The people of Awkunanaw clan, cutting across several communities in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu State, have endorsed the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a second term in office come 2027.

The people, who trooped out en masse at the Civic Centre, Akpasha, for a mega rally in support of Mbah on Saturday, also presented him with an Ofo (symbol of authority and justice) saying he had set a record in less than three years that would be difficult for anyone to break in eight years.

They advised any son or daughter of the Awkunanaw clan – Akegbe Ugwu, Obuofia, Amechi, Amodu, Obeagu, Umueze, Akwuke, and Ugwuaji –
interested in the state’s governorship seat to perish the thought until the office rotates to Enugu East Senatorial Zone again.

Akegbe Ugwu, Obuofia, Amechi, Amodu, Obeagu, Umueze, Akwuke, and Ugwu
Articulating the stand of the mammoth crowd, elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, noted that Mbah had become a poster boy for subnational governance in Nigeria.
“We want to make it clear that the people of Awkunanaw are solidly behind Peter Mbah to complete his second term. His good works in Enugu are earning him public acclaim throughout the country.

“The high point of our coming here today is that we want to bequeath him with an Ofo, and it is rarely given. So, nobody in Nkanu land should use Governor Mbah’s remaining four years to play with us.

“Again, if anyone feels he has an issue with him, we are going to settle it indoors as brothers. But the truth remains that we are not going to joke with his second term.

“Besides, Awkunanaw does not go to fight and come back defeated. No! We go into a just fight we will win and be proud that we fought. He has, in barely three years, done what other governors could not do in eight years. That is why we trooped out here en masse to show him explicit support. We are standing tall with him without hiding, and we are ready to defend him everywhere,” Nnamani declared.

Reinforcing Nnamani’s remarks, former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, said, as a forthright people, Awkunanaw clan, having presented the Ofo staff to Governor Mbah, could not renege on their support for him.

Nwobodo, who was represented by the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, declared that Mbah remained the best hands for the state come 2027.

“The point is that we have given the Ofo to him, and it is not something you give to two individuals at the same time because our ancestors are also involved, and it is tantamount to endorsing two persons for the same office. So, Mbah is our governorship candidate come 2027,” he declared.

Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reiterated that Mbah had set Enugu as a benchmark for good governance, commending his revolutionary transportation strides across all sectors.

Invoking their ancestors, the traditional rulers of the entire Awkunanaw clan in a process led by HRH Igwe Obi Igwesi, jointly presented an ofo to Mbah, declaring that any Awkunanaw son or daughter, who goes against Mbah’s reelection would be inviting the wrath of their forefathers.

Speaking, Governor Mbah fired back at the opposition, saying no one could diminish or distort the achievements recorded by his administration in less than three years.

“Three years ago, there were no Smart Schools and Type-2 Hospitals in all our political wards; the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, the Enugu United Palm Products Limited, and several other prized assets were still skeletal shells and moribund.

“Three years ago, there was no Enugu Air; no state-of-the-art transport terminals; no CNG buses; and our dear capital city was not the conferencing hub that it has become today,” he stated.

He warned the people of Awkunanaw and Nkanuland against selfish politicians sowing seeds of discord in desperate bids for power to feather their nests.

“We must come together to resist forces of falsehood and division.

“How can you claim to love Nkanu people and yet act in ways that hurt their interests? That tells you one thing: they are driven by selfish interests.

“Besides, could they have recorded even a tiny fraction of what we have achieved so far?” he queried.

Meanwhile, other Awkunanaw leaders at the event include Hon. U.S.A Igwesi, Amb. Gordi Agbo. Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, Hon. John Egbo, Dr. Amaka Ngene, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu, Igwe Dr. Greg Ugwu and other traditional rulers from within and outside the Awkunanaw clan.

Also present were Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Hon. Ken Nyamah, Hon. Sam Ngene, Hon. Caleb Ani, among a host of those who spoke to endorse the governor.

Other dignitaries present include Dr. Ben Nwoye, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike,
Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, Barr. Victor Udeh, Hon. Eugene Odoh, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, host Council Chairman – Hon. John Ogbodo – and many other Council Chairmen, among a host of others.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the reassignment of Justice R.M. Aikawa from the Federal High Court, Kaduna, from handling his ongoing criminal trial.

Justice Aikawa is currently presiding over a 10-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which includes allegations of abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud involving N579.6 million and $1.1 million.

