Category: Politics

Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, saying the governor has done exceedingly well.

Nnaji announced the endorsement while fielding questions from Government House correspondents during a visit to Mbah on Monday, citing several landmark achievements of the governor in just three years.

The former Minister said he was unavoidably absent at the weekend when the people of Enugu East Senatorial District endorsed Mbah and President Tinubu at a massive rally, but maintained that politics was about lineup and he was fully in support of the president’s endorsement and reelection.

“It should not be a surprise that I am in support of my younger brother. You may not be aware that during the run-up to the 2023 election, I led a group of key stakeholders in Nkanu East to campaign, going to all the key stakeholders in Enugu State, asking them to, please, consider Nkanu East; that we had not had the opportunity of holding this position. And because of that lack of opportunity, Nkanu East was about the only local government that did not have any real government presence.

“If you are in, say, the Idodo area where the governor and I come from, you had to go through four local governments before you got to the headquarters of our own LGA. This needed to change. And so now all that is changing because of the work of His Excellency, our governor. And you can see that to go from that Idodo area to Amagunze, our local government headquarters, is now a matter of a few minutes. That has totally changed the calculation,” he stated.

Continuing, he lauded the governor’s strides in the areas of security, infrastructure, and healthcare, which he said were not only critical enablers of economic growth, but also key to reversing brain drain and overseas medical tourism.

“There are so many other reasons why we have to all come and encourage our governor for what he is doing and to do more.

“I was just talking with him about the two major criteria for people to come back to Nigeria instead of the ‘Japa’ syndrome of running away. Those two would be security, and the second is high-quality healthcare. So, the development of the Enugu International Hospital, which will have the sort of equipment that people run elsewhere to access, is something that is quite innovative for Nigeria.

“We are not lacking in high-quality doctors because we have them, except that many of them have run away. So, this hospital here will bring them back and begin to reverse healthcare tourism.

“Then there are all the infrastructure projects, the roads of standard quality that have been built or are ongoing across the state, and so on.

“Therefore, my presence here is to encourage him and support him so that by the next term, we should be able to see a lot more. That is the point,” he added.

Nnaji urged other people jostling for the office of governor in 2027 to join hands with the governor to consolidate on his achievements and actualise his lofty vision for the state.

Citing his personal experiences, he described Mbah as a listening leader and called on other stakeholders in the state to offer their advice where necessary.

“The whole idea is for all of us to join together to support the governor for the next term. It is okay for people to run for office, but you have to look at the future. What are we really trying to gain?

“If we are doing well, then the thing is to encourage the governor and his government to do more for the people.

“The other thing is that key stakeholders in the state should be able to come and be part of advising for the better. I mean, a governor is not God. A governor is a person of excellence who should be able to move the state forward. But in doing so, wherever there are things that are not going the way people want, we should be able to tell him. And he will listen. I believe he absolutely listens. From all the discussions that we have been having, I know he listens,” he concluded.

On Tinubu’s reelection, he asserted, “On the support for the President, there is a lineup for the office. And that lineup is very important – both the up-ballot and down-ballot candidates usually have to be supported by clear-thinking people. That is what we are doing.”

…Mbah: We’ve moved from theory to evident transformations, lauds Tinubu’s reforms

The people of Enugu East Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, pledging massive votes for the duo in the 2027 general election.

They said that Mbah’s campaign vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, create jobs for the youths, modernise infrastructure, secure communities, and reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology had transcended promises to become a living and evident reality.

Tagged Ofu Obi Mega Rally and widely described as the mother of all rallies in the state in many years, the people, known as the Nkanu clan, equally said the state’s connection with the centre and partnership with the Tinubu Administration had yielded dividends in the form of strategic appointments, projects, and federal interventions.

The Ofu Obi rally, which held at the Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday, equally witnessed the donation of the sum of N300m towards Mbah’s reflection and an Ofo staff (symbol of authority, justice, and endorsement) to the governor by the traditional rulers.

