A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has reacted with surprise to the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as unexpected and unnecessary.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George admitted that he never anticipated Mbah’s departure, despite several reconciliatory efforts by party elders to keep him within the PDP.
“I never saw it at any time,” George said. “In fact, when Anyanwu was brought back as secretary to complete his assignment, he asked his people not to attend meetings. We were wondering what was going on in the South-East. Now that we have settled the matter and fixed the convention date, it’s only a question of time. Whatever position the East wanted to give him would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?”
George revealed that several PDP leaders had personally appealed to Governor Mbah to remain in the party. “The governor, we all waded in and convinced him. Many people went there, telling him, ‘Calm down, the convention is next month. You’ll get whatever is due to the South-East.’ But the rationale and emphasis he gave, it was like I was in a very long dream,” he added.
While wishing Mbah success in his political journey, George maintained that the PDP remained solid despite the wave of defections. “I wish him the best of luck. This is not the first time people are leaving. The PDP is an iroko tree. I wish them the best,” he stated.
Governor Mbah was formally welcomed into the APC by top-ranking national figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, among others. His defection now places four of the five South-East states—Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—under APC control, leaving only Anambra in the hands of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
‘Governors Don’t Make the Party’
Reacting to concerns that the exit of governors could weaken the PDP, George dismissed such fears, insisting that true party strength comes from the people.
“Governors alone don’t make the party; they’re an added value. The people make up the party. We’ll campaign, go to the field, and explain to Nigerians what the APC has done, or failed to do, to put smiles on their faces. It’s not just about being in government. We’ll ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails,” he said.
Asked if he would ever consider defecting from the PDP, the former military administrator was categorical in his response: “That is absolutely impossible.”
Despite the recent challenges, George expressed optimism about the PDP’s future, saying the party remained “absolutely redeemable.”
Mbah’s Defection and His Reasons
Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Peter Mbah confirmed his defection during a state-wide broadcast, citing the need to align Enugu State with the federal government for greater development.
“Today, after a long reflection, we have decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah announced. “Leadership demands difficult decisions in the service of higher goals. My decision to join the APC is to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the party’s vision for progress.”
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, noting that Enugu had enjoyed “massive support” under his administration and that the move would enable the state to benefit more from federal initiatives.
What You Should Know
Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the APC marks a significant political shift in the South-East, giving the ruling party control of four states in the region.
Bode George’s reaction underscores the internal tension and realignment within the PDP, but the veteran politician insists the party remains resilient and capable of reclaiming national prominence ahead of 2027.
