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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially welcomed Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, along with several political leaders and stakeholders from the state, into its fold.

In a statement issued by Felix Morka, its spokesperson on Tuesday in Abuja, the APC described Mbah’s defection as ‘a courageous and strategic decision’ that would further strengthen governance and development in Enugu State and the entire South-East region.

‘The All Progressives Congress (APC) warmly welcomes the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, other members, leaders and stakeholders to our great Party,’ the statement read.

The party lauded Mbah for what it called a ‘deft political move,’ expressing confidence that his defection would ‘consolidate and accelerate development and good governance in Enugu State.’

‘We congratulate Governor Mbah for his courageous decision to join Nigeria’s preeminent and progressive party,’ the statement continued.

‘We are confident that this deft political move will consolidate and accelerate development and good governance in Enugu State.

‘It will bolster Governor Mbah’s leadership and impressive record of achievement, for which he has been recognized with several local and international awards, including the 2025 Presidential GovTech Awards for innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.’

The APC said Mbah’s decision to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda represents a major step toward repositioning Enugu as a key player in the country’s ongoing economic transformation. ‘The Governor’s decision to join the APC and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a smart repositioning of Enugu State as a strategic partner, participant, and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation currently underway in our nation,’ the party said. ‘It will inure to the good and prosperity of the people of the state, and the entire South-Eastern Nigeria.’

The statement also assured the governor and his supporters of full integration and support within the ruling party.

‘Our great Party assures His Excellency and teeming new members of its fullest support, accommodation and seamless integration into the APC family,’ it added. Mbah, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially defected to the APC earlier on Tuesday in Enugu.

His defection follows months of speculation about growing collaboration between the Enugu State Government and the Federal Government, particularly in areas of infrastructure, digital innovation, and investment promotion under President Tinubu’s administration.

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the name of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) to the Senate for confirmation as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The request was contained in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the commencement of plenary.

In the letter, Tinubu urged the Senate to give expeditious consideration to the nomination in line with constitutional provisions.

‘Pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 (4 and 5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to present, for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),’ the President stated.

‘Attached is his curriculum vitae. While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment of the nominee in its usual expeditious manner, please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.’ Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for consideration ‘as soon as practicable.’ In a separate communication, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s confirmation of Ayo Omidiran from Osun State as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), alongside 28 others nominated as Federal Commissioners.

Some of the nominees include Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara State), Babangida Bwala (Bauchi State), Mrs. Eunice Thomas (Akwa Ibom State), and Obinna Oriakwu (Abia State).

The Senate President subsequently referred the request to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Inter-Governmental Affairs for screening and directed the committee to report back within two weeks.

The federal government has launched the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at establishing 774 soil testing laboratories across the country and doubling crop yields as part of efforts to strengthen food security, reduce production costs, and enhance agricultural productivity.

The programme, unveiled at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, is a flagship component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural transformation and self-sufficiency.

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security in his remarks said the initiative would revolutionise fertiliser use and soil management by ending years of guesswork among farmers.

‘The Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme will help farmers know what their soil needs, grow more, and spend less,’ he stated.

‘Under the plan, farmers will receive personalised soil health cards containing details such as fertility levels, pH balance, and crop-specific fertiliser recommendations.’

He said a digital platform, the Nigeria Soil Information System (NiSIS), will also be developed to aggregate soil data for evidence-based decision-making, research, and private sector investment.

According to Abdullahi, the scheme has the potential to raise rice yields from 60-80 bags per hectare to 120-160 bags, while wheat and maize outputs could double from 50 to 100 bags per hectare. Onion yields, he added, are expected to increase from 400 to 800 bags per hectare, signaling a major productivity leap across crop value chains.

Implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, the NFSHS will create jobs for rural youth and women while promoting climate-smart, environmentally sustainable farming.

