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In a dramatic political development that has reshaped the political landscape of Enugu State, all House of Representatives members from Enugu have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection took place today in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Abuja, signaling a major shift in political allegiance and balance of power in the Southeast.
The lawmakers were formally received into the APC by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in a ceremony that drew attention from political observers and lawmakers across party lines.
Historic Defection in the Green Chamber
The defection of all Enugu representatives marks one of the most significant political realignments in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Sources within the National Assembly confirmed that the lawmakers submitted a joint letter announcing their resignation from the PDP, citing internal crises, leadership failure, and a lack of direction within the party as their reasons for leaving.
During the plenary session, the Speaker of the House of Representatives formally read the letter of defection, after which the chamber witnessed a brief applause from APC members who welcomed the new entrants.
With this move, Enugu, once considered a stronghold of the PDP in the Southeast, now finds its entire delegation in the Green Chamber under the umbrella of the ruling APC.
Reasons Behind the Defection
In their joint statement, the Enugu lawmakers explained that their decision to defect was driven by “a desire to align with a progressive party that offers stability, inclusiveness, and a clear vision for development.”
They accused the PDP leadership at both national and state levels of persistent internal wrangling, lack of consultation, and poor handling of party affairs, which they said had weakened the opposition’s credibility and relevance in the region.
According to them, joining the APC represents “a new beginning for Enugu State’s political future,” as they seek to collaborate with the federal government to attract development projects, infrastructure, and empowerment opportunities for their constituents.
APC National Chairman Welcomes the Lawmakers
Receiving the defectors, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, commended their bold decision, describing it as “a reflection of the growing confidence in the leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He assured the lawmakers of equal opportunity, promising that they would not be treated as newcomers but as valued partners in the progress of the party.
“Today marks a new chapter not just for Enugu but for the Southeast as a whole,” Yilwatda said. “The decision of these lawmakers to join the APC demonstrates their commitment to national unity, progress, and good governance. We welcome them wholeheartedly.”
The chairman emphasized that the APC was ready to expand its influence in the Southeast by promoting inclusiveness, peace, and economic growth.
Political Implications for Enugu and the Southeast
The defection of all Enugu lawmakers to the APC carries far-reaching implications for the political dynamics of the Southeast region.
For decades, the PDP has dominated the political scene in Enugu State, producing governors, senators, and a majority of federal lawmakers.
However, today’s defection signals a major crack in that dominance and gives the APC an unprecedented foothold in a region that has traditionally leaned toward opposition parties.
Political analysts believe that the move could pave the way for greater political collaboration between Enugu leaders and the federal government, especially in areas of infrastructure, education, and economic investment.
It also suggests that the APC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in the South-East ahead of future elections are beginning to yield results.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
The mass defection has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
While APC leaders celebrated the development as “a victory for progressive politics,” the PDP described it as “a betrayal and a temporary setback.”
Some PDP members in Enugu have expressed disappointment, accusing the defectors of abandoning the party for personal gain, while others admitted that internal disputes and leadership failures had weakened the party’s grip on the state.
Observers also note that the defections might trigger a ripple effect, as local government and ward-level PDP officials could follow suit, further consolidating APC’s strength in the region.
Civil society organizations and political commentators have called on both parties to prioritize the interests of citizens rather than partisan rivalries.
A Strategic Move Ahead of 2027 Elections
Political experts believe that the lawmakers’ defection is also a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By joining the APC, the Enugu lawmakers are likely seeking to position themselves within the ruling party’s structure to influence federal appointments and constituency projects.
It also provides them with better access to federal resources and decision-making power at a time when political alliances are shifting nationwide.
Moreover, the defection could inspire other Southeast politicians to rethink their positions and consider aligning with the ruling party for political relevance and stability.
Enugu’s Political Future Under APC
The entrance of all Enugu House of Representatives members into the APC could redefine the political narrative of the state.
For years, the PDP had been synonymous with Enugu politics, but this mass defection may signal the beginning of a new era of competitive politics in the state.
If managed strategically, the APC could leverage this momentum to strengthen its grassroots structures and win more supporters ahead of future state and federal elections.
However, analysts also warn that the APC must ensure internal harmony and avoid the same factional crises that have weakened the PDP if it hopes to sustain its new gains.
Conclusion
The defection of all Enugu House of Representatives members from the PDP to the APC marks a turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially in the Southeast.
This unprecedented move not only reshapes Enugu’s representation at the federal level but also symbolizes a broader realignment of political power in the region.
As the lawmakers settle into their new political home, their ability to deliver tangible benefits to their constituents and promote unity will determine whether this bold decision yields lasting political dividends or becomes another fleeting episode in Nigeria’s dynamic democracy.
For now, one thing is clear: Enugu State has entered a new political chapter — one where the APC has firmly taken center stage.
