Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State have threatened to stage a protest in Abuja if attempts by some party leaders to block Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the ruling party continues.

The stakeholders issued the warning over the weekend after a meeting in Enugu.

They alleged that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, was working against Mbah’s anticipated move, urging him to concentrate on his national assignment instead.

Among those at the meeting were former APC state chairman, Dr Ben Nwoye; retired Nigerian ambassador to Ukraine, Gen. Christian Ugwu; immediate past Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hilary Edoga; former governorship candidate, Chief Gab Nnamani; Chief Anike Nwoga; Hyacinth Ngwu; and Mrs Juliet Egbo.

Nwoye stated that Mbah’s defection would turn around APC’s electoral misfortunes in Enugu, insisting that the governor’s performance had already won him the people’s admiration.

“Our plan is to reverse APC’s abysmal performance in Enugu. The rumours are everywhere that Mbah should move to APC because he has performed. Those putting a wedge to stop him don’t want APC to win in Enugu, but we won’t allow that,” Nwoye declared.

He argued that Governor Mbah’s achievements in roads, schools, hospitals, and security had even earned commendation from President Bola Tinubu despite their different political affiliations.

Chief Anike Nwoga warned that if the minister and others continued to “spread hate” and block Mbah, the stakeholders would march to the Presidency to demand Nnaji’s removal from office.

“APC hasn’t won any major seat in Enugu before. If Peter comes over, the party will begin to win. Some of them want APC to lose in 2027 so they can sit tight in their Abuja appointments,” he alleged.

Professor Hilary Edoga maintained that Enugu APC would be “marginalizing itself” if it rejected Mbah, urging party leaders to emulate states like Akwa Ibom and Delta where governors are allowed to lead the party.

On his part, Gen. Christian Ugwu pledged support for the governor’s defection, insisting that competence, not personal ambition, should guide APC’s interest in Enugu.

“We have a more competent man in Mbah. That’s why I’m joining those calling him to come to APC. We’ve already prepared grounds for him,” he said.

Mrs. Juliet Egbo added that if Mbah joined the APC, Enugu would enjoy greater federal attention like Imo and Ebonyi states.

The meeting ended with a unanimous call on the APC national leadership to support Governor Mbah’s entry into the party, warning that any attempt to frustrate the move could trigger mass protests by stakeholders from Enugu East.