Category: Politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted access codes to nine political parties to enable them upload the names of their candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), among others.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, setting aside an earlier judgment that led to its registration as a political party, insisting that it remains duly registered and will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

The party’s reaction came as the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the judgment as “an unnecessary serious setback for Nigerian democracy,” warning against actions capable of weakening the country’s democratic institutions.

In a statement issued after the ruling, the NDC said the order arose from an application filed by an unregistered association, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed that it had applied for registration with the same victory sign as its proposed symbol in 2015.

The party recalled that it had approached the Federal High Court in December 2025 after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declined to register it despite its compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

According to the NDC, the court had upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and directed INEC to register it as a political party, a judgment the commission subsequently complied with.

The party said that since its registration, it had embarked on membership registration nationwide, conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses, held its national convention, and concluded primary elections for elective offices in line with INEC’s timetable.

It added that it had already participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and had nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association participating in the current registration exercise, maintaining that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter.

“Accordingly, we have been informed that His Lordship made an order setting aside the court’s earlier decision of December 2025.

“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order,” the statement read.

The party reassured its members and candidates that it remained in the race for the 2027 elections.

“Our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. We have no doubt that justice will be done,” it added.

The party also accused unnamed interests of attempting to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space by frustrating opposition political platforms.

Reacting separately, Peter Obi said he received news of the Lokoja court ruling while attending engagements in Imo State, including a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, and the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.

Obi said the development should worry every Nigerian committed to democratic governance.

“Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” he said.

He warned against what he described as a growing pattern of weakening democratic institutions, arguing that democracy cannot flourish where institutions lose their independence and credibility.

“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor said his position was consistent with his earlier criticism of actions affecting other opposition parties.

“When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle,” he said.

Obi stressed that his concern was not about who emerges president in 2027 but about safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity,” he added.

He called on Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend the country’s democracy, saying the survival of Nigeria’s institutions is critical to the nation’s future.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party and issue it a Certificate of Registration within seven days.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25 filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others against INEC.

The suit stemmed from INEC’s rejection of CDA’s application for registration in December 2025 despite the association having received provisional approval to proceed with formal registration and having submitted all required documents and information to the commission.

According to court records, the association also underwent verification of its leadership, officers and national headquarters by INEC before its application was rejected.

The applicants argued that they had fulfilled all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration and challenged the legality of the commission’s decision to deny the application.

In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu upheld the applicants’ claims and directed INEC to issue a Certificate of Registration to the Citizens Democratic Alliance.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for political party registration, electoral administration and the enforcement of statutory timelines under the Electoral Act.

Reacting to the judgment, the Citizens Democratic Alliance described the decision as a victory for democracy and constitutional governance.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Citizen Abdulrazaq Umar, the party welcomed the court’s verdict and commended the judiciary for upholding democratic principles.

“We commend the Court for upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic rights of Nigerians,” the statement read.

The party also expressed appreciation to its members, supporters and legal team for their support throughout the legal battle.

“Today’s judgment is not merely a victory for the CDA. It is a victory for democracy, political inclusion, constitutional governance, and the right of citizens to freely organize and participate in the democratic process,” the statement added.

The CDA said it harbours no resentment towards any institution or individual, stressing that its objective has always been the expansion of democratic space, respect for the rule of law and the advancement of national development.

The party further described the judgment as the beginning of a new phase in its political journey, promising to engage peacefully and constructively in Nigeria’s democratic process.

It disclosed that it would, in the coming days, formally unveil its vision, manifesto and roadmap for what it described as a more prosperous, just, secure and united Nigeria.

The Citizens Democratic Alliance describes itself as a progressive social democratic political movement committed to democratic reform, constitutional restructuring, economic transformation, institutional accountability and inclusive national development.

As Ekiti State voters head to the polls on Saturday to elect a governor for another four-year term, 13 candidates will be seeking to unseat the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is aiming to secure a second term in office.

The election, one of Nigeria’s off-cycle governorship contests, comes amid impressive voter readiness, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reporting that 1,028,929 of the state’s 1,059,360 registered voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing 97.1 per cent of eligible voters.

