In what many political analysts have described as a potential watershed moment in Enugu State’s political history, a coalition of respected political leaders, elders, traditional rulers, and thought leaders under the aegis of the Enugu State Patriots has declared resounding support for the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, urging him to consider exiting the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) amid a growing climate of internal strife, disunity, and leadership paralysis.

The high-powered political forum, held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of Villa Toscana Hotels in Enugu, witnessed an impressive turnout of stakeholders across party lines. It was a gathering driven by a singular purpose: to deliberate on the state of Enugu’s political health, evaluate the growing leadership vacuum in the PDP, and affirm their collective support for a visionary leader they believe deserves continuity and a stronger political platform.

THE MEETING OF POLITICAL GIANTS

Among the prominent figures in attendance were:
• Rt. Hon. Sunday Kelly Emeka (SKE) Udokoye, former National Youth Leader of PDP
• Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, current member of the Enugu State House of Assembly
• Rt. Hon. Iloabuche Aniagu, ESHA member
• Hon. Nnanna Nze, former Executive Chairman of Awgu LGA
• Rt. Hon. Paul Ogbe, former ESHA member
• Chief Francis Obasi, CEO of Villa Toscana Hotels
• Hon. Jude Asogwa, Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGA
• Chief Bonaventure Onu, political leader from the North
• Chief Felix Okechukwu Asado, civic mobilizer and opinion leader
• HRH Igwe Kingsley Okeke, traditional ruler and cultural ambassador

A DEFENSE OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

Opening the session, Hon. Chima Obieze, who co-convened the forum, praised Governor Mbah for redefining governance in Enugu State since taking office in 2023. He cited the Governor’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, rural development, youth empowerment, and economic transformation as unmatched in recent state history.

“Governor Mbah is not just a leader; he is a reformer,” Obieze stated. “We have watched with pride how he has managed to grow the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, attract private capital, and pursue sustainable development models, all within a difficult national economy. Such a man deserves our full support and must not be tied to a party structure that continues to hinder his progress.”

PDP IN DISARRAY: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

The forum’s major resolution centered on the deepening crisis within the PDP, which speakers described as “intractable” and “unsalvageable.” Participants lamented that the internal wrangling — both at the national headquarters and within the Enugu State chapter — has eroded public trust, stifled development planning, and placed undue pressure on Governor Mbah’s administration.

“The PDP no longer resembles the party we once knew,” said Rt. Hon. SKE Udokoye. “Despite the Governor’s sincere efforts to mend internal fractures, the national leadership has shown no will to support unity or reform. What then is the benefit of loyalty to a structure that continues to implode?”

Several contributors emphasized the need for Governor Mbah to consider moving to a more progressive and viable political party, where he can continue his development mission without internal sabotage or political distractions.

A UNITED CALL FOR RE-ELECTION AND POSSIBLE POLITICAL SHIFT

In one of the meeting’s most pointed moments, Hon. Jude Asogwa, the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, openly called on the Governor to seek re-election in 2027 — but under a new political platform.

“The people of Enugu know what they want, and we will stand behind Mbah if he decides to take a bold step,” Asogwa declared. “His work speaks for itself. He has restored dignity to governance in this state. It’s time to give him a political environment where that work can thrive.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Chief Francis Obasi, the influential CEO of Villa Toscana Hotels, who described the Governor as “the future of southeastern leadership.” Others, including Mr. Arize Okeke, Chief Bonaventure Onu, and HRH Igwe Kingsley Okeke, also emphasized the need to shield Mbah from the distractions and toxicity of the PDP crisis.

A DEFINING POLITICAL CROSSROADS

The resolutions from the Enugu Patriots forum were clear:
1. Full endorsement of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration and leadership direction
2. Support for his re-election bid in 2027, if he chooses to run
3. Call for the Governor to exit the PDP and realign with a political party that guarantees stability, cooperation, and continuity for Enugu State’s development
4. Commitment from all stakeholders to support him—regardless of political platform

The gathering closed with a sense of urgency and resolve. Attendees acknowledged the possibility of resistance or backlash from entrenched interests but affirmed their readiness to “defend the people’s mandate.”

MBAH: A SYMBOL OF PROGRESSIVE GOVERNANCE

The day’s proceedings cemented Governor Mbah’s reputation not merely as a politician, but as a movement of progress, an embodiment of competent governance, and a beacon of future leadership in the Southeast and beyond.

As political watchers across Nigeria observe the unfolding developments in Enugu, one thing is clear: a realignment is no longer a question of if — but when. And when it does occur, Governor Peter Mbah may well become the face of a renewed political era, shaped by performance, vision, and people-first leadership.