Political and community stakeholders from the Enugu East Senatorial Zone have unanimously endorsed Governor Peter Mbah as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, citing his exceptional performance and visionary leadership since assuming office.

The endorsement came via a communiqué issued at the end of a well-attended Town Hall Meeting held in Enugu on Sunday.

The gathering brought together political leaders, professionals, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders and representatives of various community and trade groups from across the zone.

According to the communique, the stakeholders expressed “total satisfaction” with Governor Mbah’s delivery on his campaign promises, highlighting that he has not only met but exceeded public expectations in the 27 months he has been in office.

“We are indeed proud that Gov. Mbah stands tall as the rave of the moment by every sector and indicator, as far as sub-national governance in Nigeria today is concerned,” the statement read.

The stakeholders praised Mbah’s administration for its landmark achievements in security and infrastructure, noting the successful establishment of the Enugu Command-and-Control Centre and the deployment of AI-powered surveillance cameras across the state.

They also highlighted the creation of a Distress Response Squad equipped with over 150 security vehicles fitted with smart technology, which has helped transform Enugu into one of the safest states in Nigeria.

This has enabled the state to host major events, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference attended by over 20,000 lawyers.

The communiqué also pointed to the administration’s substantial investments in education, allocating 33% of the state’s annual budget to the development of 260 Smart Schools, one in each political ward.

These schools are equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, e-libraries, and digital classrooms.

In healthcare, Mbah’s government has initiated the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, each with accompanying staff quarters, to ensure 24-hour service delivery across all wards.

Stakeholders commended the revival of several moribund assets, including the Enugu United Palm Products Limited, the International Conference Centre, the Hotel Presidential and the recent upgrade of NigerGas Company Limited, with ongoing work at Sunrise Flour Mills.

Governor Mbah was also credited with a transformative agenda in the transport sector, including the launch of Enugu Air, the commissioning of five modern transport terminals, and the rollout of 100 CNG-powered mass transit buses.

The communique further noted the successful federal concession to complete and operationalise the international terminal at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The administration has embarked on an ambitious road infrastructure project, with 1,000 kilometers of roads already completed or under construction.

Stakeholders said the government is positioning Enugu as a hub for tourism, including medical tourism, while also driving growth in agriculture, which has led to a bumper harvest in recent months.

Reflecting on these accomplishments, the stakeholders endorsed Governor Mbah for a second term in 2027, stating:

“If he has done these great works in repositioning Enugu State in just two years, it is only left to imagination what the state would look like at the end of eight years.”

They emphasized that the endorsement transcends party lines:

“In endorsing him, we want to state that we are blind to party affiliation. In the face of Nigeria’s fluid party politics, our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”

The statement added that Mbah has not only proven capable of transforming Enugu State but is also on course to fulfilling the dreams of the state’s founding fathers.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Dr. Ben Nwoye, Leader of the Progressives Movement in Enugu State and former APC Chairman, Chief Chijioke Edeoga, Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Steve Orurua, Deputy State Chairman of PDP, Chief Sydney Edeh, ALGON Chairman, Enugu State & Chairman, Nkanu East LGA as well as Chief Augustine Nnamani, former PDP State Chairman.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed a landslide victory in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State, winning 20 out of 23 council areas.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to secure three councils.

The results were officially announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

According to Dr. Odey, 18 political parties took part in the exercise, which he described as peaceful and well-attended by voters across the state.

“The people of Rivers came out in large numbers and voted peacefully. We commend everyone for conducting themselves responsibly,” he said.

The APC performed strongly across most parts of the state, securing wins in key local government areas such as Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Gokana, Khana, and Ikwerre, among others.

Notable APC wins include:

Khana LGA: Bariere Thomas — 156,027 votes

Emohua: Chidi Julius Lyord — 115,380 votes

Gokana: Confidence Deekor — 96,478 votes

Oyigbo: Okechukwu Akara — 101,495 votes

Eleme: Obari Ollie — 77,452 votes

In total, APC candidates emerged victorious in the following LGAs: Abua-Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Ogu Bolo, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai.

