2027: Mbah, PDP, and the Newfound Political Romance in Enugu

By Lawrence Njoku

The Rise and Challenges of PDP in Enugu

Despite its national struggles, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State is experiencing a resurgence. However, the influx of defectors into the party is raising concerns among loyal members who fear history may repeat itself.

The Ugwuanyi Legacy: A Cautionary Tale

Former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu once praised ex-Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s “spirit of tolerance and accommodation,” calling him a leader who “couldn’t hurt a fly.” Ugwuanyi’s open-door policy made him popular, with his phone number publicly available and his willingness to engage with anyone, regardless of political affiliation.

However, this approach backfired during the 2023 elections when numerous aspirants sought his endorsement, leading to internal party conflicts. Many who didn’t receive his support worked against PDP candidates, contributing to the party’s poor performance in those elections.

Governor Mbah’s Strategic Shift

Current Governor Peter Mbah has taken a different approach, initially maintaining strict boundaries between politics and governance. Recently, however, he’s begun engaging more with political stakeholders, welcoming defectors from opposition parties back into the PDP fold.

This shift has significantly altered Enugu’s political landscape. From controlling just a few seats after the 2023 elections, PDP now dominates the State Assembly with 20 of 24 seats and holds five of eight House of Representatives seats.

The 2027 Calculations

Political analysts note that many returning politicians are first-term office holders seeking to maintain their positions in 2027. Their sudden embrace of PDP has raised eyebrows among long-time party members.

PDP chieftain Getrude Eze expressed concerns: “Some of these postures are borne out of the desires of 2027. They’ve suddenly forgotten that many of us who remained in this party and supported this government from day one should also aspire to higher positions.”

Expert Perspectives on the Political Shift

Dr. Great Orji of Nnamdi Azikiwe University warns that the current trend could lead to intense competition for party nominations: “If these returning members fail to secure PDP tickets, they may seek alternative platforms, potentially destabilizing the party.”

Despite these concerns, PDP State Chairman Dr. Martin Chukwunwike has promised equal opportunities for both old and new members, aiming to strengthen the party’s position in Enugu.

As the 2027 elections approach, observers will be watching to see if Governor Mbah can maintain party unity while capitalizing on PDP’s growing dominance in Enugu State.

Full credit to the original publisher: The Citizen