Dare Babalola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is disappointed by the defection of the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, made this known on Wednesday, during an interview on Channels Television.
He said, “The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scene. But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow.”
Ologunagba also said that the PDP was aware of moles undermining the party’s progress.
“There are some people from within our fold that continue to undermine the party and its progress. We recognise that, but we are dealing with that.
“I compare this to a situation where you have a madman in a China shop; you must be methodical, you must be deliberate in trying to exit that.
“As a party, we are focused on the Nigerian people; we don’t want to put too much premium on the individual because it is not based on individuals; it is based on the people, and that is our strength,” he said.
The party is set to hold its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November to rejuvenate and reposition for future elections.
“We are going to go to Ibadan, coming out victoriously with a brand new National Working Committee that will continue to steer the affairs of the party. You must have a party before you can talk about candidates.
“So, that’s what we want to do — create a very solid foundation, find the people who have character, integrity, and capacity and courage to run the affairs of the party so that Nigerians can then have a choice,” Ologunagba added.
Meanwhile, Gov Mbah said his defection was driven by the need to better serve the interests of the people of Enugu State.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning.
“It is more about thinking I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a cost on me carrying that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” the governor said.
Governor Mbah’s defection to the APC marks a significant loss for the PDP, reducing the party’s number of governors. This isn’t the first time the PDP has faced such defections, as other governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, have also switched to the APC earlier in the year.