Oyebanji, 59, who won the 2022 governorship election with 187,057 votes, is seeking re-election alongside his deputy, Monisade Afuye. The APC candidate emerged through a consensus arrangement after his sole challenger in the party primary, Atinuke Omolayo, stepped down and endorsed him.

His major challengers include 59-year-old Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a medical practitioner and businessman; 66-year-old Oluwadare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a former Nigerian ambassador to Canada; and 41-year-old Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, a businessman and philanthropist.

Also in the race are 67-year-old Professor Oyebanji Olajuyin of the Labour Party (LP), a former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital; 35-year-old Blessing Abegunde of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); 36-year-old Bidemi Awogbemi of the Action Peoples Party (APP); 42-year-old Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); 36-year-old Samuel Akande of the African Action Congress (AAC); and 49-year-old Olaniyi Ayodele of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The list of contestants is completed by 38-year-old Victor Adetunji of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), 64-year-old Olu Omotoso of the Action Alliance (AA), 65-year-old Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Ayodele Osinkolu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), whose age was not indicated in the information released by INEC.

Although Anifowose and Osinkolu remain on INEC’s final list, both candidates have publicly withdrawn from the race. Anifowose has endorsed Governor Oyebanji, while Osinkolu defected to the PDP after withdrawing from the contest.

The election is expected to test the popularity of the incumbent governor, who is seeking to break a long-standing political pattern in Ekiti where governors have historically struggled to secure consecutive terms in office.

Candidates have campaigned on diverse issues ranging from economic development, healthcare and education reforms to youth empowerment, agriculture, job creation, governance reforms and infrastructural development.

With voter turnout expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome, attention will be on whether the high PVC collection rate translates into significant participation on election day.

…Charges party supporters on door-to-door campaign

…Asogwa: I won’t disappoint Enugu North

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has boosted the senatorial bid of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 20, 2026 by-election for Enugu North Senatorial District, listing reasons the zone would overwhelming vote for the party.

The seat, if won, would be APC’s first-ever electoral victory in the state.

He described Asogwa as the best candidate, given his track record.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the grand finale of the party’s campaign as the zone prepares to elect a replacement for its deceased lawmaker, the late Senator Okey Ezea, who died in November 2025.

“Go and thumbprint the ballots. And when they want to know what APC has done for you, tell them that this administration, this party has broken the 65-year jinx and has brought your son to head the University of Nigeria Nsukka as the Vice Chancellor. Tell them that as a result of that, hundreds of your sons and daughters have been employed in UNN.

“Also tell them that this party is building 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in your senatorial district.

“Tell them that the over 40km Abakpa/Penoks-Ugwogo Nike- Opi- Nsukka road is being dualised with a major investment to cut through the hills and fill the valleys to make it straighter and safer at huge costs.

“You need to tell them that the Ohebedim Aluminium Factory will be commissioned in October.

“Just tell them, just in case they have forgotten, that just a few weeks ago, I flagged off the construction of 52.2km that will traverse Nguru, Lejja, Aku, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa, and Eke.

“When you thumbprint the broom, tell them that just a few days ago, we flagged off the construction of Igogoro, Amachara, Ikpamodo, Ipa, Amaja road. Tell them also that the road is going on as I speak.

“Do not also forget to remind them that we are investing in the future of your children. We built 102 Smart Green Schools where we are investing over N1bn on each school so that these kids can fit in and be ready for the future. They will be first-class brains.

“What you see in terms of the brick and mortar is only a fraction of the story. Here, they will be taught Artificial Intelligence, which will have the same effect on the world economy as electricity. So, tell them that is why we are investing insanely in education,” he stated.

Mbah, however, urged the party’s supporters not to rest on their oars, declaring that nothing but an overwhelming victory was acceptable, reminding them that the by-election would be the first test of the party’s popularity in the northern part of the state.

“I can sense victory already in the air. With the crowd I see here today, with the who-is-who in Enugu North Zone here, it means we can almost fall into the temptation that this election is a fate accompli.

