PETER MBAH – ENUGU STATE GOVERNOR SET TO JOIN APC

INTRODUCTION

Peter Mbah is the current governor of Enugu State, one of the Southeast states of Nigeria. Elected under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, he has since pursued an ambitious agenda of infrastructure, education, health, security and urban development.

Just this October 2025, it was announced that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level. This move has stirred both excitement and concern, especially among those who see APC as a less trusted political vehicle in the Igbo/Southeast region.

This article examines how Peter Mbah became governor, the controversies around the 2023 election, what he has done in his first two years, the announcement of his defection, how people are reacting, and what might follow.

PETER MBAH’S ROAD TO ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE (2023 ELECTION)

Peter Mbah’s journey to becoming the governor of Enugu State in 2023 was anything but smooth. It was a tense political season marked by high expectations, fierce rivalry, and widespread controversy.

Emerging from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had long dominated Enugu politics, Mbah faced stiff competition from the Labour Party’s Chijioke Edeoga and other contenders. What followed was a tightly contested election that divided opinions across the State.

While official results declared Peter Mbah winner, many citizens and observers believed the process was fraught with irregularities and manipulation. Yet, despite the turbulence, court rulings later upheld his victory. Thus, paving the way for his eventual entry into the Enugu State Government House. Now, let’s look at some key events that characterized his journey to the Government House.

Election Results and Legal Affirmations

The governorship election in Enugu State was held on March 18, 2023, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Peter Mbah of the PDP the winner with 160,895 votes. Closely behind him was Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP), who secured 157,552 votes. The margin was very slim.

Edeoga and LP contested the results, alleging over-voting. According to them, the process was manipulated, and Peter Mbah was not properly qualified. They pointed out irregularities, especially in local government areas like Nkanu East and Nsukka.

Legal Challenges

The Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal heard the case and dismissed the petitions from LP and others, upholding Mbah’s election as valid. The Court of Appeal, likewise, affirmed his election. The Supreme Court also rejected further appeals and confirmed Peter Mbah the actual and valid winner of the elections.

The Certificate Controversy

Before the election, there was controversy over whether Mbah had presented a forged NYSC discharge certificate. The NYSC issued a letter stating that Mbah’s certificate was not theirs. Following that, Mbah sued NYSC, alleging conspiracy, misrepresentation, and suppression of facts.

A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in favour of Mbah, affirming that his certificate was authentic. The court said that the NYSC had acted in bad faith, and thus, awarded him damages of N5 million.

Public Perception of Manipulation

Despite court rulings, many people believed the election was manipulated. Objections were raised, especially about over-voting in certain LGAs, high numbers of votes in Mbah’s home local government (Nkanu East), and disputes over the INEC collation process.

Pro-democracy and civil-society groups explicitly rejected some results in Nsukka and Isi-Uzo, maintain that the process was flawed and heavily militarized.

In short, while the legal system upheld Peter Mbah’s governorship, the closeness of the vote, the allegations of manipulation, and the public dispute over the process have left many believing he “stole” or borrowed someone else’s mandate.

PETER MBAH’S SCORECARD IN HIS FIRST TWO YEARS IN OFFICE 

Despite controversies, Peter Mbah’s administration, from 2023 – 2025 has launched a number of projects and policies which many consider innovative, transformative, or both. Below are some of the key ones, drawn from reports.

These are often mentioned by supporters to justify his governance while critics view them as affecting political optics more than core governance. However, most people agree that something is being done, and here are the signs:

Education

One of Governor Peter Mbah’s most ambitious reforms has been in the education sector. His administration launched the Smart Green Schools Project, which aims to build 260 digital and technology-enabled schools, one in each ward of Enugu State. These schools are designed to integrate technology, robotics, e-libraries, and smart farms into everyday learning.

According to TheCable, Mbah justified allocating 33% of the state’s annual budget to education to make these smart schools a reality. When fully implemented, the project is expected to reduce inequality in educational access, create better learning environments, and prepare students for the future demands of a tech-driven world.

Health

In the health sector, the Mbah administration began the construction of Type 2 Primary Health Care Centres across all 260 wards of the State. Each facility includes staff quarters, modern medical equipment, and renewable energy sources to ensure consistent power supply.

As reported by Authority NGR, this initiative is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare, reduce travel time and cost for residents, especially, those in rural areas, and enhance the State’s preparedness for disease outbreaks.

Security and Safety

Governor Peter Mbah has also made security a top priority. His government established an ultramodern Command and Control Centre equipped with artificial intelligence-enabled cameras, thermal imaging systems, and vehicle number-plate recognition technology.