In their speeches, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the massive turnout was a mark of gratitude for the turnaround of the state by the Mbah Administration and Tinubu’s support.

“Across all the 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.

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

Nnamani: Forgers, angry people won’t make good governors

In declaring full support for Mbah and Tinubu, former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, declared that people engaged in certificate forgery or sacked from federal appointments should have no business the state’s governorship seat.

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

“But if you are rich in certificate forgery, you can’t make a good leader. Nkanu people don’t associate with such shameful acts, people who procure certificates at Oluwole Street. If there are people aspiring to occupy offices, they must check their records properly.

“Anyone who cannot hold a federal office with pride or confidence has nothing to aspire to in seeking a state office.

“Again, anybody who is aspiring to be governor or anything else out of anger because you felt that the incumbent annoyed you will make a terrible governor if you come in. That means you have no vision. You are coming in with anger and if you come in with anger, you will do the wrong thing.

“So, 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. Period,” he stated.

Nwobodo: Mbah will complete his 8 years

Elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, maintained that Mbah would be supported by all for his performance, irrespective of political party, asking anyone else dreaming of becoming governor in 2027 to rest his ambition.

“Everyone will vote for Peter Mbah – APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Africa Democratic Congress, and the rest because you have performed wonderfully well. Also, Enugu West went for two terms and Nsukka Zone went for two terms. So, we must go for our own two terms,” he added.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who was accompanied by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and other federal dignitaries, said Mbah and Tinubu had redefined the art of governance through bold and Inclusive policies that have benefitted Ndigbo and Enugu State.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Governor Mbah lauded the people of the zone and state for their courage in investing their trust in him back in 2023 when he had only a vision to sell, acknowledging that it was hard to place faith in something that had not yet taken shape.

“But because you were willing to take that leap of faith, something remarkable happened: 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.

“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.

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

Mbah saluted President Tinubu’s courageous reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said were repositioning the national economy and strengthening states’ capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy.

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

He equally called for patience, enjoining the people to promote and protect the gains of the last three years in the state to full maturity, urging them to be mindful of political opportunists and the dangers of poverty of imagination, small politics, provincial thinking, and complacency.

“Several months from now, we will face another general election. This is not the moment to drift. A people who are building something precious must remain alert.

“Political cowboys will surface. Some will bring noise; some will bring anger; some will bring division. We will bring results. Our answer must be clarity. Our answer must be unity. Our answer must be the work,” he concluded.

Other speakers at the event include the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, accompanied by about eight Directors General of different agencies under the ministry, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye; Senator representing Enugu East, Senator Kelvin Chukwu as well as Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Sydney Edeh, and Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, who spoke for their respective constituencies.

The Peoples Democratic Party has constituted appeal panels to address petitions and complaints arising from its primaries for presidential, governorship, state and National Assembly positions.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that the party did not impose candidates and that all aspirants were given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party said its primary election process was guided by the principles of consultation, inclusiveness, consensus-building, and stakeholder participation.

The NDC explained that it operates a stakeholder leadership structure across the federation, with caucus heads in various states responsible for consultations and recommendations on party affairs.

According to the party, the South-East geopolitical zone operates under an established leadership structure comprising prominent political leaders and elder statesmen who serve as caucus heads in their respective states.

The party listed Chief Onyema Ugochukwu as the caucus leader in Abia State, former Governor Sam Egwu in Ebonyi State, former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu State, and former Governor Achike Udenwa in Imo State, while the structure in Anambra State is coordinated by the team of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The NDC said the caucus leaders were mandated to engage stakeholders, conduct consultations, build consensus, and make recommendations based on the political realities in their states.

It stressed, however, that such recommendations did not infringe on the rights of aspirants seeking elective positions.

“Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the statement said.

The party further stated that the National Secretariat was never involved in selecting or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu said.