“But I warn you, what we are witnessing here today is good. Our candidate is also the champion of the interests of the masses. You know that. But the work is not done yet. So, do not go back home and sleep.

“As you leave here, you have to go door-to-door, go to all the families, the communities, the homes, kindreds and tell them where to vote,” he charged them.

The Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said that the governor had already given the party’s candidate a to-do list once elected into the Senate to ensure that the interest of the zone is well represented.

“In my presence, he told him to ensure that all roads in Enugu North are captured in the federal budget. He told him that there is need to elevate UNN’s budget and that of the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo so that the institutions in our land will be viable. These are just a few,” Ossai said.

He equally dismissed the propaganda that former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was supporting another party’s candidate, saying “This is not true because we all heard him debunk it.”

Ugwuanyi, in his remark, reiterated that nothing other than voting massively for APC and Asogwa could guarantee quality representation for Enugu North.

Speaking, Asogwa, who conducted a minute of silence in honour of the late Senator Ezea, thanked the APC and the people of Enugu North for upholding equity and justice by ensuring that the senatorial seat remained in Igboeze South, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

“I have promised my people that I can never disappoint. There is hardly a person that has not known what I have done towards the progress of Enugu North Zone and Enugu State in general. But what they saw before now is just the beginning. Our business is human empowerment,” he stressed.

Other speakers at the well-attended rally, which enjoyed the presence of Minister Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh (SAN) and the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, include the Council Chairman of Igboeze South, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze; Chairman of the Campaign Organisation, Barr. Chigozie Okonkwo; House of Representatives Members, Hon. Mark Obetta and Hon. Denis Agbo as well as Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Ejike Amaedu, Dominic Ezema, Amb. Favour Asogwa, Commissioner Sunday Ajogwu, and Chief Charly Arthur.

They described Asogwa as the right man for the job, noting that Governor Mbah’s work had endeared the APC to the people of the state and promised massive votes for the party on Saturday and in the 2027 elections.

…Mbah remains the dominant political figure in the state – Barr. Onuora

…This endorsement is as a unanimous vote of confidence in the governor’s leadership – ALGON Chairman 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Forum of Administrators of Local Governments in Enugu State have endorsed the state governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, for a second term, citing his unprecedented overhaul of all the sectors in the state.

PACESETTER reports that the endorsement was made on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) office in Enugu by the Coordinator of the Forum, Barr. Okwy Onuora, who read a communiqué on behalf of the 68 administrators of local governments and development centres in the state.

Onuora said the administrators resolved to support Mbah’s re-election bid after reviewing his administration’s achievements across critical sectors of the state.

“We, the 68 administrators of local government of Enugu State wish to use this medium to thank His Excellency the Executive Governor of Enugu State for all the good work he has been doing in our dear state, Enugu State, since the inception of his administration, starting from Green Smart Schools, Type Two Hospitals, security of life and properties of the citizens of Enugu State, good road networks, and infrastructural development to mention but few.

“Based on this, we, the administrators of local government of Enugu State hereby endorse our dear Governor for a second term in office, come 2027,” he said.

The forum also cited the state’s zoning arrangement as one of the reasons for supporting the governor’s second-term bid.

“The East has done their eight years in office, the North has done their eight years in office, the West has done their eight years in office. The time of the East is now, and they are going to do their eight years in office. So he deserves a well-deserved second term in office,” Onuora added.

Speaking after receiving the endorsement letter on behalf of the governor, the Enugu State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, described the move as a unanimous vote of confidence in the governor’s leadership.

Edeh said the administrators had demonstrated unity and commitment to ensuring Mbah’s return in 2027.

“Not only that they are adopting him, not only that they are endorsing him, that they are going to do everything within their reach to make sure that the governor comes back in 2027,” he said.

The ALGON chairman added that administrators would play a critical role in grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

“As the council chairman of Nkanu East, fortunately the governor’s local government, the ALGON chairman of Enugu State, and ALGON Chairman South East, I know what grassroots mobilisation is all about. I know what grassroots politics is all about.

