Category: Politics

The political landscape of Enugu State shifted sharply on Thursday as the entire Labour Party structure in Enugu East Local Government Area decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Leading the exodus was Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene, popularly known as Akirika Chioku I Na Nike, the Executive Chairman of Umuchigbo Iji Nike and Enugu East Labour Party Chairman. Speaking at a rally in Umuchigbo Iji Nike ward, Ogbene said his decision was inspired by Governor Mbah’s “uncommon and unprecedented developmental strides.”

“When I heard that our amiable and hardworking governor was joining the APC, I became very excited,” Ogbene said. “This is the right time to join forces with him to take Enugu to greater heights. My friends and teeming supporters have also decided to join the APC.”

The rally, which drew a large crowd of supporters, was described by Enugu East Local Government Chairman, Pastor Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, as “historic.”

“It’s on record that within 48 hours of Governor Mbah’s defection, Enugu East is the only local government hosting the collapse of the Labour Party into the APC,” Anike said.

He lauded Ogbene’s grassroots influence and assured the defectors of full integration. “With his entrance, our work ahead of 2027 will be smoother as we work together to deliver Governor Mbah,” he added.

Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who represented the governor, welcomed the defectors and emphasized the importance of the South East aligning with the national political mainstream.

“Every Igbo person should join the APC to benefit fully at the national level,” Ogbodo said. “Governor Mbah’s move is a step towards ending the marginalisation of our people.”

He relayed the governor’s goodwill message to the people of Umuchigbo and assured them of inclusive governance under the APC-led administration.

The defecting Labour Party members expressed confidence in their new political home, describing the switch as a new chapter of growth and unity in Enugu East. The development signals another major boost for the APC’s rising momentum across Enugu State.

By Doris Ewoh, Enugu

Rt. Hon. Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to take over the South-East.

This declaration came as he, along with other party chieftains and stakeholders, welcomed the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, into the APC, on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, at Okpara Square, Enugu.

While addressing the crowd, he said:

“The acceptance of the Progressives by the governor and the good people of Enugu State signifies one thing, that the APC is going to take over the South-East. Enugu is the heartbeat of the Eastern part of Nigeria.”

He assured the people that, with the ongoing transformation in the state under Governor Mbah, “APC is the right platform for him to do even better.”

He continued by stating that the APC is the party of the future, one that will bring greater fulfillment, development, and achievements. He added that Mbah should be ready to enjoy all the privileges that come with being a member of the party.

The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma, expressed joy at the bold step taken by Governor Mbah, saying:

“We are very delighted to receive our brother, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, into our family. We are excited and very happy. We thank him for this bold move to strengthen the work our President is doing.”

Acknowledging the transformation ongoing in the state, Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, affirmed:

“A man that is transforming, a man that is performing, should belong to the Progressives.”

He further thanked the people of Enugu for supporting the governor in taking this bold step to continue the good work he has started.

Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Representing the Edo North Senatorial District remarked that Enugu is now playing a pivotal role not just in politics but also in the economy, crediting the progress to Governor Mbah.

“With Enugu, we are complete, what is left?” he asked.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, declared that Gov. Peter Mbah, by reason of his position, had become the leader of the party in the state.

PACESETTER reports that the event was attended by several governors, senators and state chairmen under the APC platform, including the national chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

…Reiterates Moghalu’s capability if elected governor

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, the Governorship Candidate of LP, Dr. George Moghalu, and the Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Oby Orogbu, paid homage to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ositadinma Nwokedi, Uthoko n’Eze Achalla, in continuation of their community-to-community campaign tour.

The royal father warmly received the delegation, offered prayers for their success, and commended their humility and commitment to reconnecting leadership with the grassroots.

Addressing the monarch and his cabinet, Dr. George Moghalu decried the deplorable state of roads and infrastructure in Achalla and across Awka North, describing it as a product of neglect and failed leadership.

“We are at a critical point in our state’s history. The roads in Achalla are scandalous, and no government has any justification to abandon this community despite the huge allocations from the federal government. Awka North receives billions monthly, yet there is nothing to show for it. No road here lasts even one season; the leadership has failed our people,” Moghalu lamented.

Prof. Oby Orogbu, who spoke with emotion, condemned the total absence of government presence in Achalla despite its status as the headquarters of Awka North Local Government Area.

She listed some of the projects she personally attracted to the area, including the ongoing reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Achalla, the supply of learning materials to public schools, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and renovation of rural health centres.

“It pains me deeply that Achalla has been abandoned by successive governments. Our people deserve schools, roads, and healthcare that work,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr. Peter Obi emphasized that leadership is about humility, compassion, and service to humanity. He expressed confidence in Dr. Moghalu’s integrity, character, and capacity to restore purposeful governance in Anambra State.

“We are supporting a man who has what it takes to rebuild Anambra, a man of character, compassion, and competence,” Obi said.

The visit, which exposed the poor condition of the roads leading to Achalla, including the route to the Igwe’s palace, underscored the Labour Party’s determination to deliver responsible leadership and infrastructural renewal across the state.

MOGHALU VOWS TO RECONSTRUCT NKPOR ROADS AND RESTORE GOVERNMENT PRESENCE

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Dr. George Moghalu (Ohamadike Nnewi), on Monday led his community-to-community campaign tour to United Primary School, Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area, where he was received by a massive crowd of enthusiastic supporters who expressed frustration over years of neglect, poor infrastructure, and lack of government presence in their community.

Residents lamented that since after the administration of Dr. Chris Ngige, Nkpor has not witnessed any major road construction or government project, describing the situation as disheartening and unacceptable.

Addressing the gathering, the Labour Party Deputy Governorship Candidate urged the people, especially women, to rise and defend their political future. She said, “Women are game changers. Don’t sell your votes—save your future. Anambra ga adi mma ozo (Anambra will be better again). Vote for the Labour Party and let God use us to rebuild our dear state,” a message that resonated strongly with the crowd.

In his address, Dr. George Moghalu condemned the state of neglect in Nkpor, describing it as “a sad reflection of failed leadership,” and vowed to change the story. He promised that under his administration, Nkpor and other communities across Anambra would experience genuine transformation through the reconstruction of all access roads, improved infrastructure, and renewed government presence.

He said, “It is painful that a commercial hub like Nkpor has been abandoned for years. Under my watch, that will end. We will open new roads, light up our streets, empower our youths and women, and restore the dignity of our people. Every part of Anambra will feel the presence of government.”

Moghalu reaffirmed his commitment to honesty, discipline, and service, assuring that his administration will prioritize people over politics.

“We will not leave Nkpor behind. Ndi Aka Odo will go, and hope will return to our people. My covenant with Ndi Anambra is to serve, not to rule. Together, we will rebuild this state and make Anambra a shining model of good governance in Nigeria,” he declared to thunderous applause.

…Enugu Citizens, Stakeholders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Traditional Rulers Council, Council Chairmen, Others Agog, Back Decision

…Blame PDP for the mass exodus – ex-party chairman

Enugu State’s capital city is agog as all is now set for the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Tuesday.

This is even as various critical segments of the state as well as Ohanaeze Ndigbo have thrown their weight behind Mbah’s decision to move into the APC, while a former Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Augustine Nnamani maintained that PDP has itself to blame for precipitating the mass exodus from the party in Enugu State.

To receive Mbah into the party are the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; the APC National Working Committee (NUC) led by the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; over dozen governors as well as ministers, federal lawmakers and appointees, among others.

Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Enugu State Chapter, has applauded Mbah, “for taking the bold step of joining the ruling APC,” adding that “this decision is both thoughtful and timely, considering the compelling need to attract more federal government projects to Enugu State.”

In a statement signed by Ohanaeze’s Vice President General representing Enugu State, Prof. Fred Eze and the National Treasurer, Dr. Peter Aneke, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, reiterated its commitment for the zoning arrangement in the state.

“We remain committed to upholding the long-standing zoning tradition for the office of the Governor, in the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice in Enugu State,” the statement read.

Also, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said Mbah had earned national acclaim and the trust of the people by his “trailblazing performance and grassroots-oriented development in the last 26 months“, hence their support for him “is blind to party.”

“Therefore, the traditional rulers and people of Enugu State have absolute trust in his judgement. We wish him the best as he chats this new political course because it is rooted in the good of Enugu State. it is all about the people,” he stated.

Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, expressed the readiness of the people to move in the direction of the governor.

“As we have said earlier, Governor Peter Mbah is the political party Enugu State knows today. Besides, we believe that this is a wise decision, more so, when it was stated earlier that we would chart a new political course when our voices no longer counted in the other political party,” he stated.

Reacting, former state Chairman of the party, Hon. Nnamani said he was not surprised by the mass exodus from the party, saying that the party “mistreated and betrayed the people of the South East” and Governor Mbah by its failure to recognise Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary in line with established tradition in the party.

“The PDP chose a few people in Abuja over and above the South East. And Mbah has exited as spelt out in their region’s communique in May to leave the party if its choice was not respected,” he added.

He regretted that the crisis in the PDP and injustice to the region had cost the party one of the best performing governors presently in Nigeria and reduced the PDP from controlling the five South East states to losing everything.