In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai urged the Chief Justice to direct the transfer of the case to another judge within the Kaduna division, citing concerns over fairness and judicial integrity.

He argued that the continued handling of the case by Justice Aikawa raises serious questions of bias and undermines confidence in the judicial process.

The former governor maintained that multiple complaints alleging bias against the judge are still pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council.

He added that the circumstances surrounding the case present compelling grounds for reassignment.

According to El-Rufai, even the perception of bias is sufficient to compromise the credibility of the proceedings, warning that allowing the judge to continue could expose the case to potential reversal on appeal.

He further noted that the matter involves overlapping issues with earlier proceedings within the same judicial division, reinforcing his call for the case to be reassigned in the interest of justice.

El-Rufai also urged the CJN to take administrative steps to protect the integrity of the judiciary and ensure public confidence in the legal system.

Meanwhile, a bail hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 14, 2026, as the legal battle continues.

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has disclosed that his political bloc accepted a reduced share in the power-sharing arrangement within the African Democratic Congress in order to promote unity and inclusiveness.

Speaking to supporters in Kano over the weekend, Kwankwaso revealed that although his group—comprising former members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party—was initially offered up to 80 per cent of positions within the party structure, they opted instead for a 60–40 arrangement.

According to him, the decision was deliberate and aimed at encouraging broader participation and accommodating other stakeholders within the party.

He noted that the move aligns with a similar approach adopted in the past when his group transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, where a comparable sharing formula was implemented.

Kwankwaso further stated that members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement currently occupy key leadership positions across the 44 Local Government Areas in Kano State, including chairmanship roles.

However, he acknowledged that some positions were later relinquished following concerns raised by other party stakeholders.

He disclosed that the group had conceded 10 out of the 44 local government positions to address complaints and maintain internal balance.

The former governor urged members to exercise patience and avoid unnecessary pressure in the allocation of positions, stressing that inclusiveness and stability remain critical to the party’s growth ahead of future elections.

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress is set to take a decisive turn as the Supreme Court has scheduled April 14, 2026, to hear an appeal filed by David Mark over the party’s disputed leadership.

The appeal challenges a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which has fueled the ongoing tussle between Mark and Nafiu Bala.

Through the suit, Mark is seeking an order to halt the enforcement of the judgment pending the final determination of his appeal.

Court documents indicate that hearing notices were issued to all parties involved, signaling the apex court’s readiness to address the matter.

Represented by his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is also asking the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognizing or implementing any changes to the party’s leadership structure outside his faction until the case is resolved.

Additionally, he is requesting the suspension of proceedings in a related case currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The respondents listed in the appeal include Bala, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has also fixed the same date—April 14—to hear a separate suit filed by Bala, contesting Mark’s claim to the party’s leadership.

With both cases slated for the same day, legal analysts suggest the lower court may defer proceedings in recognition of the Supreme Court’s overriding authority.

By Dr. Malachy Chuma Ochie

In a political environment often dominated by party loyalty, structures, slogans, and shifting alliances, Gov Peter Mbah is gradually and intentionally charting a different course; a course where governance itself has become the most persuasive campaign tool in a turbulent political system.

This emerging reality is simple yet profound in the sense that in Enugu State, performance is beginning to outweigh party identity or loyalty in determining electoral outcomes.

Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has, in a relatively short period, redefined public expectations of leadership through a deliberate focus on measurable results.

Across critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, security, and economic development, his reforms have not only been ambitious but visibly impactful.

Roads are being constructed and rehabilitated at a pace that reconnects communities and stimulates commerce.

Investments in smart schools signal a forward-looking commitment to human capital development, while security interventions have strengthened public confidence.

As a participant observer of Enugu’s political landscape, I have engaged citizens across party lines; supporters, skeptics, and even traditional opposition voices.

A striking pattern emerges from these interactions: their growing support for Mbah is not anchored on party loyalty but on the tangible outcomes of his reform-driven governance style.

This cross-partisan validation underscores a deeper shift in public sentiment, one that privileges evidence over affiliation.

What distinguishes this governance model is not merely the scale of projects but the consistency of execution. Citizens are not being asked to trust promises; they are witnessing outcomes.

This transition from rhetoric to results is steadily reshaping voter psychology, encouraging a more discerning electorate that evaluates leadership based on impact.

The implication is significant. If elections are, at their core, a referendum on performance, then Mbah’s political strength lies less in party machinery and more in public perception of effectiveness.

