Enugu East endorses Tinubu, Mbah for second term, presents governor with N300m support fund

Politics

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — A massive political rally organised by stakeholders and residents of Enugu East Senatorial District on Saturday culminated in a resounding endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally, tagged “Ofu Obi Mega Rally”, drew thousands of supporters to the Okpara Square in Enugu and was attended by an array of political leaders, traditional rulers, business figures and influential stakeholders from across the senatorial district.

Among the prominent personalities present were former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo; former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Chief Ben Nwoye; former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr.; and several other political leaders from the Nkanu cultural bloc.

The event, described by organisers as one of the largest political gatherings witnessed in Enugu State in recent years, featured the formal endorsement of Governor Mbah’s re-election bid and President Tinubu’s expected second-term campaign.

In a symbolic show of support, traditional rulers from the zone presented Governor Mbah with the Ofo, a revered Igbo symbol of authority, justice and legitimacy. The governor was also presented with a cheque of N300 million contributed by stakeholders and supporters from the zone to support his future political activities.

Former Governor Jim Nwobodo moved the motion for Governor Mbah’s endorsement, insisting that the governor should be allowed to complete what he described as a transformative eight-year development agenda for the state.

Speaking at the rally, stakeholders said Governor Mbah had translated campaign promises into measurable achievements across critical sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, technology, security and agriculture.

They also cited what they described as a productive working relationship between the Enugu State Government and the administration of President Tinubu, noting that the partnership had attracted federal projects, strategic appointments and interventions to the state.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, said the unprecedented turnout reflected widespread appreciation for the direction of governance in the state.

“Across all sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The people can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed,” he said.

“Indeed, if it were possible to borrow governors, other states would have been lining up to borrow our governor.”

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, also praised the administration’s development strides, describing the rally as an expression of gratitude by the people of Enugu East Senatorial District.

In his remarks, former Senate President Ken Nnamani strongly backed Governor Mbah’s re-election bid, describing him as a visionary leader with a clear development agenda for the state.

Nnamani argued that leadership should be based on competence, integrity and proven performance rather than political sentiment or personal grievances.

“I am one of those who said that Mbah has vision and he is rich in ideas and educational strategy,” he said.

“Anybody aspiring to govern must present a clear vision and demonstrate the capacity to lead. As far as I can see, we have only one candidate who is running for governor, and that is Governor Peter Mbah. We won’t use the governorship seat to try our luck.”

Echoing similar sentiments, elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, urged political actors considering contesting against Mbah in 2027 to reconsider their ambitions.

According to him, the governor’s performance has earned him support across political party lines.

“Everyone will vote for Peter Mbah – APC, PDP, NDC, ADC and the rest because you have performed wonderfully well,” Nwobodo declared.

“Enugu West had two terms and Nsukka Zone also had two terms. We must be allowed to complete our own two terms.”

Responding to the endorsements, Governor Mbah thanked the people for the confidence they reposed in him during the 2023 governorship election, recalling that he had only a vision to present at the time.

He said the support of the people enabled his administration to pursue an ambitious development agenda that has since produced tangible results across the state.

According to the governor, projects such as Smart Green Schools, improved healthcare infrastructure, road construction, water supply schemes, modern transport terminals and the launch of Enugu Air have begun transforming the state’s economic and social landscape.

“You took a leap of faith when you entrusted me with leadership. Today, we are seeing the results of that faith,” he said.

“Smart Green Schools in every ward; healthcare moving closer to families; roads connecting communities; water returning where people waited too long; modern transport terminals served by air-conditioned buses with Wi-Fi; Enugu Air opening new pathways to the world; investors arriving; conferences coming; businesses taking a fresh look at Enugu — and the list goes on.”

The governor also announced that the state would soon commence work on a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant aimed at improving electricity supply and driving industrial growth.

“A few days from now, we will break ground on a 660MW coal-fired power plant that moves us closer to a future where our people no longer plan their lives around darkness,” he stated.

“In a literal sense, the lights will go on in Enugu permanently.”

Governor Mbah also commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as difficult but necessary measures that have increased the capacity of states to deliver development projects.

“By taking difficult decisions and freeing up resources that had long been trapped in an unsustainable subsidy system, he has given states greater agency, both in the responsibility and the resources to act,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Mbah urged residents to remain united and focused on protecting the gains already recorded, warning against divisive politics and what he described as political opportunism.

“Political cowboys will surface. Some will bring noise; some will bring anger; some will bring division. We will bring results,” the governor said.

“Our answer must be clarity. Our answer must be unity. Our answer must be the work.”