KEY POINTS

• Titus Odo and Emeka Mamah defected from LP to PDP, citing Governor Peter Mbah’s infrastructure projects and leadership as key motivators.

• The PDP is leveraging reconciliation efforts and Mbah’s performance to rebuild support ahead of the 2027 elections, targeting former members who left during the 2023 LP surge.

• The defections highlight LP’s weakening hold in Enugu, exacerbated by high-profile exits like Chijioke Edeoga, while PDP aims to counter APC’s growing influence in the Southeast.

In a significant political shift ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, Titus Odo, the Enugu State spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP), alongside Emeka Mamah, former commissioner and coordinator of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign in the state, defected back to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday.

The move underscores growing realignments in Enugu’s political landscape, driven by admiration for Governor Peter Mbah’s governance.

Odo and Mamah, who had abandoned the PDP for the LP prior to the 2023 elections, attributed their return to Mbah’s “giant developmental strides.” “I came back because of the governor’s transformative projects and the defection of my former boss, Dr. Chijioke Edeoga, LP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate,” Odo declared during a ceremony at the PDP secretariat. He also praised Uchenna Ogara, chairman of Igboeze North LGA, for urbanizing the council area.

PDP eyes 2027 dominance as defectors signal shifting loyalties

The Cable reports that the defections come amid PDP’s aggressive push to reclaim influence after LP’s strong showing in the 2023 polls, which saw Peter Obi secure 90% of Enugu’s presidential votes.

Analysts suggest Governor Mbah’s infrastructure projects—including the ongoing construction of 81 urban roads and the Owo-Ubahu-Mmaku Road—have bolstered his appeal. Martin Chukwunwike, PDP state chairman, hailed the returnees as a sign of the party’s resurgence: “2027 is already assured. Governor Mbah has directed us to reconcile with aggrieved members.”

Emeka Mamah echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am pleased with the governor’s performance, particularly in security and education.” The PDP’s reconciliation strategy appears focused on mending rifts from the 2023 primaries, where internal disputes drove figures like Edeoga to LP. Meanwhile, LP faces internal turmoil, with Edeoga’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) further destabilizing its base.

Political analyst Ngozi Okoro noted, “These defections reflect Mbah’s tactical use of governance to win back opposition strongholds. For PDP, unity ahead of 2027 is critical, especially in the Southeast where APC is gaining ground.” The PDP also announced plans to integrate returnees into key campaign roles, signaling a broader strategy to consolidate power.