Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu governor, Dr Peter Mbah, had reaffirmed his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), just as he dismissed rumours of his planned defection to another political party.
Mbah spoke during an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Enugu.
Against the background of rumours going round that he was planning to defect to another political party to actualize his second term ambition, Mbah said: “I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP.”
The governor made it clear that his loyalty to the party remained unwavering.
Mbah, however, acknowledged that the PDP was facing internal challenges, but maintained that such issues were not exclusive to the party.
He noted that all political parties in Nigeria face one form of crisis or another and expressed optimism that the PDP would resolve its issues in due course.
Speaking further on the political situation in the state, Mbah expressed satisfaction with the current political atmosphere in the state.
He attributed the current peace and stability in the political terrain to the reconciliation and cooperation between himself and his former political rival, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga.
He revealed that Edeoga, who contested against him in the 2023 governorship election, has since returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is now working closely with him for the good of the state.
He said: “We’re working closely together and that has also brought a lot of peace as we are not spending money dealing with all sorts of political fights.
“We are quite peaceful here in terms of politics and working together.
“We have to collaborate with an institution or a person in order to achieve our common goal and build our state,” he said.
Speaking on the possibility of independent candidacy in future elections in Nigeria, Governor Mbah pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution does not currently allow individuals to contest elections without party sponsorship.
“Our constitution does not recognize or have provision for someone to run as an independent candidate.
“It means you have to be sponsored by a political party; so, you must still do politics as you cannot completely shield yourself from it,” he said.
He said that his administration is currently focused on service and good governance, noting that the final decision on their performance rests with the people.
“It is also clear from the people of Enugu State that we are in this to serve them.
“We have focused largely on governance, and I believe that at the end of the day, the people would have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out,” he said.
