Amid intensifying rumours of Governor Peter Mbah's potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of political leaders in Enugu State has publicly declared their unwavering support for the governor, regardless of his political affiliation decisions.

The leaders, operating under the umbrella of Enugu State Patriots, made this declaration during a meeting held in Enugu on Sunday, where they emphatically stated that "Peter Mbah is our party."

This pronouncement comes just a day after some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state affirmed their commitment to remain with the party even if Governor Mbah decides to defect.

In a communique presented by Prof. Mathine Anikwe following their meeting, the Patriots highlighted that despite being in different political parties, both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have acknowledged Mbah's exceptional leadership capabilities.

"During this period, the region and Ndi Enugu have given the PDP their total support and have equally derived some benefits from the party in terms of development projects and political opportunities," the communique stated.

"Nevertheless, we make bold to say that with Governor Peter Mbah's exceptional performance, he has become a viable political party of his own. He is the political party we know and wherever he leads, Ndi Enugu will follow," the group emphasized.

The Patriots expressed greater interest in Mbah's ambitious vision to grow the state's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years than in political affiliations. They further asserted that the governor's second term is "sacrosanct" to ensure the continuation of his development agenda.

The group also pointed to Enugu State's established zoning arrangement as an additional factor supporting Mbah's political future. They noted that the arrangement has historically ensured power rotation among the three senatorial zones every eight years, with Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu East, 1999-2007), Sullivan Chime (Enugu West, 2007-2015), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu North, 2015-2023) each serving their full terms.

"This arrangement... set the stage for Enugu East's return to the Lion Building through Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in 2023," the communique emphasized.

Notable figures present at the event included former PDP National Youth Leader and National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye; traditional ruler of Ogboli Ohaja Autonomous community, Igwe Kingsley Okeke; former Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Luke Mmamel; and several other prominent political and community leaders from across the state.

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