Opinion Of Wordshot Amaechi Ugwele,

“Soon, Enugu transformed into an active construction hub, arguably one of the few states in the country, if not the only one, where major projects were unfolding simultaneously across all the political wards.”

“Today, with the procurement of three additional aircraft, doubling the fleet from three to six, that promise has been kept. This 100 percent increase in fleet size significantly enhances Enugu Air’s operational capacity, enabling higher flight frequency, route expansion, operational resilience, and improved service reliability. And, this growth will continue.”

WHEN Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah unveiled his campaign manifesto, its breadth and ambition were impossible to ignore. The document was sweeping in scope, rich in detail, and unapologetically bold in its promises across virtually every sector of governance.

For citizens and keen observers alike, the immediate question was not whether the ideas were attractive, but whether they were achievable.

How would a government navigate familiar constraints such as limited funding, institutional inertia, bureaucratic bottlenecks, sabotage, and corruption, to deliver such an expansive agenda?

But from the outset, Governor Mbah had offered strong and clear visions with zero prospects for excuses. On funding, he moved swiftly to overhaul Enugu State’s internal revenue generation system, sealing leakages and subjecting personnel to extensive retraining to instill professionalism, accountability, and efficiency. That decision laid the financial foundation for what would follow.

Soon, Enugu transformed into an active construction hub, arguably one of the few states in the country, if not the only one, where major projects were unfolding simultaneously across all political wards.

Roads, infrastructure, and public facilities began to rise at a pace that forced even skeptics to pause and reassess.

Before the implications of this momentum could fully sink in, the administration rolled out projects that had not even featured prominently in early public discourse.

The long-abandoned International Conference Centre was taken from roughly 40 percent completion to full delivery. The International Specialist Hospital and the International Hotel Complex emerged as major construction sites, reshaping the skyline and energy of the Coal City.

Then came perhaps one of the boldest statements of intent, the launch of Enugu Air. Beyond its symbolism, the airline was a strategic investment in connectivity, linking Enugu to Nigeria and the wider world, and positioning the state as a serious destination for business, tourism, and investment. From day one, Governor Mbah was clear-eyed and deliberate.

The three aircraft unveiled, he said, were only a starting point. More would follow, leading to deeper route penetration and the eventual emergence of Enugu as a regional aviation hub.

Today, with the procurement of three additional aircraft, doubling the fleet from three to six, that promise has been kept. This 100 percent increase in fleet size significantly enhances Enugu Air’s operational capacity, enabling higher flight frequency, route expansion, operational resilience, and improved service reliability.

And, this growth will continue. It moves the airline from a symbolic launch phase into a phase of real business, scalability and competitiveness.

More importantly, it reinforces a consistent pattern in Governor Mbah’s leadership. He says it, and he does it. Whether in infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, or now aviation, the story remains the same.

The governor’s lofty ideas are matched by deliberate action, and his projections are backed by measurable delivery. Enugu Air’s expanding fleet is not just about aircraft in the sky, it is about trust on the ground, in all the life changing developments the people are seeing.

In Enugu State today, promises are no longer suspended in the future. They are taking shape, taking off, and landing, right on schedule, to strongly affirm, yes, that indeed, tomorrow is here!

A protester at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Monday attracted attention after arriving at the demonstration with a mattress and pillow.

The unusual scene unfolded during a protest by civic groups and political supporters calling for the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of results in the ongoing Electoral Act amendment.

Participants gathered at the complex to pressure lawmakers to ensure that election results are transmitted directly from polling units, a move they believe will strengthen transparency and credibility in future elections.

Debate has intensified nationwide over the proposed changes to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be legally required to transmit results electronically in real time.

While many Nigerians insist the provision should be mandatory to prevent manipulation, some lawmakers maintain that the commission should retain the discretion to decide the method based on prevailing circumstances.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday joined protesters at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, calling for the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing Electoral Act amendment.

Obi, who is regarded as a key political figure ahead of the 2027 elections, arrived at the protest ground alongside supporters and civil society activists, including Aisha Yesufu.

Addressing demonstrators, he stressed the need for credible electoral processes and warned against policies that could undermine public confidence in future elections.

He said Nigerians want a transparent system where results are transmitted directly from polling units without manipulation, adding that citizens are prepared to accept any outcome once the process is credible and free of irregularities.

The protest, which drew participants from different advocacy groups, was organised to pressure lawmakers to make real-time electronic transmission mandatory in the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly.

