Enugu South LG Boss, 13 Councillors, Others Defect To APC

The political atmosphere in Enugu State took a new turn on Monday as the Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Caleb Ani, thirteen elected councillors, and several political appointees officially dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They were joined by over twenty-eight thousand members of the PDP across the council area who also announced their defection to the ruling party.

Leading the motion for the defection, former Council Chairman, Dr. Barr. Sam Onyia, supported by Hon. Peter Nnaji, explained that their decision was driven by the need to align with the centre in order to attract more development to Enugu South.

Dr. Barr. Sam Onyia

They said that by joining the APC, the council would be better positioned to work in harmony with the state government and the federal government so that the benefits of good governance would trickle down to the grassroots.

According to them, Governor Peter Mbah’s clear development agenda and the progress already visible across the state inspired their confidence and encouraged them to take the bold step.

They added that joining forces with the governor and aligning with the centre would help accelerate the transformation of Enugu State.

Speaking during the event, the Enugu South Council Chairman, Dr. Caleb Ani, said their defection was in full support of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for a new Enugu.

He explained that the governor’s “Tomorrow Is Here” mantra ties perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which both share a commitment to rebuilding the economy, empowering citizens, and creating a future of sustainable growth.

Dr. Ani said that by aligning with both visions, Enugu State now stands on the threshold of exponential progress and renewed prosperity.

In his words, “The Tomorrow Is Here message gives us hope for a better Enugu, while the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president complements it at the national level. Together, they form a partnership that will lift our people and move our state forward.”

He also reaffirmed his total loyalty to Governor Mbah, pledging that he and his entire team would continue to stand by him and work closely to realize his development blueprint. “Our defection today is not just about changing political parties,” he said. “It is about identifying with a visionary leader and supporting him fully to deliver the future he has promised the people of Enugu State.”

Other speakers at the ceremony, including the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, praised the decision, describing it as a courageous and forward-looking move that will further unite the state politically and economically.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo

The event attracted a large gathering of stakeholders, including past and present council chairmen, party stalwarts, community leaders, women and youth groups, who all hailed the move as the beginning of a new chapter for Enugu South.

Enugu South LG Media