The wave of defections rocking the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State has continued to gather momentum, as former Awgu Local Government Chairman, Stanley Okeke, popularly known as Atu Ogbaku, alongside his entire political structure, formally announced their resignation from the party.
In a letter dated October 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman in Ogbaku Ward, Okeke declared that his decision to quit the party was driven by “prolonged crisis within the PDP” which, according to him, has made effective political engagement and electoral victories increasingly impossible in the state.
“I, Hon. Dr. Stanley Okeke, Atu Ogbaku, and my entire Ogbaku and Awgu Political Family and indeed our numerous supporters scattered everywhere in Enugu State wish to formally announce our resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he stated.
He noted that the internal wrangling in the PDP had weakened its capacity to provide the political platform needed to deliver on the aspirations of the people.
“The prolonged crisis within the party has made it increasingly difficult for us to continue serving effectively and ultimately winning elections in the long run in our dear state,” he added.
Okeke, a strong grassroots mobilizer, explained that after wide consultations and careful deliberations, his political bloc decided to align with the leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
“After careful consideration and consequent deliberations, we have chosen to follow the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as he moves to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
According to him, their defection to the ruling party at the federal level is a strategic move to connect Enugu State to the centre of power, thereby unlocking greater opportunities for development and resource mobilization.
“We believe that joining APC will enable us to connect Enugu State to the heart of Nigeria, leveraging the opportunities and resources available to the ruling party. We are confident that this move will enhance the progress and development of our state,” Okeke noted.
He also expressed appreciation to his former party members and leaders for the years of political collaboration and service, even as he urged his supporters across Enugu to rally behind the new political direction.
“We wish our former party members well and appreciate the opportunities we had whilst serving in the PDP. We now call on our teeming supporters to join us in APC, where we will work together with our amiable governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to achieve our collective aspirations and goals,” he declared.
Okeke concluded with a rallying call for unity and progress:
“Together, we can build a better and brighter future for our dear state, Enugu.”
His defection, along with the entire Awgu political bloc, adds to the growing list of influential PDP chieftains leaving the party following Governor Mbah’s defection to the APC — a development that signals a major political realignment in Enugu State.
