Peter Mbah Joining APC Is Not Ordinary” — Barrister Darlington

Abuja — Legal analyst and political commentator, Barrister Darlington, has reacted to the reported defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “not ordinary” and politically significant.

Speaking during a live program on VOP TV, Darlington said Mbah’s performance as governor has been widely acknowledged, making his alleged decision to align with the ruling party a development that deserves serious political attention.

“Peter Mbah that is doing very well is joining APC — that is not ordinary,” Darlington stated.

He suggested that the governor’s defection could signal a broader political realignment ahead of future elections, especially as parties begin to reposition themselves for national influence.

Darlington noted that such moves are often strategic, either for political survival, federal alignment, or influence in future policymaking.

“In Nigerian politics, defections are rarely spontaneous. They are calculated steps toward securing political relevance or protection,” he explained.

He, however, urged the public to look beyond the surface and ask critical questions about the motives and timing of such defections, warning that Nigeria’s democracy suffers when political loyalty is traded for convenience.

“When leaders move for personal gain rather than ideology or public interest, the people are the ones who lose,” he added.

Political observers say Mbah’s rumored defection, if confirmed, could reshape South-East political dynamics, especially given his growing reputation as one of the region’s more progressive and development-focused governors.