The foundation members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State on Monday asked Governor Peter Mbah to join the party.

They stated that the party was desirous of winning the governorship election for the first time in the state and would require a “performing person” like Governor Mbah to achieve the same.

Spokesperson for the group, Osita Okechukwu, told reporters in Enugu that they were at a loss as to why certain members of the party loyal to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, should not welcome the move with open hands.

Okechukwu, who is the immediate past Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), urged the governor to disregard opposition on his way and join the rest of the progressive governors.

He said: “We, the foundation members of APC, wish to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, and his group are wholeheartedly welcome to APC Enugu State in accordance with the standard convention of our great party and not be scared by anybody.

“For we, the foundation members, Governor Peter Mbah should disregard the rantings of our dear brother, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, because we want to win Lion Building for the first time and join 23 other states to guarantee President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in 2027.”

Okechukwu added that the party was open to “anybody who wants to run for the governorship of Enugu State,” urging that Mbah should join the APC to contest another election in 2027.

He advised the Minister to pay more attention to his ministry, alleging that “we are yet to locate any innovative strides he has made in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

“Otherwise, we will not allow Chief Nnaji, who came a distant fourth with 14,575 votes in the gubernatorial election and fouled atmosphere for President Tinubu with 4,722 in the 2023 presidential election, to rubbish APC again.”