The project is being supported by key development partners including the World Bank, GIZ, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Also speaking, Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the scheme as a major step in rebuilding the foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural systems through scientific soil management, digital innovation, and precision agriculture. He lamented that about 65% of Nigerian farmers are losing soil fertility, with more than 400,000 hectares of arable land lost annually to erosion and desertification.

‘Declining soil quality has become one of the most serious constraints on productivity in sub-Saharan Africa,’ Kyari said. ‘Until we fix the soil, every other investment will yield only a fraction of its potential.’

Kyari added that the Tinubu administration has already distributed 2.15 million bags of fertilizer, 2,000 tractors, and 9,000 implements, alongside expanded cultivation on 500,000 hectares under the Biosecurity Farming Initiative, to boost productivity and reduce import dependence.

He noted that the soil health programme complements these ongoing reforms and will ensure that ‘every kilogram of fertiliser counts.’ Bello Kaoje, chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, commended the initiative as ‘a strategic and timely intervention’ that addresses the root of Nigeria’s food security challenge.

‘Healthy soil means higher yield, better nutrition, and resilience to climate change,’ he said.

‘The National Assembly will ensure this scheme is implemented with transparency, efficiency, and tangible benefits for our farmers.’

The Soil Health Scheme, according to officials, marks a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural policy-moving from guesswork to precision, and from subsistence to prosperity, with every farmer empowered and every soil restored.

The federal government has inaugurated a Special Task Force on Public and Private Building Audit, in a drive to strengthen fire safety compliance across Nigeria.

The inauguration, held on Monday at the FFS Headquarters in Abuja, was themed ‘Strengthening Fire Safety Compliance in Public Buildings: A Call to Action for National Resilience.’

It highlighted the Service’s growing emphasis on proactive fire risk management and the prevention of large-scale disasters.

Olumode Samuel, Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), cited recent incidents such as the Afritower fire in Lagos and the series of plaza fires in Abuja as reminders of the urgent need for stricter compliance with safety regulations.

He said the initiative became necessary in light of the increasing frequency of fire outbreaks in major cities.

According to him, the Task Force has been specifically mandated to map public buildings across the country, classify them based on their fire risk levels, assess their compliance with safety standards, and submit detailed recommendations to guide enforcement and policy actions. ‘Fire safety is not a choice but a shared responsibility. This initiative is designed to strengthen our collective resilience by ensuring that both public and private facilities meet the minimum safety requirements necessary to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure’, Adeyemi stressed. The Task Force, chaired by Bolarinde Muhammed, head of Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement (I.I.E.) Department, includes top officers such as the Deputy Controller of Operations (FCT Command), the Provost Marshal, the National Public Relations Officer, and the Service’s Legal Director, who will serve as the Secretariat.

Adeyemi charged members to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and diligence in the discharge of their duties, emphasising that their work is central to the Service’s mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s built environment.

He also appealed to owners and managers of public and private buildings, including high-rise facilities, to cooperate fully with the Task Force during its nationwide audit exercise, warning that negligence or obstruction would not be tolerated.

In a decisive and historic achievement, President Donald Trump has successfully brokered a landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This agreement has led to the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages and signals the start of a promising new phase of peace in the Middle East. Celebrated by global leaders and even political rivals, this milestone is not only a testament to effective international diplomacy but also reshapes the narrative of leadership in the digital era.

A diplomatic masterstroke

Trump’s visit to Israel coincided with the significant release of hostages and was marked by a compelling address to the Knesset, followed by a peace summit in Egypt. This summit resulted in a historic 20-point peace plan, which included critical components such as the disarmament of Hamas, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, and the return of remains of deceased hostages. The agreement was signed by Trump and leaders from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, showcasing an unusual moment of unity among key regional powers.

While Hamas hasn’t completely adhered to the disarmament requirements, the ceasefire has surprisingly held strong, paving the way for much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Trump’s bold declaration of ‘At long last, we have peace in the Middle East’ resonated powerfully in a region that has endured decades of turmoil.

