Why we left PDP for APC – Enugu Reps

By Chidinma Obiakor

Five members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State, who on Thursday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said their decision was driven by a desire to align with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of transforming the state and connecting it to national development.

The five lawmakers, who joined three of their Enugu colleagues that had earlier defected to the APC, announced their defection in separate letters during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Those who joined the APC are Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency; Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency; Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency.

Hon. Oke Martins, representing Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency; and Hon. Nnolim John Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency.

Their defection was witnessed by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

Addressing journalists shortly after defecting, Nnolim Nnaji, who spoke on behalf of the group, said their action was not just a political move but a bold step borne out of courage, clarity, and shared determination to reposition Enugu State for greatness.

He lamented that for too long, Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of the nation.

According to Nnaji, that era is over, adding that the lawmakers have refused to remain spectators when they can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

The lawmakers pledged to support Governor Mbah, whom they described as a visionary leader whose developmental strides in education, aviation, technology, and security have turned Enugu into a reference point for good governance.

They added that their defection would connect our constituency to the heartbeat of national development, bringing more projects, jobs, and infrastructure to the people.

They said: “For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

“By aligning with the APC — the party steering national transformation — we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.

“We salute our Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his courage, foresight, and leadership. He has shown us that true progress demands bold choices.

Nnaji said the lawmakers have decided to team up with the governor, who he said has through his transformational leadership changed the face of Enugu state in just two years.

According to him, through Governor Mbah, Enugu state has become the reference point for good leadership.

“We, therefore commend Governor Mbah for his developmental exploits in education, aviation, science and Information technology and indeed all areas of human endeavour. Today, there is security of lives and property and investors are flooding into Enugu state to take advantage of the fertile environment provided by Governor Mbah.

“Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity, and growth for Enugu State.

“To our brothers and sisters who have walked this journey with us — thank you. To our colleagues and supporters across party lines — let us unite in purpose. Politics should never divide us; it should empower us to serve our people better.

“As your representatives, we remain your voice, your advocate, and your servant in the National Assembly. We will continue to defend your interests, attract development, and ensure that every corner of Enugu State feels the impact of good governance.

“Today, we open the gates of a new dawn.
A dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity.
A dawn where Enugu state takes her rightful place in the story of Nigeria’s progress.
Let us rise together, believe together, and build together — for the best days of our people are not behind us… they are just beginning”, they said.