Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, says he decided to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because the PDP did not recognise the voice of his people.
Speaking to journalists shortly after announcing his defection during a state-wide broadcast, the governor dismissed suggestions that his action amounted to a betrayal of the PDP, under which he was elected.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandonment.
“It is more about understanding that I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a responsibility on me to carry that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” he said.
The governor explained that his decision followed consultations and was rooted in the belief that the PDP platform could no longer “serve the people optimally.”
“We have people who, under a particular platform, gave me their mandate to lead them.
“But it became clear to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us optimally, and then, in consultation with them, we decided that we’re now going to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve them. So, I don’t see that as a betrayal,” he added.
When asked if he owed an apology to those who believed he could represent them as a member of the PDP, the governor maintained that his loyalty lies with the people, not the political structure.