This was complemented by the deployment of hundreds of police and security vehicles fitted with surveillance equipment, and the linking of security agencies through a state-wide fibre-optic network.

Reports from ThisDayLive and Vanguard News indicate that these measures have already started yielding results, helping to detect and deter crime more efficiently. Security chiefs in the state have publicly commended the governor’s efforts in this regard.

Transport and Infrastructure

In the area of transportation and infrastructure, Peter Mbah has overseen the construction of several modern transport terminals, including those at Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Gariki, and Abakpa Nike. His administration also procured 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and 2,000 city taxis to improve intra-city mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

Another flagship project of Mbah’s administration is the New Enugu City, a planned smart city spanning about 10,000 hectares, which was officially flagged off in October 2024. Additionally, Mbah completed the long-abandoned 5,000-seat International Conference Centre (ICC), which has now become a hub for business, tourism, and international events.

These projects, according to ThisDayLive, underscore his focus on modernizing Enugu’s urban landscape and positioning Enugu State as a regional economic hub.

Water, Agriculture, and Urban Development

Peter Mbah’s administration has also recorded notable progress in water supply, agriculture, and urban development. Through the revival of the Oji River Water Scheme and the commissioning of the 9^th Mile 24/7 Water Project, Enugu has seen a significant improvement in water availability for households and industries.

His government has also revived the United Palm Products Ltd and established large-scale agricultural clusters across various local government areas, creating jobs and boosting productivity. According to Authority NGR, the State has begun developing farm estates in each ward, supported by modern equipment such as tractors, storage warehouses, and value-addition facilities. Reports from GMT News also note that Enugu is positioning itself to increase cashew exports and strengthen the agribusiness value chain.

These are not small promises. Many of these projects involve large budgets, new technologies, infrastructure in neglected areas. They have given Mbah a reputation for being ambitious, very visible in his activities, and doing tangible things.

MBAH’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEFECTION 

This October 2025, it was widely reported that Mbah will formally defect from PDP to APC, with the date and full political alignment (legislators, councillors, State executives) being parts of the plan.

News outlest has reported that, come October 14, 2025, Peter Mbah is to join APC, accompanied by 260 ward councillors, all 24 members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, National Assembly members, and the entire State Executive Council.

APC, itself, appears to be preparing for this defection by dissolving the existing State working committee, installing a caretaker committee for Enugu APC in anticipation.

Some APC members are urging and encouraging his defection, linking it with better access to the federal government and its resources.

MBAH’S POSSIBLE REASONS FOR DEFECTION

While Peter Mbah hasn’t publicly detailed every reason for his planned defection, one can speculate these reasons based on political logic and what has been reported:

Access to federal power and resources. Aligning with the ruling party at the centre often makes it easier to get infrastructure, projects, budgetary allocations, and approvals.

Political survival and re-election. If APC is strong at the federal level, Mbah may calculate that his chances of re-election or maintaining influence will be better within APC.

Pressure from APC to pull in influential figures in Southeast. APC leadership has expressed the desire to expand in the Southeast. Having a sitting governor join is a big symbolic coup.

Internal PDP dynamics: There may be friction, either in priorities, funding, party loyalty, or internal expectations, which make staying in PDP less appealing to him.

PEOPLE’S REACTIONS TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Peter Mbah’s announcement of defection to the APC has stirred both surprise and disappointment among many who feel that Enugu is a PDP stronghold, and that loyalty to PDP in the Southeast and among Igbo has deeper roots, identity, perceived alignment, party trust. The idea that a sitting PDP governor would switch to APC feels like a betrayal to some.

Many are worried about what this means politically. Will Enugu lose autonomy? Will resources be more centrally controlled? Will political patronage in APC affect local government? Will upcoming elections be skewed to favour APC interest more?

On the other hand, some see potential positive aspects in the move. They believe that being aligned with the ruling party at the centre (APC) might bring more federal resources, faster implementation of projects, or better leverage for Enugu.

Among political actors, PDP is expectedly critical. Some members believe that the defection will undermine PDP’s strength in the region whereas APC is optimistic and sees this as a major win. Having Enugu’s governor and State structure inside APC, as far as they are concerned, would shift power dynamics in the Southeast.

CONCERNS AND POTENTIAL RISKS

Of course, this political move intended by Peter Mbah has raised some concerns and political risks among the people.

