Ola Akinwunmi
In a political reversal in Enugu State, Mr Titus Odo, the former Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Prince Emeka Mamah, a former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the ex-State Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign during the 2023 general elections.
The decision, announced on Wednesday at the PDP State Secretariat, marks a significant shift from a previous defection in 2023, when both leaders had left the PDP for the LP. Their return comes on the heels of a concerted directive from the state leadership, particularly from Governor Peter Mbah, whose ambitious developmental agenda is credited as a major influence in drawing them back home.
“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant developmental strides of Gov Mbah, and I say kudos to him,” said Odo during his presentation at the event.
Dr Martin Chukwunwike, the state PDP Chairman, welcomed the defectors with open arms and expressed optimism about the party’s future prospects. “We are happy to have them in our midst, and God has set this party on a good foot as 2027 is already assured,” he declared, emphasizing the need for a united front as the state gears up for the next election cycle. Chukwunwike also reflected on the governor’s determination to reclaim members who had left the party, positioning this strategic move as an essential step towards consolidating power in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
Odo provided further insights into his motivations, noting that multiple factors contributed to his decision to rejoin the PDP. Alongside praising Governor Mbah’s development efforts, he highlighted the impact of high-profile defections within the party. “The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State. Another reason is that the Council Chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara, is turning the Council Area into a township,” Odo explained, underlining a broader narrative of transformation and progress that is resonating with party members and the electorate alike.
Prince Emeka Mamah expressed gratitude towards the PDP leadership at various levels — local, zonal and the state chapter — for facilitating his homecoming. “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor,” Mamah stated, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism about the PDP’s potential to reclaim its influence in Enugu State.
The return of these prominent political figures is seen as both a vote of confidence in Governor Mbah’s leadership and a sign of realignment within Enugu’s political landscape. The PDP’s strategy appears to be focused on reuniting with experienced politicians and consolidating its ranks ahead of the forthcoming electoral battles.
With 2027 on the horizon, the PDP is rallying its members and supporters to build on this momentum. The reintegration of leaders like Odo and Mamah not only brings valuable experience into the fold but also serves as an endorsement of the current administration’s development initiatives. As the party calls for unity and prepares to package itself as a rejuvenated and forward-thinking political force, observers and party faithful alike are keenly watching to see if this strategic realignment will translate into electoral gains in the coming years.