Lessons for the Digital Age

This development offers several valuable lessons. Let’s take a closer look at some of them in relation to the Digital Age:

Strategic Messaging and Digital Diplomacy

Donald Trump’s strategic utilisation of digital platforms and media optics significantly showcased the effectiveness of what has come to be known as digital diplomacy. For instance, Ivanka Trump’s heartfelt address delivered in Tel Aviv captured widespread attention, illustrating how personal narratives can resonate in international conversations. Furthermore, the real-time updates broadcasted from the summit not only kept the public informed but also engaged them in a continuous dialogue about unfolding events.

In our fast-paced digital age, public perception plays a pivotal role in shaping political outcomes. That’s why it’s crucial for leaders to master the art of strategic communication across diverse online platforms. It’s not just about creating powerful messages; it’s about grasping the subtle intricacies of engaging with audiences in the digital realm. Embracing this challenge can lead to more impactful connections and thriving leadership!

By masterfully navigating the intricate world of modern media and communication, they have the power to mould public opinion and influence policy in revolutionary ways that were once beyond imagination. This underscores the importance of skilfulness in today’s dynamic information landscape.

Data-Driven Negotiation

The recent ceasefire marks an exhilarating turning point, bursting beyond the confines of political manoeuvring; it emerged from an intricate process fuelled by in-depth data analysis. A host of crucial factors converged to shape this groundbreaking agreement, creating a thrilling new landscape of possibilities!

Intelligence assessments played a pivotal role in uncovering the capabilities and movements of opposing forces, highlighting the right moment to consider ending hostilities. At the same time, the grim humanitarian indicators-rising civilian casualties, increasing displacement, and worsening conditions in affected areas-made it abundantly clear that a ceasefire was not just necessary, but urgent. Without prompt action, we risked plunging even deeper into a humanitarian crisis that could be avoided.

Furthermore, the incorporation of geopolitical insights-considering the interests and influences of neighbouring nations and international stakeholders-has been essential in creating a favourable environment for dialogue. This context emphasises the importance of leaders incorporating digital intelligence and analytics into their conflict resolution strategies. By utilizing not only traditional diplomatic avenues but also advanced data analysis, decision-makers can strive for more sustainable and effective peace agreements in the future. This approach signifies a progressive evolution in conflict resolution, merging technology with diplomacy to improve outcomes for all parties involved.

Cybersecurity and Trust

In the intricate dance of ongoing negotiations, trust emerged as an exceedingly fragile currency. In our fast-paced digital age, the urgency for secure communication channels, verified data, and resilient cyber diplomacy has never been more pressing. As Hamas faced the daunting decision of whether to disarm, their hesitation was steeped in deep-rooted fears of betrayal and the looming spectre of exploitation. This uncertainty highlighted the critical need for secure and transparent digital frameworks that could pave the way for genuine dialogue and build confidence among all parties involved. Without these essential safeguards, not only would the negotiations be at risk, but the very fabric of international relations could unravel in a world increasingly threatened by digital perils.

Global Collaboration via Tech Platforms

The summit held in Egypt marked a significant evolution in diplomatic gatherings, transcending its physical location through the power of livestreaming and social media. This event showcased a global reach, highlighting the rise of hybrid diplomatic engagements that leverage technology to foster consensus on a worldwide scale.

Humanitarian Tech and Crisis Response

The swift and efficient deployment of aid and medical assistance to Gaza following the ceasefire was meticulously organised through advanced digital logistics systems. This use of technology not only streamlined the process of delivering essential supplies but also ensured that help reached those in need promptly. By leveraging digital platforms for real-time tracking and inventory management, humanitarian organizations were able to coordinate their efforts more effectively, overcoming the challenges posed by the complex environment. This situation serves as a powerful demonstration of how technology can significantly enhance humanitarian responses, enabling the rapid recovery and rebuilding of communities devastated by conflict.

