Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, says he has no plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mbah spoke on Saturday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Enugu.
“I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP,” he said.
He acknowledged that the party is grappling with internal challenges but noted that wrangling is not unique to the party.
“Other political parties in the country are also facing challenges,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the PDP would overcome its internal crisis in due time.
Commenting on independent candidacy, Mbah said Nigeria’s constitution does not provide for one.
“Our constitution does not recognise or have provision for someone to run as an independent candidate. It means you have to be sponsored by a political party,” he said.
“So you must still do the politics, as you cannot completely shield yourself from it.”
He said his focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Enugu state.
“It is also clear from the people of Enugu state that we are in this to serve them. So we have focused largely on governance,” Mbah said.
“I believe that at the end of the day, the people would have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out.”
The governor also disclosed that Chijioke Edeoga, his main rival in the 2023 governorship election, has returned to the PDP and is now working with him.
“So we’re working closely together, and that has also brought a lot of peace, as we are not spending money dealing with all sorts of political fights,” he said.
“We are quite peaceful here in terms of politics and working together. We have to collaborate with an institution or a person to achieve our common goal and build our state.”
On Friday, Bukola Saraki, former senate president and chairman of the PDP reconciliation and convention committee, said recent defections from the party are driven by the elite.
The former Kwara governor said while the party is navigating a turbulent period, its base remains strong and committed.
“When you go round the country, the state chapters, the local government chapters, the party is still very strong in the grassroots,” he said.