The Youth Wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has expressed full support for the reported plan by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said the decision was long overdue, accusing the PDP of years of neglect and marginalisation of the South-East, particularly its failure to zone the 2023 presidential ticket to the region.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the council described the governor’s proposed defection as “good riddance” to the injustice and disregard the PDP had allegedly shown to Ndigbo.

“The PDP threw its presidential ticket open, a development that left Mr. Peter Obi with no choice but to join the Labour Party, having seen that the entire process was skewed against the South-East,” Okwu said.

He accused the PDP of arrogance and ingratitude, saying it made no sense for the region to continue to invest political loyalty in a party that had given little in return.

“The highest form of disrespect to Governor Peter Mbah and other PDP stakeholders from the South-East was when the party hierarchy refused to honour a decision clearly taken by the zone,” he said.

“We are aware that the governor and other leaders had warned that they could explore alternatives, yet the PDP national leadership took them for granted.”

According to him, the governor’s planned move to the APC is in the best interest of the South-East and a necessary step toward achieving political balance in Nigeria.

“It is time for Ndigbo to call it quits with the PDP. Governor Mbah’s decision is in the best interest of Enugu people and the South-East at large. There is no need to keep sacrificing for a party that does not value our contributions,” Okwu stated.

He further maintained that Governor Mbah’s political strength transcends party lines, noting that he could win elections on any platform.

“Even though he can win on any platform, his defection to the APC deserves commendation because it serves the broader political interest of our people,” Okwu said.