Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has opened up on why he decided to leave the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said left because the PDP did not recognise the voice of his people.
Speaking to journalists after announcing his defection during a state-wide broadcast, the governor dismissed suggestions that his action amounted to a betrayal of the PDP, under which he was elected.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandonment.
“It is more about understanding that I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a responsibility on me to carry that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” he said.
The governor explained that his decision followed consultations and was rooted in the belief that the PDP platform could no longer “serve the people optimally.”
“We have people who, under a particular platform, gave me their mandate to lead them.
“But it became clear to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us optimally, and then, in consultation with them, we decided that we’re now going to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve them. So, I don’t see that as a betrayal,” he added.
When queried if he owed an apology to those who believed he could represent them as a member of the PDP, the governor said that his loyalty rests with the people, not any political structure.
