituency), and Hon. Malachi Onyechi (Nsukka West state constituency). They were formally received at the PDP secretariat in Enugu on Thursday in a high-profile event that signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as the Nsukka Zone.
Hon. Agbo praised Governor Mbah for what he called a “visionary approach to leadership,” noting tangible progress in critical sectors such as education, security, healthcare, and infrastructure. He declared that the Labour Party had effectively ceased to exist in the zone following the mass defection of its key figures.
“With the overwhelming number of supporters that have joined us in PDP, it’s safe to say that LP has nothing left in Enugu North. Opposition has become nearly impossible here because of one man—Governor Peter Mbah,” Agbo said.
Hon. Obetta described his return to the PDP as a “homecoming,” citing the governor’s development strides as the driving force behind his decision. He highlighted projects such as the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Schools with over 7,000 technology-enabled classrooms and Type-2 healthcare centres being established in every ward.
“In transport, education, hospitality—Governor Mbah is setting new standards. His achievements make partnering with him the only viable path for progress,” Obetta emphasized.
Hon. Onyechi, who identified as one of PDP’s founding members, echoed similar sentiments, applauding Mbah’s decision to allocate over N2 billion in projects to each of the 260 electoral wards in the state. He said the scale of investment and impact left no choice but to align with the governor’s agenda.
Responding to the wave of defections, PDP State Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, welcomed the lawmakers, describing their move as a validation of Governor Mbah’s administration. He expressed confidence that PDP would secure a sweeping victory in the 2027 general elections, thanks to the governor’s track record.
“With what Governor Mbah has done so far, the next election will be a walkover. We are confident, and more importantly, united,” Chukwuweike stated.
The defections come ahead of Governor Mbah’s second anniversary in office, scheduled for the coming weeks, as the state gears up to celebrate what many now hail as a transformative tenure.
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