He explained that aspirants who approached the party were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states.

The NDC also highlighted its affirmative action policy, noting that it remains committed to encouraging greater participation of women in elective positions while also supporting serving lawmakers.

The party acknowledged reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints arising from aspects of the primary election process.

However, it said such issues had been brought before the appeal panel and the leadership of the party for appropriate resolution.

Following resolutions reached at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party announced plans to commence a reconciliation process aimed at fostering unity among members and aspirants.

The NDC called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of party cohesion and continued growth.

The party reiterated that throughout the primary election period, its role was limited to receiving new members and aspirants, assuring them of fairness and inclusiveness, and directing them to engage with the appropriate caucus structures in their states.

According to the party, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, respect for established leadership structures, and the collective pursuit of unity and progress.

…As Citizens Gather at Okpara Square to Endorse Tinubu, Mbah Tomorrow

Stakeholders, support groups, and residents of Enugu State are expected to participate in the Ofu-Obi Mega Rally Road Show today as preparations enter the final stage for Saturday’s solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

The road show, scheduled to take off from Okpara Square at 9:00 a.m., is aimed at creating public awareness and mobilising participation for the Ofu-Obi Mega Rally, which will hold tomorrow at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

In an announcement issued by Rt. Hon. Ikemba U.S.A. Igwesi, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Subcommittee, members of the Ofu-Obi Mega Rally Planning Committee, support groups, and the general public were urged to turn out in large numbers for the exercise.

Participants with vehicles were also encouraged to make them available to assist in conveying supporters during the sensitisation campaign across parts of the state capital.

The road show comes amid growing excitement over the forthcoming rally being organised by the Enugu East Senatorial Zone to demonstrate support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Mbah’s administration.

The organisers said communities across Enugu State have continued to mobilise for the event, describing it as a demonstration of unity and appreciation for the leadership of both the President and the governor.

The Ofu-Obi Mega Rally is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 6, at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, beginning at 10 a.m.

The event is expected to attract stakeholders, political leaders, community representatives, support groups, and thousands of supporters from Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas.

Organisers have described the gathering as the “mother of all rallies” and a platform for promoting unity, progress, and collective purpose among the people of Enugu State.

With today’s road show expected to further raise awareness and galvanise support, political observers say the stage is set for a massive turnout at Saturday’s rally.

Isa Umar, Abuja

Prominent activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the party’s handling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial primaries, describing her exclusion from the contest as unjust.

Yesufu made the remarks in a series of posts on her verified X handle on June 2 and 3, 2026, where she informed of her visits to supporters and party stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, culminating in a final engagement at Bwari Area Council on June 3.

The outreach, which also covered Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on June 2, was aimed at meeting party leaders at the area council and ward levels, stakeholders, members of the Supporters of Aisha Yesufu Group (SAY Nation), and other supporters following the party’s decision on the FCT senatorial ticket.

In her posts, Yesufu said the visits became necessary to address the disappointment and concerns of her supporters after she was denied the opportunity to participate in the contest for the NDC FCT senatorial ticket.

According to her, while the decision was a setback, it would not diminish her commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, good governance, and national development.

She urged her supporters to remain calm, resolute, and focused on the broader objective of building a better Nigeria, stressing that their energies should now be directed toward supporting the presidential ambition of Peter Obi and his expected running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“The purpose of the outreach was to engage directly with our supporters, particularly in light of the disappointment occasioned by the party’s decision, which unjustly denied us the opportunity to participate in the contest for the FCT Senatorial District ticket,” she wrote.

“It was important to reassure them that, despite this setback, our commitment to the ideals of justice, good governance, and national development remains unwavering.”

Yesufu called on members of SAY Nation and other party faithful not to allow the outcome of the primaries to weaken their resolve.

She noted that the setback should instead serve as motivation to strengthen efforts toward achieving what she described as the larger national interest.

