Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State have threatened to stage a protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja if reported attempts to prevent Governor Peter Mbah from joining the party are not halted.
The threat was issued during a weekend meeting of stakeholders from the six local government areas that make up the Enugu East Senatorial District.
The group accused Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, of working to frustrate Governor Mbah’s anticipated defection to the APC.
Among those present at the meeting were Ben Nwoye, former state chairman of the APC; retired Major General Christian Ugwu, a former Nigerian ambassador to Ukraine; Hilary Edoga, ex-vice chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Gab Nnamani, former governorship candidate; as well as Anike Nwoga, Hyacinth Ngwu, and Juliet Egbo.
Speaking at the gathering, Nwoye cited the governor’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, claiming his achievements had won him the admiration of residents and commendation from President Bola Tinubu.
“Our plan is to reverse APC’s abysmal performance in Enugu,” Nwoye said.
“The rumours are everywhere that Mbah should move to APC because he has performed. Those putting a wedge to stop him don’t want APC to win in Enugu, but we won’t allow that.”
Also speaking, Nwoga warned that if the alleged campaign to block the governor’s entry into the APC continues, the group would call for the removal of Minister Nnaji.
“APC hasn’t won any major seat in Enugu before. If Peter comes over, the party will begin to win. Some of them want APC to lose in 2027 so they can sit tight in their Abuja appointments,” he said.
Edoga argued that refusing Mbah entry would amount to the party marginalising itself in the state. He urged the APC to adopt a more inclusive posture, pointing to states like Akwa Ibom and Delta where governors had been given leadership space within the party.
Retired General Ugwu also voiced support for the governor’s defection, stressing that the APC’s interest should be based on competence rather than individual ambition.
“We have a more competent man in Mbah. That’s why I’m joining those calling him to come to APC. We’ve already prepared grounds for him,” he said.
Juliet Egbo added that Mbah’s inclusion in the APC would position Enugu to receive greater federal attention, similar to what Imo and Ebonyi states currently enjoy.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous appeal to the APC national leadership to welcome Governor Mbah into the party. The stakeholders warned that any move to obstruct his defection could provoke public demonstrations from members of the Enugu East zone.