A Moment of Reflection

As the world witnesses Gaza embarking on its gradual path to recovery, an important moment arises for reflection on the future of peacebuilding efforts. This is particularly pertinent in light of Donald Trump’s achievements during his time in office. As we consider the complex landscape of international relations, it becomes essential to delve into the potential of digital tools that can be harnessed to foster lasting peace. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology play critical roles in enhancing transparency and accountability in diplomatic engagements, serving as pivotal questions that should guide the emerging generation of global leaders.

Notably, former President Bill Clinton highlighted the collaborative efforts of Donald Trump, his administration, Qatar, and other regional actors, which deserve recognition for their commitment to maintaining dialogue and engagement throughout the negotiation process leading to a significant agreement. This acknowledgement underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts regardless of differing political viewpoints.

At this juncture, it is vital to emphasise the importance of bold and decisive leadership, especially in our increasingly interconnected digital world. The lessons learned from these engagements serve not only to honour past efforts but also to inform future strategies aimed at achieving sustainable peace, demonstrating the profound impact that coordinated international diplomacy can have in resolving long-standing conflicts.

Conclusion

Trump’s Gaza breakthrough transcends mere geopolitical manoeuvring; it represents a definitive masterclass in 21st-century diplomacy. By seamlessly merging traditional power dynamics with the agility of the digital age, this accomplishment highlights a transformative paradigm where influence is exerted not just through backchannels but also through the power of bandwidth. Regardless of one’s perspective on Trump, one thing is undeniable: in a world that is increasingly unpredictable, effective leadership, media savvy, and strategic disruption can indeed reshape the geopolitical landscape. The takeaway for global leaders is unmistakable: in this era of algorithms and alliances, boldness, when coupled with impeccable timing, is the ultimate currency in the pursuit of peace.

In nearly every professional field, there’s a clear path from the classroom to the boardroom. Accountants earn their degrees in finance, engineers study engineering, and lawyers are schooled in jurisprudence.

The qualifications are specific, the training is rigorous, and the professional body overseeing it all ensures a ’round peg’ is placed in a ’round hole’. Yet, when we look at the crucial administrative and executive roles that form the backbone of any organisation, this clear-cut path seems to vanish.

These positions responsible for managing people, leading teams, and overseeing operations are often seen as ‘gbogboero’, a Yoruba term meaning ‘anyone can come in’. This widespread belief has led to a fascinating and, at times, chaotic mix of professionals in leadership.

You’ll find political scientists, religious studies graduates, linguists, and people from almost every academic discipline occupying these seats. While a diverse range of perspectives can be valuable, the lack of a specialised educational foundation poses a significant challenge. The misalignment: A jack of all trades, master of none?

Imagine a hospital where the lead surgeon didn’t study medicine or an architectural firm where the head of design has no background in architecture. Such a scenario is unthinkable.

So why do we accept it in the very roles tasked with managing human capital, the most valuable asset of any organisation? The skills required for effective leadership and administration including conflict resolution, organisational behaviour, talent management, and strategic planning, are not innate. They are learned.

When these roles are filled by individuals without a specific educational background in human resources or related fields, we risk a fundamental misalignment. A brilliant engineer may be a poor team leader, and a gifted accountant might lack the people skills necessary to foster a positive work environment. This isn’t a criticism of their intelligence or ability but rather an acknowledgement that managing people is a distinct, specialised skill set. This ‘gbogboero’ approach has led to a significant gap in professional competence.

The solution is not to exclude individuals from other disciplines but to professionalise the administrative and executive cadre by requiring a specific educational foundation. The most logical and effective discipline for this foundation is human resources management.

The study of human resources provides a comprehensive understanding of organisational development, labour relations, employee training and development, and performance management. A background in this field equips future leaders with the tools to navigate the complexities of managing a modern workforce effectively.

The way forward: A partnership with CIPM

For this to become a reality in Nigeria, we need a concerted effort to establish and enforce these new standards. The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), the body legally responsible for regulating the practice of human resources in the country, is perfectly positioned to lead this change.

CIPM should collaborate with the government and corporate sector to create a framework that makes a degree or a professional qualification in human resources a prerequisite for all administrative and executive roles.

