A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has applauded the decision of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC, describing the move as a major milestone for the South-East and a testament to the growing faith of the Igbo people in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In an interview with the Vanguard, Chief Obidike hailed Governor Mbah for what he termed “a courageous and patriotic decision,” emphasizing that the defection represents a deeper political realignment and a clear indication of the Igbo people’s renewed trust in both President Tinubu and the ruling party.
“Governor Mbah’s defection is not just political; it is symbolic of a new alignment. It shows that the Igbos are now truly in love with the APC under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. We are witnessing a historic political shift,” Obidike stated.
Obidike, who doubles as the Chairman of Clarivo Oil and Gas Limited, also commended President Tinubu for his “unprecedented inclusiveness” and deliberate efforts to integrate the South-East into the mainstream of national politics and governance.
He stated, “No President in Nigeria’s recent history has demonstrated such genuine love and political inclusion for the South-East as President Tinubu. The level of appointments, infrastructure projects, and political attention we are receiving now is historic.”
He further noted that this moment marks a rare convergence in Nigeria’s political history, where the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups are aligning politically at the federal level.
He recalled that since the First Republic, when nationalist leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo stood on opposite sides of the political divide, both regions have seldom shared a common platform.
Chief Obidike, who is also the Chairman of Bidiks Nigeria Limited, urged other political leaders from the South-East to take a cue from Governor Mbah’s decision by joining the APC to enhance the region’s voice and influence in national affairs.
