A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed surprise over the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Mbah had on Tuesday officially announced his decision to leave the PDP for the APC.
Reacting to the development during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George said he was shocked by the governor’s move, noting that he never anticipated it despite efforts by party elders to maintain unity within the PDP.
“I never saw it at any time. In fact, when Anyanwu was brought back as secretary to complete his assignment, he asked his people not to attend meetings,” George said.
While wishing Mbah well, George maintained that the PDP remained strong despite recent defections, insisting that the party’s foundation lies in the people, not in individual politicians.
“Governors alone don’t make the party; they are an added value. The people make up your party. We will campaign and go to the field to explain to the people. What has the APC done to put a smile on the faces of Nigerians? What are the economic indices?” he queried.
George also dismissed the notion that being in power guarantees electoral success, saying, “It’s not about being in government and thinking they can manoeuvre and manipulate results to win elections.”