APC Hails South-East’s Shift as Politics of Maturity

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the growing political realignment of the South-East with the ruling party as a demonstration of maturity, inclusion, and national cohesion.

The development follows the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Tuesday, increasing the party’s control in the region to three states.

In a statement on Wednesday, APC spokesman Seye Oladejo said the defection signals a “handshake across the Niger,” ushering in a new era of collaboration and progress between the South-East and other parts of the country.

“For decades, political sentiment and emotional posturing kept the South-East on the margins of national politics. That era is now coming to an end,” Oladejo said.

He argued that the region’s alignment with the APC represents a strategic move to participate meaningfully in governance rather than remain in opposition. “The new partnership reflects forward-looking recognition that active involvement, not sterile opposition, is the true path to regional and national advancement,” he added.

Oladejo also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that it offers opportunities for every region to thrive on the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and equity.

He noted that the South-East’s collaboration with the national leadership ensures the region will play a more active role in shaping national policies instead of being sidelined.

“This is politics of maturity and national vision; a departure from echo chambers of grievance and a bold embrace of shared destiny,” the APC spokesman said.

Taking aim at opposition parties, Oladejo accused them of confusion, division, and lack of direction. “The PDP, once Africa’s largest party, has become leaderless and rudderless. The Labour Party, whose fleeting popularity was largely fueled by social media, has lost momentum and direction. Their internal crises reflect parties disconnected from reality.”

He expressed confidence that the APC’s growing national reach would guarantee continuity in governance beyond 2027. “The APC remains the only credible platform for national stability, progress, and development. As the South-East and other regions strengthen their handshake with the national leadership, the dream of a united Nigeria, built on equity and inclusion, is gradually being realized,” Oladejo stated.

The party concluded that the South-East’s political repositioning signals a renewed commitment to unity and national progress. “Together, we are building bridges, breaking boundaries, and securing Nigeria’s future one handshake at a time,” he added.