threat came after a crucial weekend meeting involving APC stakeholders from the six local government areas of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
At the meeting, the stakeholders accused the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, of working against Mbah’s move, urging him to focus on his ministerial duties instead of blocking what they described as “a golden opportunity” for the APC in Enugu.
Prominent figures in attendance included former APC state chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; retired Nigerian ambassador to Ukraine, Gen. Christian Ugwu; former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hilary Edoga; former governorship candidate, Chief Gab Nnamani; Chief Anike Nwoga; Hon. Hyacinth Ngwu; and Mrs. Juliet Egbo.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Nwoye argued that Governor Mbah’s defection could transform APC’s political fortunes in Enugu, noting that the governor’s record in roads, healthcare, education, and security had already won him admiration, even from President Bola Tinubu.
“Our mission is to rewrite APC’s story in Enugu. Everyone is already talking about Mbah joining us because he has performed. Those trying to block him don’t want APC to succeed, but we won’t sit and watch that happen,” Nwoye declared.
Chief Anike Nwoga added that if efforts to frustrate the governor continued, stakeholders would march to the Presidential Villa to demand Minister Nnaji’s removal.
“APC has never secured a major victory in Enugu. With Peter Mbah, that will change. Some people are scared of losing relevance, but we won’t allow them to sacrifice the party’s future,” Nwoga said.
Prof. Edoga also noted that rejecting Mbah would be a costly mistake, citing states like Delta and Akwa Ibom where governors lead the ruling party’s structures.
Gen. Ugwu pledged support for the governor’s defection, emphasizing that competence must be prioritized over personal ambition.
“We have a competent leader in Mbah. I stand with those calling him to join us. We’re ready to receive him fully,” he stressed.
Mrs. Juliet Egbo added that Enugu, under APC, would attract greater federal presence like neighboring Ebonyi and Imo States.
The meeting ended with a unanimous resolution urging the APC national leadership to clear the way for Mbah’s defection. The stakeholders warned that any attempt to frustrate the process could lead to massive protests in Abuja, led by party faithful from Enugu East.