The PDP, which had traditionally held a strong grip on local politics in the state, managed to hold onto three councils: Obio-Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt City.

These victories were significant in terms of vote count:

Obio-Akpor: Gift Worlu — 328,823 votes

Port Harcourt City: Allwell Ihunda — 235,054 votes

Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Shedrack Chuku — 51,051 votes

Observers say the PDP’s wins were expected in these urban strongholds, particularly Obio-Akpor, which is home to several key political figures.

Voters described the polls as peaceful and orderly, with many expressing appreciation for the chance to participate.

Among those who cast their votes was FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, who voted in his Rumuepirikom polling unit in Obio/Akpor LGA. He later commended the conduct of the elections.

“It’s important we allow democracy to thrive at the grassroots,” Wike told reporters.

Despite some concerns raised ahead of the elections, there were no reports of violence or widespread irregularities on election day.

Hon. Samuel Okechukwu Agu,

In the bustling district of Gwagwalada, Abuja, one name echoes with admiration and respect, Hon. Okechukwu Samuel Agu, the Coordinator of the Igbo Political Forum.

A successful businessman from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. Agu has made Gwagwalada his home, where he lives with his family and serves as a unifying force in the community.

Speaking with several community members, his leadership is described as “the kind that brings people together, not divides them.”

One of Hon. Agu’s most notable achievements is his key role in supporting the current Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council.

Unlike many who view politics as a tool for personal advancement, Hon. Agu acted with a sense of greater purpose.

“I did it not for selfish interest, but to create a cordial relationship between the ruling class and the Igbo people in Gwagwalada,” he explained.

This bold and selfless decision has strengthened unity and significantly enhanced the representation of the Igbo community in local governance.

Beyond politics and community leadership, Hon. Agu is a devout supporter of the gospel of Christ. His consistent financial and moral contributions to church projects and activities demonstrate a life driven by both faith and action.

A church elder described him as “a man whose faith is reflected in action, not just words.”

To many, Hon. Agu is not just a leader, he is a mentor and an inspiration. His ability to balance politics, community service, business, and spiritual devotion sets him apart.

“My Oga, my mentor, my role model, he is the kind of man I want to be, if God, posterity and life permit,” one of his mentees shared.

Hon. Okechukwu Samuel Agu’s life is a compelling reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, sacrifice, and vision.

Whether in the arena of politics, in community development or in the church, his unwavering commitment to the common good defines his every action.

As many in Gwagwalada affirm, he is indeed a man on a mission, and one who never fails.

Nze Ikechukwu Emmanuel
📞 07030352437
📧 emmanuelnze1981@gmail.com | nzeefe4@gmail.com

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for enabling the successful conduct of local government elections in Rivers State, describing it as a significant step toward restoring grassroots governance and complying with constitutional provisions.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 in Rumuepirikom Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Wike expressed satisfaction with the turnout and organization of the ongoing council polls.

He highlighted the importance of conducting elections at the local government level, referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling which declared caretaker committees illegal and emphasized that only elected officials could receive funds from the Federation Account.

“If there are no elected people at the local government level, federal allocations cannot be disbursed. That’s why holding this election is crucial,” Wike stated.

The FCT Minister commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for its role in ensuring a smooth process and encouraged media professionals to understand the difference in voter turnout between commercial and residential areas.

“You can’t expect a huge crowd in commercial areas. But here in my residential community, the turnout is impressive, and I’ve received similar reports from rural areas,” he said.

Wike praised Rivers residents for participating actively in the polls, noting that the people were excited to vote for their own local representatives.

He said the election marks a significant turning point following the political crisis in the state that had earlier led to the declaration of an emergency rule.

“Now that elections are being held and elected officials will emerge, we are confident that local governments can access funds directly and begin to function properly again,” he added.

He dismissed concerns about legal challenges to the polls, asserting that the process now adheres to constitutional standards.

“The previous situation was not recognized by law. But today’s election is lawful and transparent, so no one should worry about its legitimacy,” Wike explained.

He reiterated that the successful conduct of the local government elections paves the way for lifting the emergency rule and restoring full democratic governance in Rivers State.

