A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed surprise over the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he never saw it coming despite several peace efforts by party elders.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George revealed that Mbah’s defection caught many PDP leaders unawares.
“I never saw it at any time. 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?” he said.
George, who is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), added that several party leaders had personally visited Mbah to persuade him to remain in the PDP.
“Many people went to see him, 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 long dream,” he stated.
While wishing the governor well in his new political home, George insisted that the PDP remained strong and resilient despite recent 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 well,” he added.
Governor Mbah was officially received into the APC by top party figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and other national leaders.
His defection means the APC now controls four of the five South-East states — Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo — leaving only Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Reacting to concerns over the wave of defections in the region, George maintained that the PDP’s foundation lies in the people, not just its governors.
“Governors alone don’t make the party; they’re an added value. The people make up the party. We’ll go to the field, campaign, and explain to Nigerians what the APC has done or failed to do. It’s not just about being in government. We’ll ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails,” he said.
When asked if he might also consider defecting, George dismissed the idea outright.
“That is absolutely impossible,” he said firmly, while expressing confidence that the PDP remains “absolutely redeemable.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection to the APC in a statewide broadcast, explaining that the move was aimed at aligning Enugu State with the federal government for accelerated development.
“Today, after a long reflection, we have decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress. 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,” Mbah declared.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying Enugu State had received “massive support” from the current administration.
Source: Peoples-Talk