As Enugu State approaches the 2027 gubernatorial election, one figure stands out with resounding affirmation from both the electorate and the custodians of tradition. That man is His Excellency, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah.
His leadership journey, underscored by integrity, humility, and a commitment to transformative governance, received a profound endorsement recently from the royal fathers of Nkanu land, signaling strong continuity for his administration.
The occasion was the 50th coronation anniversary of HRM Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, the revered traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
Amidst the pomp and celebration of half a century of dedicated service, Governor Mbah was presented with the Ofo staff, a potent symbol of Igbo authority, truth, and justice, by the Nkanu royal fathers, led by Igwe Nwatu and supported by HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
In accepting this rare and weighty honor, Governor Mbah reflected on the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of the Ofo.
“This is not an ordinary honour. This is trust, authority, and it has been conferred on me by no other but by my people,” he declared.
His words captured the essence of the relationship between governance and tradition in Enugu, in the sense that legitimacy flows not merely from electoral processes, but also from the approval of the people’s elders and ancestral representatives.
The governor’s acknowledgment of this responsibility was immediate and profound.
He assured the royal fathers and the people of Enugu that their confidence would not be misplaced, vowing to serve with every fiber of his being, humility, and unwavering dedication.
This pledge resonates strongly with the Nkanu endorsement, which was not ceremonial but a clear affirmation of Governor Mbah’s track record in leadership, landmark projects, and transformative policies.
As Igwe Nwatu noted, “Enugu State has never had it so good,” a testament to the governor’s ability to marry development with justice and service.
Beyond the symbolic presentation of the Ofo, Governor Mbah took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions.
Beginning January 2026, traditional rulers in Enugu State will experience significant improvements in welfare and institutional support, including the provision of vehicles for principal officers of the Traditional Rulers Council.
This initiative reflects an administration that not only acknowledges the role of culture and tradition but actively invests in its preservation and operational efficiency.
Governor Mbah’s presence at the golden jubilee celebration of HRM Igwe Nwatu was more than ceremonial; it was a powerful display of unity between modern governance and traditional authority.
The event, which also featured the launch of a book titled “Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace” authored by Igwe Nwatu, brought together prominent national figures, from former Senate President Ken Nnamani to leading political and industrial personalities, underscoring the broad-based respect and admiration for the governor’s leadership.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the endorsement by Enugu’s traditional rulers, particularly from Nkanu land, sends a clear message: Governor Peter Mbah is a leader whose vision, integrity, and capacity to deliver development are widely recognized and deeply trusted.
The confidence of the traditional institution, long considered the moral compass and cultural anchor of Igbo society, augurs well for the continuity of governance that prioritizes justice, progress, and service to the people.
In a political era often marked by fleeting promises and transactional loyalty, Governor Mbah’s 2027 trajectory is distinguished by the weight of tradition, the validation of performance, and the deep respect of those who embody the state’s collective memory and values.
His reelection, under the watchful eyes of both the electorate and the revered custodians of Enugu culture, appears not just plausible, but culturally and politically affirmed; a testament to leadership that resonates across generations.