1. Trust and identity.
   The Igbo in the Southeast have historically been distrustful of APC. Many see it as a party not respectful or responsive to the region’s needs. Mbah’s joining APC may undermine trust among his supporters, especially those who voted PDP for identity reasons.
2. Risk of political betrayal.
   Some fear that defection might lead to broken promises. They are concerned as to whether Mbah’s agenda will stay intact, once inside APC. Will ongoing projects be disrupted or resources diverted?
3. Electoral manipulation fears.
   Given the allegations around Mbah’s election in 2023, many will watch the defection to see if it leads to abuse of office in favour of APC candidates, or more electoral irregularities, come 2027.
4. Internal APC contest.
   Even if Mbah joins APC, he will have to contend with internal party politics. APC local structure in Enugu will have its senior figures, aspirants, councillors who may expect rewards. There could be conflict. Also, as some APC leaders said, there will be primaries, no “free tickets.”
5. Implications for PDP.
   Enugu has traditionally been a PDP State. If the leadership and structure move to APC, PDP may struggle to remain relevant locally. That has knock-on effects for national opposition presence, checks and balances, and political diversity.

WHAT MBAH’S MOVE COULD MEAN FOR ENUGU AND NDIGBO

If the defection holds i.e. if Mbah, his party structure, and local government leaders formally go to APC, Enugu State might begin to align more closely with federal policies under APC. That could be beneficial in terms of funding, visibility, speed of approvals, etc.

However, there’s also risk that local needs e.g. cultural, developmental, ethnic-specific might be compromised if APC’s broader agenda doesn’t align well with Southeast or Igbo aspirations.

For upcoming elections, this realignment could shift the political map in Enugu, possibly leading to more competition in APC primaries, a weakened PDP, and perhaps, forming new coalitions.

Among the Igbo generally, this could mark a moment of rethinking. If a respected governor defects to APC, others might follow. It may signal a weakening of PDP’s dominance, and also the risk that APC will not deliver to the Igbo as many expect, given historical patterns.

HOW MBAH’S MOVE MAY PLAY OUT

The announced date (October 14, 2025) for Peter Mbah’s defection will be symbolic. The main in focua will be on:

• Who attends? Which national APC figures show up? Will he be welcomed openly, or with caveats? These will be strong signals.
• How will Enugu people, especially, PDP loyalists, grassroots, civil society, young people will react? Will there be protests, apathy, support, or fear? Public sentiment matters a lot for legitimacy.
• Will his ongoing projects, especially those initiated under PDP, be maintained or accelerated? Or will shifting party allegiance disrupt them? If the projects continue, it may soften objections. If they are abandoned or stalled, that could be very damaging.
• As he joins, APC’s internal leadership, aspirants, and stakeholders in Enugu will expect roles, influence, and shares of power. Managing those expectations will be crucial.
• PDP’s ability to recover, to present alternative leaders, to challenge APC in Enugu will be tested. They may attempt legal, political, or public opinion strategies.
• This may trigger similar moves elsewhere, or resistance. There will likely be debates among Igbo political elites about whether aligning with APC is strategically wise, or whether it erodes identity and party trust.

IN CONCLUSION…

Governor Peter Mbah came into office under contested circumstances. Legal verdicts affirm his mandate, but many in Enugu and the wider Igbo community believe his victory was tainted by irregularities. In his first two years (2023-2025), however, he has delivered visible infrastructure projects and policy reforms in education, health, water, security, urban development that many see as ambitious and transformative.

The shift toward defecting to APC is a major political development. It has stirred disappointment among PDP loyalists, worry among those wary of APC, but also hope among others who believe alignment with the ruling party could bring more development for Enugu.

For Enugu people and the Igbo generally, the defection raises urgent questions: Will this move bring tangible benefits? Will trust be broken? Will the pattern of political loyalty in the Southeast change? Enugu, long a PDP landmark, may be at the cusp of a political realignment.

Only time will tell how this plays out. The stakes are high – the continuation of ongoing development projects, the preservation of identity and trust, and whether governance aligns with promises or becomes entangled in national party politics.

REFERENCES

• https://guardian.ng/news/tribunal-upholds-mbahs-election-in-enugu/
• https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/breaking-supreme-court-affirms-mbah-as-enugu-state-governor
• https://www.thecable.ng/peter-mbah-justifies-33-annual-budget-for-education-as-enugu-pursues-smart-schools
• https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/05/31/enugu-two-years-of-mbahs-obsession-with-building-infrastructure
• https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/827100-gov-mbah-to-formally-join-apc-on-tuesday.html

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https://nnewicity.com/enugu-state-smart-green-schools-building-the-future-of-education/