Chief Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, reiterated on Tuesday that the true backbone of any political party lies with its apc–pdp-and-nnpp-supporters-decamp-to-adc-in-katsina/” title=”…, … and NNPP supporters decamp to ADC in Katsina”>grassroots supporters rather than its governors. His remarks came in response to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Governors are important, but they are not the foundation of a party; they add value, yes, but it is the people who constitute the party’s core. We will continue to engage with Nigerians directly, highlighting the achievements and shortcomings of the APC to ensure the public’s voice is heard. Being in power is not the sole measure of success. Our commitment is to uphold the will of the people,” George emphasized.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George expressed his astonishment at Governor Mbah’s decision, calling it unforeseen despite concerted efforts by senior PDP officials to retain him within the party.
“I never anticipated this move. When Anyanwu was reinstated as secretary to complete his duties, he instructed his supporters to avoid meetings, which puzzled us about the dynamics in the South-East. Now that the convention date is set and issues resolved, it was only a matter of time. The South-East was prepared to offer him any position he deserved. So, why leave now?” he questioned.
George revealed that numerous PDP leaders had reached out to Mbah, urging patience and assuring him that the upcoming convention would address the South-East’s interests. “Many advised him to remain calm, reminding him that the convention was imminent and that his rightful place would be secured. Yet, his reasoning seemed detached from reality,” he added.
RELATED: Former Governor Orji Kalu Opposes Calls for IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kalu’s Release
While extending his best wishes to Governor Mbah, George affirmed the PDP’s enduring strength despite recent defections. “I wish him well. This is not the first time members have left. The PDP is like a sturdy iroko tree-it withstands storms,” he remarked.
Governor Mbah was formally welcomed into the APC on Tuesday by prominent party leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. His switch increases the number of APC-governed states in the South-East to four-Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo-leaving only Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Addressing concerns about the rising number of PDP governors defecting to the APC, George reiterated that the party’s strength is rooted in its membership base, not solely its officeholders. He firmly dismissed any rumors about his own defection, calling such speculation “completely out of the question.”
Despite acknowledging internal difficulties, the PDP veteran expressed confidence in the party’s revival, describing it as “fully capable of renewal.”
Earlier, in a statewide broadcast, Governor Mbah explained that his decision to join the APC was motivated by a desire to synchronize Enugu State’s development agenda with the federal government’s policies for faster progress.
“Leadership often requires making tough choices to achieve greater objectives. My move to the APC is aimed at better serving the people of Enugu and aligning with the party’s vision for advancement,” Mbah said, praising President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the substantial support Enugu has received under his administration.
