Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tuesday formerly, received the governor of Enugu, Dr Peter Mbah, who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, assuring inclusiveness and more development in the South East.
Speaking at the grand reception ceremony held in honour of Gov Mbah on Tuesday, 13Th ; October,2025 at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, VP Shettima announced, Governor Mbah , the leader of the APC in Enugu state . His words:
“As for the APC Convention and Constitution, the Governor is the leader of the party in the state.
To Governor Mbah , he said, “Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State. I am the vice-president, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Gov. Babagana Zulum.
Pix: Gov Mbah displaying the APC membership card
“The President of the Senate is the number three citizen, but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom is Gov. Umo Eno.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen, but the leader of the party in Kaduna State is the governor of Kaduna State.”
The vice-president described Igbos as the ‘Nigerian Jews,’ geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious.
He regretted that for the past 12 years, the Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, had been on the margins of Nigerian politics.
“But with the coming of Mbah, with the continuous energy being exhibited by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and Gov. Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu, our leader, is a man for all citizens and all people.
Pix: Former Government of Enugu state,Sullivan Chime speaking at the event
“A man whose word is his bond, and his sense of inclusion, his real capacity to listen, and his belief in merit over sentiment has made the APC the most formidable political party in Africa
“You are a progressive; I am convinced that you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out”, he said.
Shettima described the APC as one family,saying, “We are one family tied to a common destiny. I want to assure all of you that you are very much welcome to the APC, and we are one big family.
“Rest assured that you will be treated justly and fairly and all the developmental initiatives that have been planned for will certainly reach the South-East.”
He commended the APC governors and party leaders in the South-East.zoe.
Governor Mbah had earlier on Tuesday morning, announced his defection from the PDP to the APC at a press conference on in Enugu.
pix: VP Shettima (m) Gov Mbah (4Th Right)
“The Governor who joined the APC his political appointees, said the decision to join the APC was a collective decision He added that it was a desire for a visionary partnership that would bring about transformative change to the state and the nation.
He expressed commitment to advancing the state’s interests and confidence that the APC’s platform would provide greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.
In his speech, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Enugu state, Dr Ben Nwoye formally welcomed Governor Mbah to the party and promised to work with him.
He said, “For the All Progressives Congress, this is a monumental gain. Governor Mbah’s entry strengthens our party’s presence and influence in the South-East, sending a clear message that the APC is truly a national party — one that embraces leaders from all regions who share our vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“For Governor Mbah himself, this platform offers an even broader canvas to actualise his laudable aspirations for Enugu State, providing him with a robust support system and a national network to further champion the cause of his people.
“This decision opens the door to unprecedented development, strengthens our collective political muscle in the South-East, and gives the Governor the platform to deliver even more for Ndi Enugu — one united movement, one shared vision, one unstoppable march forward”,Dr Nonye said.
Former Governors of Enugu state ,Sullivan Chime, RT. Hon. Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , former Speaker of the Enugu state House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Eugene Odo ,were among the political big wits in Enugu state at the event.
Senate President ,Godswill Akpabio, the Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwafiru, former Governor of Edo state, Senator Adams Oshomole, were among the APC stalwarts at the event.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama
