My Loyalty to PDP Is Unshakable, I’ll Never Jump Ship — Enugu Former Guber Candidate Declares
.....................In the midst of the ongoing wave of defections rocking the political landscape of Enugu State, Naija Media Trends News had an exclusive sit-down with Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji, PhD, a globally respected academic and political figure, who reaffirmed his unshakable loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this engaging conversation, Prof. Nnaji spoke passionately about his principles, political philosophy, and unwavering faith in the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
...Exclusive Interview with Journalists
Prof. Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji Reaffirms His Loyalty to PDP Amidst Defection Waves in Enugu State
Date: Tuesday, 14th October 2025
Interviewer: Professor Nnaji, thank you for joining us. The political scene in Enugu has been quite dramatic this week with massive defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). How do you view this development?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
Thank you very much. What we are witnessing is not entirely new in Nigerian politics. Political defections have almost become a norm, but I must say it reflects a deeper issue of ideological instability within our political system. Personally, I don’t believe in moving from one political party to another at every turn of events. For me, politics should be guided by principles, values, and loyalty, not convenience.
Interviewer: Some of your colleagues and political associates have reportedly joined the APC. Why have you decided to remain with the PDP?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
My decision to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grounded in conviction, not emotion. I have always believed that the PDP represents a broad platform for democratic growth and sustainable governance in Enugu State. My faith is unshaken. I have seen the commitment of our Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to transforming Enugu through innovative leadership, and I can confidently say I am staying with him and the PDP through thick and thin. I cannot be moving from party to party at every given chance. That’s not who I am, and that’s not what leadership means to me.
Interviewer: You sound quite resolute. Would you say your loyalty to Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has influenced your decision to stay?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
Certainly. I have always admired Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary leadership. He embodies the kind of transformation we have long desired for Enugu, from infrastructural renewal to human capital development. I stepped down for him during the 2023 governorship race because I saw in him a kindred spirit, someone genuinely committed to service and progress. My loyalty is not blind; it is based on belief in the ideals he represents and the results he is delivering.
Interviewer: Professor, some critics say that remaining in a party during political storms might not be politically expedient. How do you respond to that?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
(Laughs) Expediency is not my philosophy. I’ve lived a life guided by principles and truth. As an academic and a public servant, I understand that integrity is not situational, it must be constant. Those who jump from one party to another for personal gain are not helping our democracy grow. We must build strong institutions, not just chase political survival. For me, staying in PDP is a matter of character and ideological consistency.
Interviewer: Beyond politics, you are a distinguished academic with global recognition. How does your academic background influence your political philosophy?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
Academia teaches discipline, analytical thinking, and commitment to truth, values I carry into politics. My work as a Distinguished Professor of International Law and Global Politics at the University of Kansas Law School, USA, and my experience as a Judge at the International Criminal Court MCC at The Hague, have shown me that societies thrive when governance is guided by ethics, rule of law, and accountability. That’s the kind of politics I stand for one rooted in fairness and service.
Interviewer: Looking back at your political journey, you have made some remarkable decisions including stepping down during the PDP primaries in 2023. What inspired that?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
It was a decision of conscience. I saw that Governor Mbah had the right vision and the intellectual capacity to lead Enugu to greatness. Politics should not be about personal ambition but collective progress. I have always believed that leadership is about sacrifice and humility, and that’s what I demonstrated by stepping aside to support a candidate I believed in.
Interviewer: Finally, what message do you have for PDP members and the people of Enugu amidst this current political storm?
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
My message is simple: remain steadfast and believe in the process. Enugu State is on a new path of growth and transformation under Governor Peter Mbah. Let us not be distracted by temporary waves of defection. True leadership is about consistency, not opportunism. I will continue to serve, support, and promote the ideals of the PDP because I know the future of Enugu is bright under this administration.
Interviewer: Thank you very much, Professor, for sharing your insights with Naija Media Trends News.
Prof. Jehu Nnaji:
It’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Profile Summary
Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor of International Law and Global Politics at the University of Kansas Law School, USA, and a Judge at the International Criminal Court MCC at The Hague, Netherlands. He is a Merit Award Winner from the University of Naples II, Italy, a former Vice Chancellorship candidate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and Enugu East PDP Senatorial Candidate in 2019. He also contested the 2023 PDP Governorship Primaries in Enugu State, where he stepped down in favor of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
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