As the political landscape of Enugu State takes a dramatic turn, it has been officially confirmed that His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, will formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) tomorrow, ending the 26-year dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state since 1999.
The Concourse Media team caught up with Aka Eze Aka, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council, in his office early this morning to gauge the pulse of the grassroots and get his reaction to this groundbreaking political development.
In this exclusive interview, Aka Eze Aka reaffirms his total loyalty to Governor Mbah, explains why Udenu people are fully aligned with the Governor’s decision, and insists that leadership is about personality and performance, not party colours.
EXCERPTS
The Concourse Media:
Mr. Chairman, it’s now official that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is formally defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) tomorrow. As one of his most trusted grassroots allies, what’s your honest reaction to this historic move?
Aka Eze Aka:
To be honest, I see this as a bold and visionary step. Our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a man of purpose, and every decision he makes is guided by wisdom and foresight. His move to the APC is not just a political switch — it’s a strategic alignment with national realities that will benefit Enugu people immensely. Enugu has been missing at the centre for over ten years now, and this cannot be allowed to fester any longer.
I can tell you without hesitation that wherever Governor Mbah goes, Udenu people are following. He has proven himself a leader of substance, one who places governance above politics. We have seen his results; from the Smart Schools, the healthcare centres, to his urban renewal projects, and we know he means business. For us, Mbah is the party that Enugu State knows.
The Concourse Media:
Have you felt the pulse of the grassroots in Udenu? Are your people comfortable with this realignment?
Aka Eze Aka:
Very comfortable, in fact, enthusiastic! The grassroots in Udenu are politically awake and fully in tune with this development. We’ve been holding consultations, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Our people understand that politics is about development, not division.
Governor Mbah has brought visible transformation to every part of Enugu, including Udenu. The roads, the health centres, the schools, the empowerment programs, they speak louder than any political logo. So, yes, the people of Udenu are not only keying into this move; they are proudly part of it.
“Udenu people know where progress is coming from. They follow vision, not slogans.”
Udenu LG Chairman, Aka Eze Aka in his office
The Concourse Media:
Some Political Observers believe that Mbah’s defection marks the end of PDP’s 26-year dominance in Enugu State and perhaps a new political order in the South East. What’s your view?
Aka Eze Aka:
That’s correct, this is honestly historic. For over two decades, PDP has dominated Enugu and some other States in the South East. But governance is dynamic. The world is changing, and so must politics.
Governor Mbah’s decision will redefine the political direction of Enugu and perhaps influence other States in the region. Aligning with the centre means greater access to national resources and collaboration for development. It’s a courageous step, and history favours bold Leaders who act in the best interest of their people.
We in Udenu see this as an opportunity for greater inclusion, not just politically but economically. It’s time for the South East to have stronger ties with the national government.
The Concourse Media:
So, you’re saying that you, and by extension, Udenu LGA, is with Mbah in APC?
Aka Eze Aka:
Without a second thought! My total loyalty is to Governor Mbah and to the progress he represents. This is not about changing colours; it’s about strengthening our development base.
Look around Enugu, in less than two years, he has done what many governments couldn’t do in eight. You don’t abandon a winning team because of a change in jersey colour.
Governor Mbah represents a MOVEMENT, a reawakening of governance in Enugu. We in Udenu are part of that MOVEMENT, and wherever he leads, we follow.
“Mbah represents a MOVEMENT, not a mere political group. Wherever he leads, we follow.”
The Concourse Media:
But some critics argue that loyalty to individuals rather than institutions weakens democracy. What’s your take on that?
Aka Eze Aka:
(Laughs) That argument would hold water if our institutions were strong enough. But in a society where institutions are still growing, it takes strong personalities to build strong systems.
Governor Mbah is doing exactly that, he’s reforming systems, building structures that will outlive his tenure. Supporting him is not about blind loyalty; it’s about standing by a visionary who is laying solid foundations for governance.
So, in essence, loyalty to Mbah is loyalty to progress and institution-building. We’re not worshipping a man; we’re standing with a reformer who is making Enugu proud.
The Concourse Media:
Mr. Chairman, with this defection, Enugu becomes the last State in the South East to leave PDP. What message do you have for the people of Enugu as they witness this new dawn?
Aka Eze Aka:
My message is one of unity and optimism. Enugu people should see this as a door opening to new opportunities. His Excellency, Governor Mbah, has earned the people’s trust through performance. He has shown capacity, vision, and results.
This move will not divide Enugu; it will unite us under a bigger vision of progress and inclusion. I urge everyone, both in and outside PDP, to rally around him. Let’s put development first. The logo on the ballot paper does not build roads or schools, visionary leadership does.
“This defection will not divide us, it will unite us under the banner of progress.”
The Concourse Media:
Finally, what would you say to those who are undecided or still sceptical about this political shift?
Aka Eze Aka:
I’d say this: stop standing on the fence. Tuesday, 14th October 2025, is not just another day, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Enugu’s political history.
Governor Mbah has proven that governance can be innovative, inclusive, and people-centered. Those who understand this truth will follow the path of progress.
So, I tell our Cynics, don’t watch history happen. Be part of it. Enugu is on the move, and that move is being led by Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
[caption id="attachment_3174" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]
Gov. Peter Mbah
Executive Governor, Enugu State
“Don’t watch history happen, be part of it. Enugu is on the move.”
The Concourse Media:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your time and insight.
Aka Eze Aka:
Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to talk about our Governor, a man redefining governance and leadership in Enugu State.