The activist further noted that the future of Nigeria would depend on unity, perseverance, and sustained commitment to democratic ideals.

She expressed confidence that the leadership of Obi and Kwankwaso offers renewed hope for national progress, unity, and development.

The former senatorial aspirant also thanked party executives, stakeholders, and supporters across the FCT for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout her political journey.

She described the reception she received during the visits as overwhelming and encouraging, noting that the outpouring of solidarity reaffirmed her belief that Nigerians remain committed to the vision of a better country.

“The overwhelming reception, expressions of solidarity, and reaffirmation of support received during the engagements were both humbling and reassuring.

“The enthusiasm displayed by party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters further reinforced my conviction that our movement remains strong, united, and determined to work tirelessly for the advancement of our people and the realization of a better Nigeria.”

Yesufu maintained that she and her supporters would continue to advocate for justice, equity, and good governance, expressing optimism that a better Nigeria remains achievable.

She concluded with her campaign slogan, “Nigeria will be OK.”

Anticipation is mounting ahead of the much-publicised Ofu-Obi Mega Rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, with organisers unveiling a major road show and street sensitisation campaign to herald the event.

The rally, which is being organised by the Enugu East Senatorial Zone, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Subcommittee, Rt. Hon. Ikemba U.S.A. Igwesi, members of the Ofu-Obi Mega Rally Planning Committee, support groups, and the general public were invited to participate in a grand road show slated for Friday, June 5.

According to the organisers, the road show will commence from Okpara Square by 9:00 a.m. and is designed to create awareness, mobilise residents, and build excitement ahead of the main rally.

Members and supporters were encouraged to turn out in large numbers, while vehicle owners were urged to make their cars available to assist in conveying participants during the sensitisation exercise.

The organisers described the initiative as an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Governor Mbah’s administration and further mobilise support for both the governor and President Tinubu.

“Let us come out and showcase our Governor and sensitise the Enugu public before the Mega Rally,” the statement said.

The development comes days after the Enugu East Senatorial Zone formally announced the Ofu-Obi Mega Rally, describing it as a solidarity gathering in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Mbah’s development-driven administration.

The organisers had stated that communities across Enugu State were coming together in unity to demonstrate support for the two leaders, noting that Governor Mbah’s performance in office had given the people “bragging rights in one tenure of governance with numerous results and achievements.”

The June 6 rally is expected to attract stakeholders, political leaders, party faithful, youth groups, women organisations, and supporters from Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas.

Organisers have described the event as “the mother of all rallies” and a gathering aimed at promoting unity, progress, and collective purpose.

With the road show now added to the programme of activities, indications suggest that momentum is steadily building towards what supporters expect to be one of the largest political gatherings in Enugu State this year.

More leaders and political parties are joining the Rainbow Coalition, formed and led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, ahead of next year’s general election.

The Labour Party in Abia State has concluded its 2027 primaries to elect its candidates for the next general elections in the state.

Political activist Aisha Yesufu has disclosed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not conduct primary elections for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Friday via her verified X handle, Yesufu said the party had decided against holding primaries for the FCT Senate position but would proceed with primaries for House of Representatives seats.

“Dear Supporters, Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It, however, intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she said.

The activist urged her supporters to remain calm and remain focused on the broader political objective ahead of the 2027 presidential election, expressing optimism about the future of the country.

“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she said.

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project.”

Yesufu also thanked supporters for their commitment to her Senate ambition and said she would continue engaging residents across the six area councils of the FCT as part of efforts to promote a better capital city.

“In the coming week I will be returning back to all the 6 Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she added.

Yesufu had declared interest in the FCT Senate seat on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, saying her decision was influenced by the leadership experience she gained in her former party.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State has concluded its primary elections for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, and announced Hon. Dona Nwogbo as the party’s governorship candidate in a process party leaders described as peaceful, transparent and devoid of rancour.