Just as you must pass the bar to practise law or sit for professional exams to be a chartered accountant, a similar standard should be set for those who lead and manage our workforce.

By professionalising these critical roles, we can ensure that our organisations are not just managed by anyone, but by qualified professionals who have the specific knowledge and skills required to lead people effectively.

This move would not only elevate the standard of leadership but also contribute to a more efficient, harmonious, and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire economy.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied claims that he deliberately boycotted the recent Council of State meeting, saying his absence was due to pre-scheduled official engagements.

Wike made a clarification during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The minister described reports alleging a political fallout between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of the new INEC Chairman as ‘baseless propaganda and blackmail.’

BusinessDay recalls that during the Council of State meeting held on Thursday, October 9, Prof. Joash Amupitan was nominated as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending confirmation by the Senate.

However, some media outlets claimed that Wike abstained from the meeting after his preferred nominee was overlooked.

Wike clarified that Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for the FCT, was officially delegated to represent him in line with protocol, due to other official commitments he had informed the President about.

‘Last week Thursday, we had a flag-off and I informed Mr. President that I wouldn’t be available for the Council of State meeting because of prior commitments. The Honourable Minister of State, FCT, attended on my behalf,’ he said.

He dismissed speculation linking his absence to dissatisfaction with the INEC nomination process, saying such narratives were meant to distract from his administration’s focus on development in the capital territory.

‘People say I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t picked. These are distractions. I work for Mr. President. His judgment, from what I have seen, aims to reposition Nigeria,’ Wike said.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate growing concerns over arbitrary and incessant charges imposed by commercial banks across Nigeria.

The House decried that many Nigerian customers have repeatedly experienced multiple charges, such as SMS alerts, card maintenance fees, account maintenance charges, interbank transfer fees, stamp duties and unexplained debts, some of which it said, are either duplicated or unaccounted for.

The House expressed worry that these ‘exploitative practices disproportionately affect businesses, low-income earners, small businesses, students and vulnerable groups who struggle to keep their finances in check amid the harsh economic realities in the country.’

Consequently, the House has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to publish a comprehensive and simplified list of all approved bank charges and to strictly enforce sanctions against financial institutions found to be in breach of such regulations.

It also called on the CBN to establish a more accessible and efficient complaints redress mechanism for customers affected by illegal or excessive deductions.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Muktar Shagaya, lawmaker representing Kwara during plenary on Tuesday. Moving the motion, Shagaya said these exploitative practices persist despite the CBN’s existing guidelines regulating bank tariffs, which are often disregarded by financial institutions with apparent impunity.

‘These exploitative practices undermine financial inclusion, erode public trust in the banking system, and place additional strain on households and small enterprises. If this trend is not urgently investigated and addressed, it will continue to weaken confidence in Nigeria’s financial institutions and hinder the CBN’s inclusion objectives’, Shagaya said.

Following deliberations, the House mandated its Committees on Banking Regulations and Banking Institutions to urgently invite the Central Banl of Nigeria and key commercial banks operating in Nigeria to appear before it over the issue.

What began nine years ago as the dream of a young woman with only N200 in her account has today evolved into a global movement inspiring, empowering, and educating girls across Nigeria and beyond.

That woman is Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyike Dimples, founder of Girls Talk With Ariyike (GTWA) and the Ariyike Owolagba Foundation.

At the GTWA Conference 2025 in Lagos, the hall echoed with stories of resilience, faith, and empowerment. For Ariyike, the event was not just another gathering, it was a living testimony of how determination, vision, and divine purpose can transform a personal struggle into a beacon of hope for others.

‘GTWA started after I lost my TV job. At that point, I had only ?200 in my account, but I heard in my spirit that I should host a conference. That was the seed that birthed this entire journey,’ Ariyike recalled.

