The Governor of Enugu, Peter Mbah, has dismissed rumours of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating categorically that he remains a committed member of the party.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Saturday in Enugu, Mbah reassured his audience that despite the internal crisis rocking the PDP, he has no intention of dumping the platform that brought him to office.
Clearing the air on his political stance, Mbah said, “I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Mbah admitted the PDP is going through internal wrangling but insisted that such issues are not exclusive to the party.
“Other political parties in the country are also facing challenges,” he added.
Mbah expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its current hurdles and emerge stronger in due course.
The Enugu governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on service delivery and the development of the state.
He said, “It is also clear from the people of Enugu State that we are in this to serve them. So we have focused largely on governance.
“I believe that at the end of the day, the people would have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out.”
Governor Mbah revealed that his main opponent in the 2023 governorship election, Chijioke Edeoga, has returned to the PDP and is now working collaboratively with him.
“So we’re working closely together, and that has also brought a lot of peace, as we are not spending money dealing with all sorts of political fights,” the governor stated.
He added that the political atmosphere in Enugu has become more peaceful as a result of the renewed partnership.
Mbah also weighed in on the growing debate about independent candidacy in Nigeria, clarifying that the constitution does not currently support it.
He further stated, “Our constitution does not recognise or have provision for someone to run as an independent candidate. It means you have to be sponsored by a political party.
“So you must still do the politics, as you cannot completely shield yourself from it.”
Meanwhile, former Senate President and PDP Reconciliation Committee Chairman, Bukola Saraki, on Friday noted that the recent wave of defections within the PDP is largely being influenced by the political elite.
Saraki, who served as Governor of Kwara State, said the party’s grassroots base remains strong and committed despite current turbulence.
“When you go round the country, the state chapters, the local government chapters, the party is still very strong in the grassroots,” he told reporters.