Enugu commissioners quit PDP as Mbah joins APC today

Ude-Okoye, who previously served as the PDP’s National Youth Leader, had been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the current National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

In 2021, Anyanwu and other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected into office. However, in 2023, he contested the Imo governorship election, which he lost to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

During Anyanwu’s absence, the PDP South East caucus, led by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Deputy Zonal Chairman Ali Odefa, nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement.

But upon his return, Anyanwu insisted on being reinstated, triggering a protracted legal battle. The Court of Appeal in Enugu recognised Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary, a decision that Anyanwu challenged at the Supreme Court.

The apex court’s judgment, however, deepened the crisis as both men laid claim to victory. The PDP leadership eventually allowed Anyanwu to resume after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared it would only recognise him as the party’s secretary.

On Monday, Ude-Okoye confirmed to Daily Trust that he had resigned from the PDP, saying the party had “lost its moral compass, ideological direction, and founding principles of unity, justice, and equity.”

In his resignation letter dated October 13, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, he said the decision followed “deep reflection and careful consideration,” lamenting that the PDP had “strayed far from the ideals of its founding fathers.”

“After much contemplation,” he wrote, “I have come to the solemn conclusion that I can no longer, in good conscience, remain within a system that has strayed so far from its original purpose. The PDP that once stood as a beacon of hope for democratic governance has regrettably lost its moral compass and ideological direction.”

Meanwhile, several members of the Enugu State Executive Council have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the anticipated defection of Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling party today.

Those who switched allegiance include the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr Amaka Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani.

A video shared on Monday by Dan Nwomeh, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, showed the officials holding APC flags and declaring support for the party.

“Enugu State cabinet members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah – from left to right, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Prince of Mburumbu, Dr Lawrence Ezeh; Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr Amaka S. Ngene; and Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr Felix Nnamani,” Nwomeh posted on X.

The development comes amid mounting indications that Governor Mbah will formally defect to the APC today, following weeks of speculation and the hoisting of the APC flag at the Enugu Government House on Sunday night.

According to reports, the APC has concluded arrangements to officially receive Mbah at a ceremony scheduled to hold in Enugu on Tuesday.

Party officials have been sighted in the state preparing for the event, which is expected to attract key national and regional political figures.

If confirmed, Mbah’s defection will make Enugu the first South East state under APC control since the 2023 general elections — a significant political realignment in the region. At the moment, the APC controls Imo and Ebonyi states, while APGA controls Anambra state and Labour Party controls Abia state.

Mbah, who was elected on the PDP platform in 2023, has yet to comment publicly on the development, though several of his aides and associates have already joined the ruling party.

Makinde upbeat on party’s survival

Political observers see the defection as another major blow to the PDP, which has suffered a series of high-profile exits in recent months.

However, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged members of the PDP not to lose hope despite a wave of defections from the opposition party, expressing optimism that the PDP will overcome its current challenges and produce leaders capable of rescuing Nigeria. He said the party had weathered difficult moments before and would again emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Transportation Subcommittee, which he chairs, Makinde dismissed concerns over the exit of some governors and senior figures from the party. “It may appear that it’s getting worse, but usually, when you want something that will endure, it will get worse before it gets better,” he said. “Since 1999, PDP has always been a constant factor, either as the ruling party or the main opposition since 2015.”

The governor’s remarks come amid growing anxiety in the PDP over defections by prominent leaders, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states with Mbah also about to exit the party.

Makinde, however, maintained that such developments should not discourage members. He appealed for unity, focus, and dedication in rebuilding the party, assuring them that PDP’s nationwide presence remains intact. “When you hear the news that people have defected, just hold your own corner for the PDP,” he said. “This is the moment when new, authentic heroes will emerge—not only for the PDP but for our country. The party will produce capable leaders committed to rescuing Nigeria.”