Enugu State members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the media shortly after the defection, the leader of the Enugu State Caucus, Nnolim Nnaji, explained that the lawmakers’ decision was guided by “conviction and unity of purpose” under the leadership of the state governor, Mr. Peter Mbah.
Nnaji emphasised that “the move reflects a collective desire to align with the developmental agenda of Governor Mbah and to ensure effective collaboration between the state and Nigerian governments.
“Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary Governor, His Excellency, Mr Peter Ndubisi Mba, we, this day, October 30th, announced our defection to the All Progressives Congress.
“This is not just a political move. It is a bold step into a future born out of courage, clarity and our shared determination to reposition Enugu State for greatness.”
He said the caucus could no longer afford to remain “spectators while others shape the destiny of our nation.”
He said that joining the APC would “connect our constituencies to the heartbeat of national development” and bring “more projects, jobs, better infrastructure and opportunities for our youth and women.”
The caucus leader praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, calling him “a man of courage, foresight and vision.”
“Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity and growth for Enugu State,” he said.
Mr. Nnaji also called on colleagues across party lines to put the people’s interests above politics.
“Politics should never divide us. It should empower us to serve our people better. As your representatives, we remain your voices, your advocates and your servants in the National Assembly,”he said.
He stressed that the caucus would continue to attract development projects to the state.
“Today, we open the gates of a new dawn a dawn of hope, inclusion and prosperity where all federal constituencies in Enugu will take their rightful place in Nigeria’s story of progress,” he noted.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation to the leadership of the APC at all levels (national, zonal, and state) for their support, as well as to notable personalities from Enugu who witnessed the defection, including former ministers, former speaker of the State Assembly, and other party stalwarts.
During the questions and answer session, Mr. Nnaji dismissed concerns that the defection could threaten political balance in the state, insisting that “what is important is good governance,”
He also called for unity and renewed commitment to service:
“We are not here to play politics of party. We are here to support the president, our governor, and to align Enugu State with the centre for the sake of development. Let us rise together, believe together and build together. The best days of our people are not behind us—they are just beginning,” Mr. Nnolim added.
The Enugu State Governor, Mr. Emeka Mba was on ground to witness the defection of the lawmakers.
The defected lawmakers are Mr. Martins Oke representing Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Contituency, Mr. Anayo Onuegbu representing Aninri/Agwu/Oji River Federal Contituency, Mr. Nnaji Nnoli representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West federal constituency.
Mr. Obeta Mark representing Nsukka/Igboeze South and Mr. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Contituency.