Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Reaffirms Unwavering PDP Membership Amidst Speculation

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has firmly declared his continued allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), putting to rest any lingering speculation about his political alignment. The governor’s affirmation comes amidst ongoing political realignments and internal party dynamics across the country.

Mbah’s unwavering stance was echoed by key figures within the party, including elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo. Speaking at the two-year anniversary celebration of Governor Mbah’s administration on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Nwobodo emphatically stated that Enugu State must remain a PDP stronghold and that Governor Mbah would not defect to any other political party.

“Enugu State remains the only PDP-controlled state in the South East, which confirms the party’s stronghold here. We will not abandon the PDP for anyone or any other party. Peter Mbah will contest for a second term under the PDP, and he will return as Governor in 2027,” Nwobodo declared, signaling strong party unity behind the governor.

The declaration by Governor Mbah and other party chieftains is particularly significant given the political landscape in the South East, where the PDP has seen a reduction in its governorship count. Enugu remains the sole state in the region under PDP leadership following the 2023 general elections, which saw the Labour Party make significant inroads, securing a majority of legislative seats in the state.

Despite these shifts, Governor Mbah has consistently worked towards uniting the party and bringing back aggrieved members. As recently as February 2025, Mbah appealed to disaffected PDP members to return to the party, emphasizing the need for a united front to win future elections. He described Enugu as the “bastion of PDP” and stressed that the party remains the one with the broadest spread and appeal required to win elections in Nigeria.

His commitment to the party’s principles and his administration’s performance are cited by many as reasons for the renewed confidence in his leadership and continued PDP loyalty. The Enugu State PDP, through its spokesperson, Chief Uchenna Obute, also recently dismissed claims by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, that all South-East governors had agreed to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, reiterating that Governor Mbah remains the PDP leader in Enugu and the South East.