Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have vowed to stage a protest in Abuja if moves to frustrate Governor Peter Mbah’s planned defection to the ruling party persist.
The warning followed a weekend meeting of party leaders from the six local government areas of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, where they accused the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, of working against Mbah’s anticipated entry into APC.
The leaders urged Nnaji to focus on his national assignment, warning that resistance to the governor’s move would be met with strong action.
Prominent stakeholders at the meeting included former APC state chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; retired Ambassador to Ukraine, Gen. Christian Ugwu; immediate past Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hilary Edoga; former governorship candidate, Chief Gab Nnamani; Chief Anike Nwoga; Hon. Hyacinth Ngwu; and Mrs. Juliet Egbo.
Dr. Nwoye said Mbah’s defection would transform APC’s fortunes in Enugu, noting that the governor’s achievements had earned him wide admiration.
“Our plan is to reverse APC’s abysmal performance in Enugu. The rumours are everywhere that Mbah should move to APC because he has performed. Those putting a wedge to stop him don’t want APC to win in Enugu, but we won’t allow that,” he said.
He stressed that Mbah’s strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security had already drawn commendation from President Bola Tinubu despite political differences.
Chief Nwoga warned that if the minister and his allies continued to “spread hate” and block Mbah, stakeholders would march to the Presidency to demand Nnaji’s removal.
“APC hasn’t won any major seat in Enugu before. If Peter comes over, the party will begin to win. Some of them want APC to lose in 2027 so they can sit tight in their Abuja appointments,” Nwoga alleged.
Prof. Edoga added that rejecting Mbah would amount to self-marginalisation by Enugu APC, citing Akwa Ibom and Delta where governors lead the party structure.
On his part, Gen. Ugwu backed the defection, describing Mbah as “more competent” and pledging support for his integration into the party.
Mrs. Egbo noted that Enugu would enjoy greater federal attention under APC if Mbah crossed over, similar to Imo and Ebonyi States.
The meeting ended with a unanimous call on the APC national leadership to support Mbah’s defection, warning that any attempt to frustrate the process could trigger mass protests from Enugu East stakeholders.