The final collation of the primaries, held at the party’s designated collation centre in Enugu, attracted party officials, stakeholders and supporters following the direct primary elections conducted across wards in the state.

Speaking after formally declaring the winners of the various primaries, the Returning Officer for the Enugu State PDP Primary Elections, Dr. Yerima Idachaba, commended party members for the orderly conduct and peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise across the state.

“By the grace of God, as you are there, you can see I’ve declared the winners of this primary. By next year, the election itself will commence in full,” he stated.

Dr. Idachaba said the exercise recorded massive participation without any form of violence or disruption.

“You can see the thing went smoothly. The turnout was impressive. All the places we visited, there was no any form of violence or fight or anything. I think that is one of the best things that has happened today,” he added.

The returning officer further maintained that the primaries were conducted strictly in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

“By the electoral act, you know what the electoral law says? It’s a direct primary system. So that is what is embedded in the constitutions,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo, described the exercise as the successful climax of the party’s statewide direct primary process.

“What happened here today was a final collation of PDP primaries, which actually emanated from different wards via direct primaries. But of course, the collation was a grand finale,” he said.

According to Oruruo, the conduct of the primaries reflected the PDP’s commitment to fairness, equity and credible leadership recruitment.

“It was a glamorous act that marked the end of an exciting election in terms of primaries. And this is the quality of PDP that was presented without rancour, with fairness and equity and responsibility and good character in the control of the processes,” he stated.

He blamed poor leadership in the country on flawed party primary systems, insisting that the Enugu PDP had demonstrated a credible democratic process.

“The warped values and poor leadership traits that we have witnessed over the years are just mere products of bad primaries of parties. So today we have presented a primary devoid of rancour and quarrel and skirmishes of any kind,” Oruruo added.

The PDP chairman also maintained that the party’s leadership crisis had been resolved through judicial pronouncements.

“The leadership of this party has since secured a judgment that has never been vacated in the High Court. Beyond this, the Supreme Court nailed it with the final judgment that clearly made it visible that it is the BOT led by former President Wambara that controls the PDP,” he said.

According to him, any structure operating outside the recognised leadership framework remained illegal and invalid.

“Any other thing violates the law, any other thing is tantamount to nullity before the law. Any other party acting contrary to the stipulations of the Supreme Court is acting null and void and of no effect,” he added.

Barr. Oruruo further expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that Nigerians were gradually returning to the party because of the current economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

“PDP markets itself. History markets PDP. Today we face existential threats in the nation, where people can’t travel from one end to the other,” he stated.

“PDP reminds us that the bag of rice was N8,000 and that the last time we bought fuel under PDP it was N87, amongst many other things,” Oruruo added.

He also disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

“Come Saturday, Goodluck Jonathan will be unanimously elected by the PDP to re-enact the same feat that kept Nigeria going,” he declared.

Dr. Idachaba thereafter formally announced the winners of the senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries conducted across Enugu State.

The senatorial candidates announced by the returning officer are Barr. Basil Aguigwo for Enugu West, Dr. Nwatu Anthony for Enugu East and Lady Asogwa Beatrice for Enugu North Senatorial District.

For the House of Representatives, the candidates announced include Hon. Isaac Onoyima for Igboeze South/Nsukka Federal Constituency; Hon. Nwatu Chukwudi for Nkanu East/West; Hon. Lilian C. Ugwuoke for Enugu East/Isi Uzo; Hon. Onah Uchechukwu for Aninri/Awgu/Orji River; Hon. Nnaji Erobuike K. for Enugu North/South; Chief Cosmas Onyia for Udi/Ezeagu; Hon. Anikezie Michael for Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani; and Hon. Eze Ephraim C. for Udenu/Igbo Eze North Federal Constituency.

