Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that with the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside the continued political drive of Governors Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, the people of the South-East have finally joined the mainstream of Nigerian politics.
Speaking at Okpara Square in Enugu on Tuesday during the formal reception of Governor Mbah and his supporters into the APC, Shettima described the development as a turning point for the Igbo nation.
He said: “Today is a great day in our nation indeed, a great day for Ndigbo. The Igbo are one of the most vibrant and industrious peoples in Africa, but for the past decade, they have been at the margins of Nigerian politics. With Governor Mbah’s coming and the steadfastness of Governors Uzodimma and Nwifuru, I believe Ndigbo have now come to the mainstream of national politics.”
The Vice President recalled that renowned Kenyan writer Ali Mazrui once likened the Igbo to “the Jews of Nigeria geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious,” stressing that it was time their political influence reflected these attributes.
Shettima commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive leadership style, describing him as “a man for all seasons and all people” who values merit above sentiments.
Addressing Governor Mbah directly, he said: “You are already one of us. You’ve always been a progressive at heart I believe you have had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out. You are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State.”
He emphasised that the APC is a united family driven by a shared purpose. “From the President to the governors and lawmakers, we are bound by common destiny. I assure you that you will be treated justly and fairly, and all federal government initiatives meant for the Southeast will reach the Southeast,” Shettima added.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also welcomed Mbah into the ruling party, describing the defection as “a celebration of progress and unity.”
Abbas said: “The APC was founded 11 years ago, and today marks another milestone. Enugu is the heartbeat of the Southeast, and this move shows that the party is ready to consolidate its presence across the region. Governor Mbah and the people of Enugu can be assured that their interests will be protected under the APC.”
He maintained that the ruling party remains the best platform for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity, pledging support to the new members.
Also speaking, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, hailed Mbah’s decision, saying it reinforces the region’s growing integration into national politics.
“We in the South-East are happy for this bold step. It strengthens our voice and our relevance in the national space,” Uzodimma said.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, in his remarks, described Mbah as a visionary and pragmatic leader who had transformed key sectors in Enugu State.
The event was attended by prominent political figures including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and other dignitaries.
