Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah , has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mbah announced his defection today during a press conference in Enugu, saying the move was aimed at advancing the state’s interests through a stronger partnership with the ruling party at the centre.

He said his defection followed a long period of reflection, adding that the APC’s vision under President Bola Tinubu aligns with his own goal of driving sustainable development in Enugu and across the South-East.

Today, after a long period of reflection, wr have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive, Mbah stated.

” I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”

The governor, who was accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, federal and state lawmakers, and top political figures in Enugu, said the decision was a collective one made by his political family.

The Nigerian Senate’s opposition has taken another hit following the defection of Senator Kaila Sumaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North, who officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This move increases the APC’s Senate strength to 73 members, granting the party a critical two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber.

The defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially with just 14 months remaining before the 2026 general elections.

In a notice read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Kaila attributed his decision to the “prolonged internal division, crisis, and loss of strategic direction and leadership” within the PDP, signaling deep-rooted challenges within the opposition party.

Senator Kaila’s defection comes on the heels of a similar move last week by Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party, who also abandoned the opposition to join the APC. These consecutive defections have dealt a blow to the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party effectively in the Senate.

With the APC now holding an absolute two-thirds majority, it gains increased legislative influence, including the power to pass constitutional amendments without needing support from other parties. This shift could significantly impact the legislative agenda and political balance as the country gears up for the next general elections.

The opposition is now left with a diminished presence: the PDP holds 27 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has 4 senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) controls 2 seats—including Senator Aliyu Wadada, who has yet to formally declare his defection to the APC—while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds 2 seats and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains 1.

Political analysts warn that this trend of defections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics and weaken the opposition’s ability to serve as a strong check on the ruling party’s power in the lead-up to 2026. Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate its hold on the Senate, positioning itself for a smoother path in advancing its legislative priorities.

By Stephen Adeleye

Kabba (Kogi) –The Kogi West FGYB Legacy Group, comprising stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas of Kogi West Senatorial District, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in office.

The endorsement was made in a Communique at the end of a strategic meeting held in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The communique was jointly signed and read by its Drafting Committee Chairman, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo; Secretary, Barr. Tanko Mohammed; and Member, Hon. Shaibu Ipinmisho on behalf of the group.

The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, citing his bold economic reforms, efforts towards energy stability, and massive infrastructural development across the nation.

They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections, in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

The meeting commended Governor Ododo for his impactful leadership and remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and humanitarian development.

The stakeholders particularly lauded the Governor’s strategic approach to tackling security challenges across the State, especially in Kogi West, and for fostering peace and stability in all communities.

The meeting applauded the Governor for his ongoing and completed projects across the Kogi West Senatorial District.

These include massive projects at Kogi State University, Kabba, the Model Secondary School, Okebukun, and the Township Road reconstruction projects in Mopa and Ayetoro Gbede.

The stakeholders also commended the take-off of projects at the U.K-funded College of Education (Technical), Mopa.

The stakeholders expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s personal visit to troubled areas and his efforts in ensuring security in the Senatorial District.

They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections, in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to support government efforts towards restoring and sustaining peace across Kogi State.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, pledging to mobilize citizens in support of government policies.

The meeting commended security agencies for supporting Governor in ensuring security in District. Local hunters also commended for complementing security agencies in Kogi West.

The stakeholders resolved that leaders of every LGA in Kogi West should mobilize people to participate in Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and commended the stakeholders’ turnout.

Earlier, during the meeting, the APC Chairman, Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, said party is for progressive people with loyal leaders.

He commended former Governor Yayaya Bello raising people at the grassroots and laid a solid foundation for the incumbent Gov Ahmed Ododo to build on.

He emphasised that APC stakeholders meeting would strengthen the party in the state and the country at large.Bello urged members to be focused and united, and beware of inexperienced and self-centered politicians.

The APC Chairman commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians urged party members sustain support for Tinubu and Gov. Ododo.

The meeting was attended by all Commissioners, LG Chairmen, Assembly members, Federal Lawmakers and all former and present political appointees from Kogi West, as well as former Sen. Smart Adeyemi.

Other Signatories for each of the seven LGAs are: Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – Lokoja LGA; Cdr Jerry Omodara rtd, State Security Adviser – Kabba/Bunu; and Dr. Mrs Folashade Ayoade – Secretary to the State Government – Yagba East.

Others include: Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mopamuro LGA; Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals – Kogi LGA; Engr. Olusegun Joseph, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management – Yagba West; Dr Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology – Ijumu LGA.End