For the State House of Assembly, the returning officer announced Hon. Okorie Uchenna N. for Aninri; Hon. Mba Emmanuel for Enugu South Urban; Hon. Ezeoha Amara for Enugu South Rural; Arch. Emengini Dumebi for Ezeagu; Hon. Eneali Amobi V. for Enugu North; Hon. Ogbu Patricia O. for Nkanu East; Hon. Nnanyelugo Oliver U. for Orji River; Hon. Ezea Valentine for Nsukka East; Hon. Arua Chinonso Ernest for Nsukka West; Hon. Ikechukwu Nnaji for Nkanu West; Hon. Eze Ejike for Udenu; Hon. Luke Nweze for Enugu East II; Hon. Ezike Stephen Obuna for Igbo Etiti East; Hon. Nwabulje Isaiah for Uzo Uwani; Mrs. Ede Chinyere for Isi Uzo; Hon. Ali Ifeanyichukwu for Igboeze North II; and Dr. Aishatu Ezeani for Udi South.

Recall that earlier, two other governorship hopefuls, Uche Nnaji, and Samson Nnamani were both declared winners of the PDP governorship primary election held in Enugu on May 24, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has elected 17 candidates to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming Local Government elections across the state.

It is recalled that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) scheduled the council elections for Sept. 26, 2026.

12 serving Local Government Chairmen secured return tickets during the party primaries.

They are Jude Asogwa, Nsukka; Caleb Ani, Enugu South; Ugo Ukwueze, Igboeze South; Ibenaku Onoh, Enugu North; Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, Aninri; and Greg Anyaegbudike, Oji-River.

Others are Chijioke Ezugwu, Uzo Uwani; Hyginus Agu, Udi; Uche Okoro, Awgu; Belove Dan Anike, Enugu East; John Ogbodo, Nkanu West; Vitals Ndu, Ezeagu.

Mr Obiora Obeagu of Isi-Uzo and Sydney Edeh of Nkanu East, who had completed their two-term tenure did not stabd for the primary election.

They were replaced with Brendan Ani and Mike Ogbuekwe, respectively.

Three Chairmen did not return after the primary election. They were replaced with Martin Ugwu for Igbo Eititi, Ikechukwu Ezeoha, Udenu and Dr Chris Onyekachi for Igboeze North.

Presenting Certificates of Return to the successful aspirants on Wednesday at the APC State Secretariat in Enugu, the State Chairman of the party, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, described the primaries as peaceful and successful.

“We are happy that it went seamlessly. Everything happened smoothly in all the local governments. We never had any serious issues and all the results have been returned,” he said.

Chukwunweike said
that the candidates emerged through direct primaries conducted at the various council headquarters.

“What we are doing here today is to present a Certificate of Return to you, having been elected as the candidate for APC in the upcoming local government election,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly during the September 26 polls.

“I believe that we will still do as usual and sweep the people come September this year. I say congratulations to all those who have emerged and who are now to carry our flag,” he added.

The chairman urged both returning and first-time candidates to uphold good leadership qualities and build on the achievements of those before them.

Chukwunweike also urged the candidates to replicate the developmental strides of the state governor at the grassroots level.

“What you need to do is to go and replicate what our governor is doing in the state. His Excellency, Peter Mbah, has actually done most of the campaign for us,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the aspirants, the Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, thanked the governor and party leadership for the transparent conduct of the exercise.

“We tender our unreserved gratitude to our performing governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his resilience and for finding us worthy to continue to render service to our dear state,” Okolo said.

Okolo, who is also the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, commended party members and supporters across the 17 council areas for their peaceful conduct during the primaries.

He assured that the candidates would continue to align with the governor’s vision for the development of the state.

Also, the incumbent Council Chairman of Nsukka LGA and APC’s candidate in forthcoming Council election, Engr. Jude Asogwa, thanked the governor for not only ensuring that all the 17 LGAs of the state enjoyed financial autonomy, but for equally undertaking massive projects at the grassroots.

“So, we will not only campaign with promises, but the proofs of good governance in Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership and the efforts we have made at our own level,” he stated.