She reached out to mentors and supporters, including Dr. Moyo Elesho and Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the first lady of Ogun state, both of whom believed in her vision. Encouraged by her mentor, Pastor Mrs. Kome, Ariyike took the bold step of announcing her first conference online. To her surprise, brands such as Aquafina, Fruitylife, and Omojunwa Foundation came on board to support the cause.

‘From that moment, I knew GTWA was bigger than me. It was a divine assignment to create a safe space for women to share ideas, experiences, and support one another,’ she said.

GTWA, which began as a small community for young women to talk freely about their struggles and aspirations, has now grown into a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) with a global audience. Its mission is to empower girls through mentorship, education, and skill acquisition, while also promoting emotional and spiritual growth.

Ariyike describes herself as a sent one, someone led by divine instruction rather than ambition. ‘I don’t do GTWA because I planned to. If God says ‘Go,’ I go. If He says ‘Wait,’ I wait. That is how every conference has been birthed,’ she explained. Over the years, GTWA has sponsored the education of several girls and supported widows through vocational training and community outreach. ‘In the first nine years, I was doing everything by myself. Now, with partners and global recognition, I know many more girls will get the education and support they need,’ she said.

At the 2025 conference, three young women were awarded full scholarships, covering both academic and vocational training. The recipients will also receive mentorship, a crucial part of the GTWA model that ensures every beneficiary is guided to achieve personal and professional growth.

‘For every girl under GTWA, I intercede and pray because I know they are in the most defining period of their lives. We want them to not just get education but to also find purpose and value in who they are,’ Ariyike said.

GTWA’s approach to empowerment goes beyond financial aid. It emphasizes self-discovery, self-worth, and spiritual grounding, values that Ariyike insists are essential for lasting impact.

While Nigeria has no shortage of NGOs advocating for women and girls, what sets GTWA apart is its deeply personal and faith-driven approach. Ariyike doesn’t see herself as a founder chasing visibility or accolades, she sees herself as a vessel. ‘I am not competing with anyone. This is a calling. I’ve been passionate about helping girls long before GTWA became a registered foundation. This is my little contribution to the world,’ she said.

Through her foundation, she also extends support to widows, providing relief materials and small-scale empowerment initiatives to help them rebuild their lives. Today, GTWA’s message has reached audiences beyond Nigeria’s borders. The movement has been recognized internationally for its innovative blend of faith, mentorship, and practical empowerment. With growing partnerships and visibility, the foundation is poised to impact thousands more women and girls across Africa.

But for Ariyike, the focus remains the same: one girl, one story, one transformation at a time. ‘It all started with N200 and a vision. That is why I always tell young women never despise small beginnings. God can turn your lowest moment into your greatest assignment,’ she stated.

Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mbah announced his decision on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, saying the move was aimed at advancing the state’s interests through a stronger partnership with the ruling party at the centre.

He said his defection followed a long period of reflection, adding that the APC’s vision under President Bola Tinubu aligns with his own goal of driving sustainable development in Enugu and across the South-East.

Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive, Mbah stated.

‘I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.

The governor, who was accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, federal and state lawmakers, and top political figures in Enugu, said the decision was a collective one made by his political family. According to him, ‘This is no whimsical decision. It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives.’ Mbah also expressed optimism that the defection would ensure that the voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East would now be heard in Abuja.

While thanking the PDP, for its past support, Mbah lamented that the South-East had often been sidelined in national politics despite its loyalty to the party.

According to Mbah,’ the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude,’ he said. ‘But despite our loyalty, our voices were too often disregarded.’

‘Let me be clear, I will represent our state and our region with the same strength of purpose as I have always done. Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level.

‘The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. Yes, there have been challenges and delays along the way, but make no mistake – schools, hospitals, roads, and our services will be finished as promised.

‘To the political elite across the South East, I say this: our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self. Principles, not personalities, must guide us.

‘To Ndi Enugu, let me say this: this will not break our stride. We are a force of endeavour, and we need an ally who can match our ambition.

‘Let me reassure you – this is not a detour, but a conscious step towards a more compelling future’.