The Enugu state Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as not just a leader but a partner in purpose and a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.
Speaking during his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu, Tuesday, Mbah said he and Tinubu shared 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.”
Mbah stated that Tinubu had shown not only interest, but a deep and vested commitment to Enugu, one that recognised the South-East as a pillar of national progress.
He further said: “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.”
Continuing he said: “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.”
Gov. Mbah who said his decision to team up with the APC was not a whimsical one, further said: “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.”
He noted that “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.”
He acknowledged the effort of the PDP for providing the platform on which he campaigned and won election.
“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.”
