PDP Expresses Disappointment Over Gov. Mbah’s Defection to APC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is disappointed by the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party urged its governors to remain committed to their roles as leaders elected under the PDP platform and to honor the mandate given to them by the people.
“The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scene. But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow,” PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said Wednesday on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Ologunagba said the party was aware of individuals within its ranks undermining its progress but added that the situation was being addressed. He expressed optimism that the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November would help strengthen its foundation and prepare it for future elections.
“There are some people from within our fold that continue to undermine the party and its progress. We recognize that, but we are dealing with that,” he said.
Comparing the situation to “a madman in a China shop,” Ologunagba said the PDP must act methodically to rebuild unity and discipline.
“As a party, we are focused on the Nigerian people. We don’t want to put too much premium on individuals because it is not about individuals; it is about the people, and that is our strength,” he said.
He added that the Ibadan convention would produce a new National Working Committee made up of people with character, integrity, and courage to guide the party forward.
“You must have a party before you can talk about candidates. That’s what we want to do — build a solid foundation and find people with integrity and capacity to run the affairs of the party so Nigerians can have a choice,” he said.
Governor Mbah officially announced his defection to the APC on Tuesday in a state-wide broadcast, saying his decision was driven by the desire to better serve the interests of Enugu residents.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning. It is about carrying the people’s mandate on a platform that will best serve their interests,” Mbah said.
His defection follows similar moves by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who both joined the APC earlier in the year.
With Mbah’s exit, the PDP now controls nine of Nigeria’s 36 states.