All Enugu PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC in Dramatic Move at National Assembly
All Enugu PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC in Dramatic Move at National Assembly
In a stunning political twist that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political landscape, all the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers from Enugu State have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection, which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, marks a major realignment in the political dynamics of Enugu — a state long regarded as one of the strongest bastions of the PDP in the South East.
The lawmakers, led by their delegation heads in both the Senate and House of Representatives, announced their decision on the floor of the National Assembly, citing “irreconcilable differences” with the PDP leadership and a desire to align with the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a joint statement read at the plenary, the defectors emphasized that their move was driven by the need to bring development, unity, and greater political inclusion to the South East region.
“Our decision to join the APC is in the best interest of our people. We believe that aligning with the ruling party will fast-track federal attention to Enugu and the entire South East, which has been politically marginalized for too long,” the statement read.
Reactions from Political Circles
The development has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political scene.
PDP leadership has expressed deep disappointment, describing the lawmakers’ exit as “a betrayal of trust and mandate” given by Enugu people who voted for them under the PDP platform.
APC national leaders, on the other hand, welcomed the defectors with open arms, hailing their move as a “bold and progressive step toward national integration.”
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present to receive the new members, declared that the defection signaled “a new dawn for the South East” and promised to ensure the region receives its fair share of federal projects and appointments.
What This Means for Enugu Politics
Enugu has historically been a PDP stronghold since the return of democracy in 1999. This collective defection could therefore mark a turning point in the state’s political history.
Analysts believe it might weaken the PDP’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections while strengthening APC’s structure in the Southeast — a region the ruling party has been eager to penetrate politically.
Political observers also note that the move could reshape alliances and power blocs within the state, especially as local politicians reposition themselves for upcoming electoral contests.
On social media, reactions have been mixed. While some citizens applaud the lawmakers’ decision as “strategic and pragmatic,” others condemn it as an act of political opportunism.
One Enugu resident wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is not about development; it’s about survival. They just want to be in the good books of the federal government.”
Another user, however, countered:
“For years, Enugu has been ignored because of its political alignment. Maybe joining APC will finally bring federal presence.”
The mass defection of Enugu PDP lawmakers to the APC is more than just a political event it is a signal of changing tides in Nigeria’s complex political landscape. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Enugu to see how this move reshapes governance, party politics, and the region’s relationship with the center.
