Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have threatened to stage a protest in Abuja if alleged efforts by certain party leaders to prevent Governor Peter Mbah from defecting to the APC persist.

The stakeholders, drawn from the six local government areas of Enugu East Senatorial District, made the threat during their weekend meeting in Enugu.

They specifically urged the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, to concentrate on his national assignment instead of opposing Mbah’s anticipated defection.

Key figures at the meeting included former APC state chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; former Nigerian ambassador to Ukraine, Gen. Christian Ugwu (rtd.); Professor Hilary Edoga, immediate past Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; former governorship candidate, Chief Gab Nnamani; Chief Anike Nwoga; Hon. Hyacinth Ngwu; and Mrs. Juliet Egbo.

Dr. Nwoye argued that Governor Mbah’s entry into the APC could help reverse the party’s poor electoral performance in Enugu, noting that his developmental achievements have already won the support of the people.

“Our plan is to reverse APC’s abysmal performance in Enugu. The rumours are everywhere that Mbah should move to APC because he has performed. Those putting a wedge to stop him don’t want APC to win in Enugu, but we won’t allow that,” Nwoye stated.

He argued that Governor Mbah’s achievements in roads, schools, hospitals, and security had even earned commendation from President Bola Tinubu despite their different political affiliations.

Chief Anike Nwoga warned that if the minister and others continued to “spread hate” and block Mbah, the stakeholders would march to the Presidency to demand Nnaji’s removal from office.

“APC hasn’t won any major seat in Enugu before. If Peter comes over, the party will begin to win. Some of them want APC to lose in 2027 so they can sit tight in their Abuja appointments,” he alleged.

Professor Hilary Edoga maintained that Enugu APC would be “marginalizing itself” if it rejected Mbah, urging party leaders to emulate states like Akwa Ibom and Delta where governors are allowed to lead the party.

On his part, Gen. Christian Ugwu pledged support for the governor’s defection, insisting that competence, not personal ambition, should guide APC’s interest in Enugu.

“We have a more competent man in Mbah. That’s why I’m joining those calling him to come to APC. We’ve already prepared grounds for him,” he said.

Mrs. Juliet Egbo added that if Mbah joined the APC, Enugu would enjoy greater federal attention like Imo and Ebonyi states.

The meeting ended with a unanimous call on the APC national leadership to support Governor Mbah’s entry into the party, warning that any attempt to frustrate the move could trigger mass protests by stakeholders from Enugu East. (The Nation)