Even in a hypothetical independent bid, a leader whose policies translate into visible progress can sustain a direct, trust-based relationship with the electorate.

Ultimately, when governance becomes campaign, the ballot becomes a verdict on results. In Enugu State, the momentum suggests that continuity, if push comes to shove, will be earned not through party allegiance, but through the enduring power of performance.

The truth is that Gov Peter Mbah’s reelection is predicted on his solid performance across all sectors.

By Uche Aneke

In Nigerian politics, the move from one party to another is often dismissed as mere opportunism, the desperate dance of a politician seeking a new home. But when Governor Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State crossed the aisle from the PDP to the ruling APC on October 14, 2025, it wasn’t a dance of desperation.

It was a calculated, cold-blooded manoeuver of a man who understands that in the theater of power, sitting on the sidelines is not a strategy; it is a death sentence for a state’s ambitions.

At the time, the backlash was predictable. The pundits in Enugu, comfortable in their ideological silos and tribal echo chambers, scoffed.

They cried “betrayal” and clung to the old sentiments of party identity. But Mbah wasn’t playing to the gallery. He was playing for the future.

I remember standing in the crowd the day he delivered his speech, “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.” The air was tense, but his tone was steady. He didn’t offer the usual platitudes about “cross-carpeting.” Instead, he laid out a doctrine of “fair partnership.

“This is not a whimsical decision,” he told us, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. “This is a strategic necessity to secure the future of Enugu.”

He wasn’t just talking about politics; he was talking about infrastructure, investment, and relevance. He knew that for Enugu to evolve from a civil service state into an economic powerhouse, it needed more than good intentions.

It needed a seat at the table where the federal purse strings are pulled.
If you want to see the strategy in motion, look at the President’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom. When the cameras panned across the President’s delegation, there was Governor Mbah.

That didn’t happen by accident.
That trip was a master class in soft power. While others were waiting for federal appointments or pleading for attention from the sidelines, Mbah was inside the room, shoulder-to-shoulder with the President, leveraging the intimacy of the delegation to court international investors.

He turned a state visit into a business development summit, directly connecting global capital to the untapped opportunities in Enugu. That is the hallmark of a strategist: he doesn’t wait for doors to open; he builds the hinges.

Critics have gone silent, and for good reason. The “dividends of alignment” are no longer theoretical; they are visible across the state. During the APC State Congress at Okpara Square on March 3, 2025, Mbah didn’t need to boast, the facts did the talking.

He pointed to the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Getting the President to approve a private-sector takeover of a cargo terminal isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s a historic feat.

When that hub is fully operational, Enugu will no longer be a landlocked state. It will be a gateway to the world.

Then there is the Eastern rail line connection. Ask any farmer in Enugu what it means to move produce without the nightmare of broken-down trucks on failing federal roads, and they will tell you that rail is the heartbeat of commerce.

Combine that with the South-East Development Commission’s “50-50” vision, a high-pressure gas pipeline that promises to unlock over $2 billion in dormant economic activity and you realize the scope of Mbah’s ambition.

He is literally piping wealth into the state.
Governor Mbah has forced a rethink of what it means to lead. He has proven that when a leader is willing to absorb the short-term heat of criticism, they can buy long-term prosperity for their people.

He didn’t just join a party; he leveraged a platform. By bridging the gap between Enugu’s regional needs and the federal government’s agenda, he has moved the state from the periphery to the frontline.

The pundits can talk about “party loyalty” until they are blue in the face, but the people of Enugu have a different metric for success: progress.

Governor Mbah is a rare breed, a leader who operates with the cold, hard logic of a chess master.

He has successfully traded political nostalgia for actual power, and in doing so, he has guaranteed that when the heavy decisions are made about the future of Nigeria, Enugu will not just be in the room, it will be a leading voice at the table.

Uche Aneke
A Political commentator and Public Affairs Analyst from
Ukehe, Enugu State
Ucheaneke5@gmail.com
08033481569

By Francis Ede

If you look around you, three years ago, there was no Enugu Air but now we have Enugu Air which is one of the biggest national players in the aviation industry with a target of over nine aircrafts in its fleet this year.

The story of Enugu Air is one of the most engaging narratives about what determination, resilience and focus can do to drive business even in the face of great obstacles.

