By John Audu.
In a strong rebuttal to recent rumors of defections, the Enugu State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly stated that its prominent members, including Governor Peter Mbah, have no plans to leave the party. Uchenna Obute Udi, the party’s spokesman in Enugu, labeled the allegations as unfounded and misleading during an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP on Friday.
Udi emphasized that Governor Mbah, who is recognized as the leader of the PDP in Enugu State and the Southeast, has made significant strides in transforming the state through extensive infrastructural development in less than two years of his administration. He pointed out that the governor has garnered support from citizens across party lines due to his impactful projects.
Addressing the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Enugu, Udi clarified that the President’s trip was not politically motivated. He noted that the President’s prior acquaintance with Mbah and the governor’s substantial contributions to the private sector were key factors in the visit. Udi highlighted that the President’s remarks during his visit reflected an interest in the governor’s achievements, irrespective of party affiliations.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, concerns surrounding Governor Alex Otti’s loyalty to the Labour Party have emerged. While efforts to reach his advisers for clarification were unsuccessful, a senior member of his administration, who requested anonymity, dismissed rumors of pressure to defect. The source acknowledged that Otti’s strong performance has made him an attractive figure for opposition parties but reiterated that he has not indicated any interest in leaving the Labour Party.
In Delta State, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sir Festus Ahon, dismissed claims that the governor is planning to join the ruling APC, labeling them as fabrications propagated by opposition elements. The PDP in Delta also condemned the rumors as baseless and the work of “unemployed political hirelings.”
Similarly, the PDP in Akwa Ibom State has rejected rumors regarding Governor Umo Eno’s potential defection to the APC, describing such claims as mere speculation. Elder Aniekan Akpan, a party leader, stressed that the PDP is deeply rooted in Akwa Ibom and remains a dominant political force in the state.
In Rivers State, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, affirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no intentions of leaving the PDP for another political party, calling the rumors unfounded.
As the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the 2027 elections, speculation regarding potential defections among several first-term governors has intensified. LEADERSHIP’s investigations reveal that governors from Abia, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom have had to address concerns about their loyalty to the PDP and Labour Party amidst ongoing internal crises.
While some sources suggest that governors may be under pressure to join the ruling APC, others believe that the instability within their parties may lead them to consider alternative platforms to secure their political futures. Historically, the trend of sitting governors switching parties has been prevalent in Nigeria, with over 20 instances since the return of democracy in 1999.
In light of these developments, the governors and their respective parties have pushed back against the rumors, asserting their commitment to their political affiliations and denouncing the claims as attempts by the ruling party to sow discord and confusion.