“With this election, we are completing the structure of governance at the grassroots. By September, when the emergency rule is lifted, both the governor and the state assembly will return, and local governments will already be in place,” he said.

Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the process and urged all stakeholders to back the democratic process for the sake of stability and development at the local level.

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last general election, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Brazil, describing it as a wasteful exercise that underscores a lack of visionary leadership.

In a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja, Adebayo said the core policies President Tinubu was exploring during his visit are already embedded in the SDP’s manifesto.

He suggested that the President could have saved public funds by engaging with local ideas rather than seeking solutions abroad.

“What President Tinubu is looking for in Brazil is clearly outlined in the SDP manifesto. It’s a matter of leadership, not magic,” Adebayo stated.

He compared Brazil’s successful anti-poverty initiatives, especially under former President Lula da Silva, with Nigeria’s current economic struggles under Tinubu.

Highlighting Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia” program, Adebayo pointed out that it led to a 27% drop in poverty in just four years, a sharp contrast to the rising poverty levels in Nigeria following the removal of fuel subsidies.

“Brazil’s policies are working because they are rooted in strong leadership and effective governance. What we have in Nigeria is the exact opposite,” he said.

Drawing a comparison between Brazil’s Petrobras and Nigeria’s NNPC, Adebayo said the two are worlds apart in terms of transparency and efficiency.

He argued that Tinubu’s approach to managing Nigeria’s oil sector and the broader economy is deeply flawed.

“If Tinubu truly wanted to learn, he didn’t need to fly to Brazil. He could have read the SDP’s manifesto. After all, he was once part of the party,” Adebayo noted.

He expressed mixed feelings about the trip, hopeful that it might open the President’s eyes to better policy models, but disappointed by what he saw as unnecessary spending of national resources.

“Going to Brazil like a tourist to admire what is already within reach in Nigeria is not leadership. It’s a costly distraction,” Adebayo said.

As preparations intensify for its upcoming national convention in Ibadan this November, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is leaning toward selecting new party leaders through consensus rather than open contests, a move aimed at preventing internal conflict.

This approach, sources say, is in response to the divisions caused by the 2022 presidential primaries, which contributed to the party’s poor performance in the 2023 general elections, including the defection of two governors and several top figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In recent months, even former vice president Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark have left the PDP for the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).

The PDP is also considering reintegrating Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his loyalists, following tensions between his camp and the party hierarchy.

Party sources indicate that negotiations are ongoing, with some of Wike’s demands receiving attention including zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Wike is also pushing for formal recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as PDP’s South-South Zonal Chairman, and the removal of Chief Ali Odefa as South-East Vice Chairman.

He warned that failing to address these issues could trigger further internal crises.

“If they want another round of crisis, so be it,” Wike said in a recent interview. “I will fight impunity until it is corrected.”

He alleged that party officials undermined a valid congress that elected Orbih, and that a court ruling had invalidated Odefa’s membership in the party, rendering his position illegitimate.

PDP leaders including acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and PDP Governors’ Forum Chair Bala Mohammed have confirmed that zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South is part of a broader strategy to reposition the party.

The zoning committee, led by Governor Douye Diri, has recommended that the party chairmanship be retained in the North.

Consultations are now underway to micro-zone the presidential ticket to one of the three southern regions: Southeast, South-South, or Southwest.

Though no one has formally declared a presidential bid, names like former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi have been floated as potential contenders.

Both have yet to respond to these suggestions.

In a bid to inject new energy, the PDP is reportedly considering a younger national chairman.

Talks are ongoing about selecting someone who bridges the North-South divide, with experience and party loyalty.

One leading candidate is Hon. Teejay Yusuf, a three-term federal lawmaker from Kogi State. Known for his fluency in both Hausa and Yoruba and his unwavering loyalty to the PDP since 1998, Yusuf is seen as a unifying figure.

“We are focused on rebuilding the party and achieving consensus. It’s not about personal ambition,” Yusuf told The Nation, emphasizing that internal consultations were ongoing.

Former Governor Ahmed Makarfi, who previously served as PDP’s national chairman, is being considered for another senior role, possibly continuing as Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees.