Mbah Yet To Inform Us Of Defection To APC — PDP Governors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has said that the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has not officially informed his colleagues of any plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Forum’s Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

Mohammed explained that although there had been reports suggesting Mbah’s imminent move to the APC, the Enugu governor had not personally communicated such intention to the forum.

“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision,” he said. “Up till now, he has not told me he is leaving. I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me assurances. He is a governor like me. I respect him and his decisions.”

His comment followed reports on Friday that Mbah would officially join the APC on Tuesday, October 14 — a claim that the Enugu governor has neither confirmed nor denied.

Expressing concern over the spate of defections rocking the opposition party, Governor Mohammed noted that the trend had become worrisome but maintained that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the PDP.

“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned,” he said. “But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equals, I cannot dictate to my colleagues. However, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”

Mohammed accused the APC-led Federal Government of using state power to weaken the opposition and create a one-party system.

“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he alleged.

The Bauchi governor, however, urged PDP members to remain steadfast, insisting that defectors were not finding things easy in their new party.

“I cannot say my defecting colleagues are wrong; they are free to make their choices. But even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the grassroots supporters remain with the PDP,” he said.

Governor Mohammed also dismissed speculations about his own defection, insisting he remains committed to the PDP.

“I assure you, I am not going anywhere. Bauchi State is PDP and has no element of division. Even today, I saw reports that one of my senators is going, but they are being controlled and bought,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the PDP would rebound ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that Nigerians were yearning for a return to credible leadership.

“Most of the measurable achievements by the Federal Government were done under PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver in 2027,” he declared.

On the political situation in Rivers State, Mohammed reaffirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains a committed member of the PDP.

“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. He is a humble young man who has gone through a lot and has managed his challenges well. Certainly, he is still in PDP,” the forum chairman added.