Cynthia Ezegwu
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as the new leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.
Speaking at Okpara Square in Enugu during the governor’s official reception into the APC, Shettima said the party’s convention and constitution recognise serving governors as leaders of the party in their respective states.
“Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State,” Shettima said. “I am the Vice-President, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Governor Babagana Zulum. The Senate President is the number three citizen, but the leader of the APC in Akwa Ibom is Governor Umo Eno. The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen, but the leader of the party in Kaduna State is the governor of Kaduna.”
Shettima described Igbos as “the Nigerian Jews” — geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious — adding that their renewed political participation would strengthen Nigeria’s unity.
“For the past 12 years, Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, have been on the margins of Nigerian politics,” he said. “But with Governor Mbah’s coming, alongside Governors Hope Uzodinma and Francis Nwifuru, the Igbos are returning to the mainstream.”
The vice-president praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as “a man for all citizens” who values merit, inclusion, and fairness.
READ ALSO: APC: Gov Mbah’s Defection Will Boost Enugu Devt
He also welcomed Mbah warmly into the APC fold, saying, “You are a progressive at heart; I believe you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out.”
Mbah, who announced his defection at a press conference earlier in the day, said his move to the APC was driven by a desire to better serve the people of Enugu State and align with a platform that offers greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.
He expressed confidence that his partnership with the APC-led Federal Government would deliver “transformative change” to both Enugu State and the nation.