President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the Igbo people (Ndigbo) have finally been integrated into Nigeria’s mainstream political landscape following the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made this known on Tuesday at Okpara Square, Enugu, during the official event where Mbah formally joined the ruling APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Tinubu, the South East region had long operated at the fringes of national politics, but that era had ended with the combined efforts of Governors Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma, and Francis Nwifuru.
“Today is a remarkable day in the history of our nation — a great day for the Igbo people,” Tinubu stated.“For more than a decade, Ndigbo, one of the most dynamic and enterprising tribes in Africa, have been at the margins of national politics.But with the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, the steadfastness of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and the energy of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Ndigbo have now come into the mainstream of Nigerian politics.”
Tinubu described Mbah as a “true progressive” who has always aligned with the vision of the APC.
“Governor Mbah, you are one of us. You’ve always been a progressive at heart. I believe you had a broom hidden under your umbrella, waiting for the right time to reveal it.We warmly welcome you to the APC. By our constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in his state. Therefore, Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State.”
Governor Peter Mbah expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and declared that both Enugu State and the entire South East region have now joined forces with the progressives to promote unity and development.
“The era of fragmented politics in Enugu and across Igboland is over,” Mbah stated.“We are building a strong and united alliance. The progress we’ve achieved in Enugu will not stop; it will only continue on the same positive trajectory. Today marks the moment we decided to move forward together as one people.”
He added that the people of Enugu now see renewed hope in the state’s future and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuity, progress, and inclusion.
“We are not looking back. This day will be remembered as the turning point in the political history of Enugu State and the South East,” he said.
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