Still on the aviation sector, if you look around you, three years ago, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport was almost moribund, but now Governor Peter Mbah has infused life into it with the payment of #10 billion equity contribution to the concessioning of the Airport, and very soon the international wing will be operational and passengers can fly from Enugu Airport to various cities of the world.

If you look around you, you will observe that three years ago before Barr Peter Mbah was sworn in as the governor of Enugu State, there were no CNG buses plying across the state but now there are over 100 CNG ultra modern buses covering different routes and reducing costs for passengers.

And very soon before the end of this year there will over 2000 Smart Cars for taxi which will be given out to operators to make transportation within our cities a jolly ride for passengers.

And this is in addition to already commissionsed ultramodern bus terminals in designated parts of Enugu State.

If you look around you, you would have observed that three years ago, what is now the reigning International Conference Center Enugu with a 5000 sitting capacity and a 5 Star International Conference Hotel of 360 beds that is nearing completion was just an abandoned project that trapped the resources of Enugu State for over 20 years, and over looked by two previous state governments but that same facility has now made Enugu State the Conference Center of the world, promoting tourism services and raking in so much revenue to the state.

It is the same story with the Iconic Hotel Presidential Enugu built by Michael Okpara Eastern Region Government but pillaged by past administrations but now stands in a majestic aura of its return to glory by the singular commitment of the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Again if you look around you, the 5 Star 300 beds International Hospital was not there three years ago. It came into being by the well thought out health policy of the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

That hospital which will soon be commissioned will offer the best medical services in the country, and has a potential to attract patients from outside Nigeria.

The building of 260 type 2 hospitals across the 260 wards in Enugu State, if you check the records were not there before Governor Peter Mbah came into office.

If you look around you, the building of 260 Smart Green Schools which has provided over 7000 well equipped classrooms to our children within the last two years had been applauded as not just being very innovative but a concerted state policy to equip our children with 21st century skills.

Three years ago, our movements were regulated and restricted on particular days and weeks by non state actors who orders that we should sit at home on Mondays or any other time that catches their fancy.

Killings and abduction were all around us as insecurity reached it’s peak and fear spread very fast amongst an otherwise gallant and brave populace.

But now we can go to work when we want to go to work and sit at home when we want to sit at home as the security system instituted by Enugu State Government is top-notch with Central Security Control Command and is being copied by other states across Nigeria.

Just three years ago, United Palm Limited, Emenite Aluminum Limited, Nigergas, Niger Steel, Sunrise Floor Mill etc were all grounded, wrecked and comatose but most them are now revived and functioning at optimal capacity under Governor Peter Mbah.

And if you look around you, it would be very obvious that three years ago, there was no Geographic Information System in Enugu State, and the multiple urban and rural roads that the government of Governor Peter Mbah Is building were not there nor the other life giving projects that are designed to provide quality services and better life for the people of Enugu State.

Finally, the last three years of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has been a significant moment in our history.

And let no one diminish what the government has been able to do in bringing democracy dividends to the people of Enugu State within this short period under review.

And just like other Senatorial Zones in the state were able to serve out their two terms of 8 years in office as governor of Enugu State, Enugu East Senatorial Zone deserves to serve out its own 8 years term of office.

And thus spoke our people that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s second term of office as Governor of Enugu State is rest assured.

The All Progressives Congress in Enugu State has rejected reports suggesting internal unrest, insisting that allegations of mass resignations and unpaid delegate stipends are unfounded and misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Uche Obute, described the claims as fabricated narratives aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the party.

He maintained that there has been no dissatisfaction among delegates who participated in the recent national convention, dismissing reports of agitation over welfare issues as baseless.

Reacting to speculations about members leaving the party due to alleged marginalisation, the APC argued that its strength in the state has, in fact, continued to grow.

The party attributed this to what it described as the inclusive leadership approach of Peter Mbah.

According to the statement, the party has consolidated its presence across Enugu, claiming that key political office holders—including members of the National Assembly, State Assembly, as well as local government chairmen and councillors—are aligned with its structure.

The APC further emphasized that both longstanding members and newer entrants are adequately represented within its leadership framework.

It cited figures such as Oby Ajih and Ben Nwoye as examples of inclusiveness across different blocs.

Reaffirming unity under the state chairman, Martin Chukwunweike, the party urged members and the public to disregard what it called sponsored misinformation.

It expressed confidence that such reports would not undermine its cohesion or its preparations toward strengthening its position ahead of future elections.