By Dr. Buchi Nnaji

With the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise in Enugu State, the outcome has revealed a sobering political reality. Despite being the party in power at the federal level, the APC recorded poor results across the state. The exercise was marked by low turnout, weak enthusiasm, and a noticeable absence of the much-anticipated wave of new entrants. The expectation that political power at the centre would automatically trigger mass defection in Enugu has clearly not materialised.

The lesson is simple but profound: in Enugu, political loyalty is shaped less by temporary control of office and more by identity, trust, and long-standing relationships.

At the centre of this dynamic is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which remains deeply woven into the political consciousness of Ndi Enugu. For decades, the PDP has not only governed but has grown alongside the people, adapting to their aspirations and embedding itself in their collective memory. In Enugu, the PDP is not seen as a transient political platform; it is regarded as a familiar institution associated with continuity, inclusion, and a shared sense of ownership.

This reality throws the APC’s struggles into sharper relief. To many residents, the APC still appears distant and transactional, driven more by elite realignments than by genuine grassroots conviction. Its presence in Enugu is often perceived as relatively recent and politically opportunistic, lacking the deep community structures that nurture enduring loyalty. While the APC may wield federal power, it has yet to convert that authority into emotional allegiance within Enugu state.

The PDP’s resilience in Enugu rests on its organic grassroots network. From ward meetings to local government structures, the party has historically maintained visible and participatory engagement. Its members do not only mobilise during election seasons; they identify with the party as an extension of their political identity. This enduring bond explains why many residents have been reluctant to abandon the PDP for a party they do not yet feel connected to or fully trust.

Trust remains a decisive factor. Over the years, the PDP has cultivated a reputation as a party that understands Enugu’s political temperament and can negotiate its interests within the broader Nigerian federation. That familiarity breeds confidence. In contrast, the APC continues to grapple with credibility concerns, particularly as policies associated with the party at the national and state levels are widely perceived to have contributed to economic hardship, rising living costs, and uncertainty about the future.

Political culture also plays a role. The PDP in Enugu is widely viewed as consultative and accommodating, with internal mechanisms that, despite periodic crises, still allow for dialogue and negotiation. The APC, by comparison, is often perceived as centralised and personality-driven. Such perceptions discourage ordinary citizens who seek assurance that their voices matter beyond registration data and campaign rhetoric.

The youth response to the e-registration exercise underscores this contrast. While many young people desire reform and renewal within the PDP, they still associate it with familiarity and long-standing participation. The APC has struggled to articulate a compelling local vision capable of energising this demographic. Without a strong ideological narrative or clearly defined grassroots agenda, the e-registration exercise failed to inspire widespread youth enthusiasm.

Women, a critical force in Enugu’s political mobilisation, have reflected a similar pattern. PDP women’s wings remain historically active, organised, and influential at the grassroots. Their loyalty is deeply rooted and not easily transferred to a party whose long-term commitment to inclusion and internal cohesion is still being tested. In Enugu politics, movements gain traction when women feel genuinely invested and represented. This is an advantage the PDP continues to hold.

Those advocating mass defection to the APC have therefore misjudged the political soul of Enugu State. Political allegiance here is not dictated by proximity to federal power but by years of shared experience, trust, and emotional connection. The PDP symbolises continuity and familiarity; the APC, despite its national position, is still searching for a durable grassroots identity within the state. Until that gap is meaningfully bridged, registration figures are unlikely to shift dramatically.

Ultimately, the underwhelming outcome of the APC e-registration exercise is not merely an administrative disappointment, but a political statement. It signals that many people in Enugu remain firmly attached to a party that has become intertwined with their identity. In this state, the PDP is more than an opposition platform; for many, it is a political home. And until another party can convincingly provide that same sense of belonging, the loyalty of Ndi Enugu will remain largely anchored where it has long resided - the PDP.