…As Enugu APC Caretaker Committee Dissolves LG, Ward Excos

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

About thirteen governors of the All Progressives Congress, members of the party’s National Working Committee and twenty two state chairmen of the party have been tipped to be in Enugu ahead of the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, PACESETTER can authoritatively confirm.

This is also as the APC has dissolved all its local government and ward executive committees in Enugu State in a major reorganisation move aimed at revitalising the party’s structure and accommodating the defectors.

These were made known to PACESETTER during a telephone conversation between PACESETTER’s correspondent and the Caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye.

Nwoye confirmed that the announcement of the dissolution occurred during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Enugu West Senatorial District held at the Golden Royal Hotel.

He said the decision followed a nationwide directive from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to restructure state chapters for greater cohesion.

“We must embrace unity and make it our watchword. Nobody is bigger than the party. Whether you joined yesterday or years ago, here, we are all equal. We do not want anyone to be excluded. We will ensure that both the defectors and the current members of the APC are all accommodated”, Nwoye said.

Nwoye added that the reorganisation aligns with his caretaker mandate and disclosed that an e-registration exercise will soon be launched to modernise party operations. The initiative, he noted, will be inaugurated by the national chairman in Owerri, Imo State.

Confirming the presence of the governors, NWC and state chairmen at tomorrow’s defection ceremony, he said:

“I have gotten signal that 13 governors under the platform of our great party will be in attendance to receive our dear governor, Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, as he defects to our party tomorrow.

“As of now that I’m speaking to you, 22 State Chairmen of the APC have confirmed to me that they will also be present.

“Mbah’s move is significant and strategic. As a high performer that he is, we are very glad by this decision to join the APC and I’m certain that the people of Enugu State will begin to see the gains of this move in no distant time”.

Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming November 8th Anambra State Governorship Election, has formally reaffirmed his commitment to serve for only one term if elected.

True to his word, Mr. Nwosu on Thursday personally visited the High Court in Awka, where he deposed to an affidavit pledging to govern Anambra State for just four years.

The action, which has been widely described as a bold and exemplary step, underscores his resolve to uphold transparency, accountability, and selflessness in governance.

Speaking after signing the affidavit, JCN—as he is fondly called by supporters—reiterated that leadership should not be about clinging to power, but about delivering results within a clear, focused timeframe.

He said that he came into the race to serve, not to rule, adding that he has publicly made the commitment before and has now legally sealed it before the court. According to him, four years is enough to transform Anambra if there is sincerity of purpose.

Observers and political analysts have lauded the move as a refreshing departure from the usual political rhetoric, describing it as a demonstration of credibility and moral courage that could reshape the political landscape of the state.

With this affidavit, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu has further positioned himself as a candidate of integrity and conviction, reinforcing the ADC’s message of new politics anchored on honesty, service, and the people’s trust.

In the wake of this bold declaration, Anambra Central and indeed all zones of the state can now confidently rally behind JCN as the most credible and people-focused alternative to Governor Soludo, a candidate whose word and action align with the people’s yearning for genuine leadership and change.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on Friday, October 10, 2025, inaugurated the seven-member Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee at the Party’s National Secretariat, Abuja. The Committee, chaired by Dr. Ben Nwoye, will oversee the affairs of the Party in the state.

Recall that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had announced the dissolution of the party’s leadership in Enugu State.

Durosinmi Meseko, the deputy national publicity secretary of the APC, disclosed this in a statement posted on the party’s official Facebook page on Friday.

Mr Meseko said the NWC approved the dissolution at its 179th meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.

The deputy national publicity secretary said the APC National Chairperson, Nentawe Yilwatda, a professor, presided over the meeting.

Mr Meseko said the NWC constituted a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party in the state pending the election of substantive leadership.

Ben Nwoye, a former chairperson of the APC in Enugu State, was appointed caretaker chairperson, while a former speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh, emerged as secretary.

Other members of the committee are Fidelia Njoeze, Peter Chime, Oby Ajih, Chiedozie Nwafor and Emma Ekeh.

The official said the dissolution of the APC’s leadership in Enugu State was intended to reposition the party in the state for “greater unity and effectiveness.”

Before the dissolution, Ugochukwu Agballah was the state’s chairperson of the APC.

Uche Nnaji, who recently resigned as the minister of innovation, Science, and technology, was the leader of the party in the state.

The dissolution came days after a PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation exposed how Mr Nnaji forged his degree and NYSC certificates, resulting in his resignation from office as minister.

Sources say the dissolution of the APC leadership was done to pave the way for the planned defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State from the PDP to the APC.

Unlike Mr Nwoye, who recently asked Mr Mbah to join the APC, Messrs Agballah and Nnaji fiercely opposed the governor’s planned defection to the party.