Security presence was heavy around the complex, with police officers, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies deployed to strategic points to maintain order.

The demonstration comes amid ongoing debates over proposed changes to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be required by law to transmit election results electronically in real time or be allowed to decide based on prevailing circumstances.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has written an open letter to United States President Donald Trump, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could face serious instability if alleged plans to manipulate the 2027 general elections are not addressed.

In the letter dated February 7, 2026, Frank accused the ruling party and leadership of the National Assembly of attempting to entrench a one-party system, claiming that current political developments could undermine democratic processes and fuel unrest.

He called on the U.S. government and the international community to pay close attention to Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the next general elections, cautioning that failure to act may trigger widespread tension, violence, and a breakdown of law and order.

Frank alleged that recent legislative actions, particularly around electoral reforms, are aimed at weakening safeguards against electoral malpractice.

He claimed that provisions designed to strengthen transparency—especially those relating to election result transmission—are being diluted to pave the way for manipulation.

The political activist also revisited the 2023 presidential election, questioning its credibility and citing concerns raised by observers and analysts about transparency and operational lapses during the process.

Referencing international observation reports and comments by foreign governments, he stressed the need for reforms within the Independent National Electoral Commission and other democratic institutions to guarantee credible polls in 2027.

Frank further urged Washington to consider diplomatic pressure on key political actors he accused of undermining democratic norms, alleging that opposition voices risk being marginalised under the current political environment.

He also claimed that state institutions, including security agencies and the judiciary, are under pressure to align with partisan interests, a development he warned could erode public trust in governance.

The former APC spokesman concluded by appealing to global stakeholders to support credible electoral reforms and help safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, warning that continued disregard for democratic principles could push the country toward political instability.

Fresh political realignments are emerging within the opposition space as pressure mounts on the African Democratic Congress to consider a joint presidential ticket pairing former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the 2027 general elections.

Supporters of the proposed alliance argue that a collaboration between the two politicians could present the opposition with its most formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing their individual electoral strengths and regional appeal.

Sources across the opposition say the push for the alliance extends beyond the ADC and involves influential politicians, party stakeholders and power brokers seeking to build a credible coalition capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the next general election.

Both Obi and Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election under different platforms, the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party respectively, and had previously explored a partnership before the polls, though discussions collapsed over disagreements on ticket structure and leadership roles.

Analysts believe renewed efforts are driven by the perception that combining Obi’s strong backing in the South-East and urban centres with Kwankwaso’s entrenched influence in Kano and the North-West could significantly alter the electoral equation.

Although the idea is gaining traction among stakeholders, insiders within the ADC say the matter has not been formally adopted by the party’s leadership or decision-making organs, describing it as ongoing consultations and informal discussions among members and opposition figures.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is widely seen as sympathetic to Obi’s presidential ambition and supportive of broader moves to strengthen opposition unity, though his aides deny knowledge of any formal directive promoting a joint ticket.

Within political circles, there is also speculation about the involvement of retired military figures and other influential actors, but sources say no consensus has yet been reached on the structure of any alliance.

Kwankwaso, who remains in the NNPP, is said to be consulting widely with political leaders and loyalists before announcing his next move, while Obi has recently aligned with the ADC following months of uncertainty over his political future.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement have openly endorsed a potential partnership, describing it as a strategic pathway to challenge the APC and respond to public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity and governance concerns.

Proponents of the alliance insist that a united ticket could galvanise national support and harness growing dissatisfaction with the current administration, positioning the opposition for a more competitive outing in 2027.

Protesters on Monday gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja to commence the “Occupy National Assembly” demonstration, demanding clarity and firm legislative backing for the electronic transmission of election results.

The protest follows ongoing controversy surrounding the Senate’s stance on e-transmission, with demonstrators insisting that the proposed law must clearly state “real-time electronic transmission” to guarantee transparency in future elections.

Security was visibly heightened at the National Assembly complex, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain order and restrict access.

Participants at the protest include members of civil society organisations, some women’s groups, and a few supporters of the African Democratic Congress.

They assembled at the entrance to the complex, where security operatives had already mounted barricades.

Organisers said the protest is intended to remain peaceful and will be confined to the entrance of the National Assembly, noting that demonstrators have no plans to force their way into the premises.

The protesters began their march from the Federal Secretariat and proceeded toward the National Assembly gate, calling on lawmakers to take an unambiguous position on electronic transmission of election results as part of ongoing electoral reform efforts.

Stay tuned….