Many Nigerians are asking why Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mbah’s defection has caused a lot of talk online, with many people unsure if the move was necessary or good for Enugu.

PDP has been the main political party in Enugu and much of the South East for many years. Governor Mbah and most of his political team said they switched to APC to work better with the federal government and speed up development projects in the state.

But many Nigerians remain unsure about the real reasons behind the defection. On social media, some people asked why the governor felt he had to change parties now. Others said they do not believe the move is about helping the state.

“Can someone explain to me like I’m a baby why Gov. Mbah needed to defect to the APC?” wrote @Elkrosmediahub.
User @Ucijomanta replied, “Some said he wants to connect Enugu to the centre. I laugh.”

Another user, @I_am_KWD, suggested political survival was the motive, saying, “It’s a power play. Watch as the minister who was to challenge Peter Mbah in 2027 got removed over certificate issues. Tinubu has power over INEC and election results. Mbah had no choice but to align or risk 2027.”

User @JosephOnuorah added: “He moved for himself. Self-preservation. Nothing wrong there—but let’s not deceive ourselves. The move had nothing to do with the interest of the people.”

@ChidiimmaN also asked, “I honestly want to understand why Peter Mbah woke up and decided to transition from PDP to APC. For what reason? Personal interest or for the people of Enugu State?”

Some people claimed that Governor Mbah might be under pressure or worried about legal problems.

@Nnaneya claimed, “Peter, what are you afraid will happen to you in 2027? It is clear you did not win the 2023 election fairly. It seems you and President Tinubu were involved in political problems with other leaders.”

Others wondered if Mbah was forced to join APC. @Kallipygos8 asked, “Is there a gun to your head?”

There were jokes too. @olalekan1316 wrote, “The uncles and sisters are crying online. Enugu is singing the Bolas’ Mandate song. Next will be Abia.”

Some people also claimed that Mbah might have legal problems and joined APC to avoid trouble.

@Maduabu44 said, “He has many cases against him, and they are using this to force him into APC. But we will bring out the truth when the time is right.”

@Jack_ng01 wrote, “Gov Peter Mbah’s switch to APC definitely has more to do with this business “Pinnacle Oil” than the so called “connection to the centre”

“Like my very good friend Isaac Balami and Val Ozigbo, I wish him the best of luck but urge him to continue to work for Ndi Enugu.”

While many remain doubtful, Governor Mbah has defended his decision. During his defection speech, he said the move was not about abandoning Igbo identity or values.

The governor explained that the decision to join the APC was based on the need for stronger representation and better alignment with the federal government to support development projects in the state.

He assured that ongoing projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services will continue.

Mbah noted that the defection was a collective decision supported by members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, local government officials, and party executives in Enugu.

He said, “Let me be clear, I will represent our state and our region with the same strength of purpose as I have always done.

“Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change.

“What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level.

“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed.

“Yes, there have been challenges and delays along the way, but make no mistake – schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be finished as promised.”