“The administrators are the people we must need at the grassroots level to make sure that the governor is being returned come 2027,” he stated.

Fielding questions from our correspondent, Onuora said the endorsement was informed by what he described as Mbah’s exceptional performance in office.

“The governor has done so well. This is about his third year in office, and then he has done marvellous, like someone who has been there for over eight years.

“So, we want to appreciate him, and also ensure that he goes back for a second time in office, and his good works is what prompted today’s occasion,” he said.

Asked whether the ruling APC could gain wider acceptance in the South-East ahead of the elections, Onuora said the governor’s performance would make the task easier.

“It’s not even about the party, it’s about the individual. Peter Mbah has done so well, but the party so far has done so well that will give us the conviction to talk to people and tell people what we’ve been doing because we just recently joined APC and our good work speaks for ourselves,” he said.

On opposition efforts to unseat the governor, Onuora dismissed the threat, saying Mbah remained the dominant political figure in the state.

“In a football match, you only tackle those that hold the ball. So far, we are APC. Peter Mbah is also the governor of Enugu State. He is the person people are tackling,” he said.

Also speaking, the Administrator of Igboeze North West Development Centre, Hon. Ali Nathaniel, said Mbah’s investments in education, infrastructure and security justified another term in office.

“When we talk about smart school, some people fail to understand what we mean by smart school. If you have visited the smart school, you understand exactly what His Excellency means by smart school.

“This is the 21st century, whereby we need our children to be smart in everything they are doing,” he said.

Nathaniel also praised the governor for revamping the International Conference Centre and undertaking road projects across rural communities.

He further commended the administration’s handling of security challenges in the state.

“In Enugu, a few years back, you can’t come out on Mondays, but today everything is moving on. You can do your business, you can go to your offices on Mondays.

“So, in the area of insecurity, it’s enough for us to say, thank you, Governor Ndubuisi Mbah,” he added.

Another speaker, Israel Ani, Administrator Aninri West Development Center, noted that Mbah “has transformed the state into a modern city”.

He urged those still doubting the ruling APC and the governor to join in moving the state forward.

“I want to tell those people who are thinking that APC is not the best place for them to be to come in, because they have a good governor, they have a good product, and when they have a good product, you don’t need to shift ground”.

PACESETTER gathered that over the weekend, Mbah’s kinsmen also endorsed him at a grand reception in his honour, in addition to other endorsements by the Awkunanaw Clan, Enugu West, Enugu North, and Enugu East senatorial zones.

Opposition leaders and political stakeholders have condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke describing the ruling as a violation of a subsisting Court of Appeal order and an abuse of judicial process.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), following a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.

The court held that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional and electoral requirements necessary to retain their registration status, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from opposition figures who argue that the matter remains subject to appellate proceedings.

Reacting on Monday, Adeleke said the judgment was delivered despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal staying further proceedings in the case.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor maintained that the appellate court had already ruled that the delivery of judgment constituted part of court proceedings, making any further action by the lower court subject to its directive.

According to him, records presented before the Federal High Court showed that the Court of Appeal, during proceedings on May 22, 2026, expressly stated that “the delivery of judgment is still part of the proceedings of the court.”

Adeleke insisted that the ruling would be challenged and urged supporters of the Accord Party to remain calm ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

“I call on Osun people to remain calm and be assured that our rights will be affirmed and our party, the Accord, will be on the ballot on August 15. We will not only be on the ballot, we will win overwhelmingly in the forthcoming governorship election,” he said.

The governor also dismissed concerns that the judgment could disrupt his political activities, insisting that the party’s governorship campaign flag-off would proceed as planned.

The ruling has also drawn strong reactions from leaders of the affected parties.

Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, described the judgment as “judicial rascality” and alleged that it formed part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

He argued that the trial court ought not to have proceeded with the matter while an appeal remained pending before the Court of Appeal, accusing the ruling party of attempting to narrow Nigeria’s democratic space.

ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark similarly rejected the judgment, describing it as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Addressing party supporters in Abuja, Mark expressed confidence that the decision would be overturned on appeal.

“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process,” he said.

He assured party members that the ADC would remain a participant in the 2027 elections, insisting that the party would secure judicial redress.

The controversy also attracted criticism from African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who condemned the deregistration of parties already preparing for elections.

“I totally condemn the deregistration of political parties that have already concluded their primaries and are preparing for general elections. Such an action is undemocratic and unjustifiable in a multi-party democracy,” he wrote on social media.

The judgment is expected to trigger further legal battles as affected parties seek appellate intervention, with broader concerns emerging over its implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate, for the 2027 elections.

The people of Idodo Zone, Governor Peter Mbah’s immediate zone in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, have hosted him to a grand civic reception, describing him as “a son in whom they are well pleased,” while also donating N50 million towards the governor’s reelection.

In a separate but equally significant development, the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area also converged on the governor’s country home in Owo to express gratitude for his administration’s developmental strides and unanimously endorse his re-election bid in 2027.

Idodo Zone: ‘A Historical Rarity’

Speaking through the Chairman of the organising committee, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, the people of Idodo Zone, comprising Owo, Amechi Idodo, Amankanu, Ubahu, Oruku, and Umuode, said it is “in line with Igbo culture to celebrate a son who distinguishes himself, more so a governor of Mbah’s calibre that had changed the narratives of the state in just three years.”

“We formally say to you, with one voice and one heart: welcome home! It is a historical rarity for a relegated place like ours to spring the surprise of producing a son of this calibre — a son whose leadership, in just three years, has become the envy of states across Nigeria and beyond,” the people declared.

“In three short years, Enugu’s profile as a subnational and regional capital has risen astronomically — and that rise is no accident. It is the fruit of carefully calibrated, deeply strategic thinking by our son, our brother, our kinsman, Governor Mbah.”

List of Achievements in Idodo Zone

Recalling some of Mbah’s accomplishments, Nnajieze asserted that true to his promise, the governor had translated the mantra, “Tomorrow is Here,” from a mere campaign slogan doubted by cynics to a reality that looms large across sectors.

“In just three years, Enugu people are witnessing: State-wide infrastructure and urban renewal. In Idodo zone, we have witnessed roads that set us free — the 14.5km Amechi Idodo–Oruku–Amagunze road, cutting our travel time to a few minutes and letting us reach our LGA headquarters at Amagunze without circling through four other LGAs; and the virgin 40km Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Umualor–Ikem dual carriageway, opening doors of commerce we never imagined.”

He also listed 267 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, five state-of-the-art bus terminals with five more rising, CNG buses, over 2,000 hybrid city taxis, an asphalt plant, Enugu Air, the revamped Hotel Presidential, Nigergas Limited, Enugu United Palm Products Limited, a tech-driven security architecture with a Command and Control Centre, and a 300-bed Enugu International Hospital.

“The list is endless,” Nnajieze added.

Mbah’s Response: ‘The Love Is Palpable’

Responding, a visibly elated Governor Mbah thanked the people for the overwhelming demonstration of love and support.

“The love is palpable. I can feel it. I can touch it. I have no doubt as to where this is flowing from. It is flowing from the depth of affection and the depth of love you have for me. What you have demonstrated here today is real. It is organic. It is not fabricated,” he stated.

The governor attributed his success in office to the values instilled in him by his people, also expressing happiness that this had greatly changed unlike 25 years ago when he had to abandon his vehicle and trek over 2km during campaigns.

“Today, we have not only built roads and bridges, but we have equally built confidence. We have demonstrated that your circumstances of birth does not restrict you,” he said.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the revered Ofo symbol by traditional rulers of Idodo Zone, led by Igwe Godwin Arum, as a mark of satisfaction with the governor’s leadership and a symbolic endorsement of his continuation in office for another four years.

Ozalla Community Endorses Mbah

Meanwhile, the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area have also thrown their weight behind Governor Mbah’s re-election, with the President General of Ozalla Development Union (ODU), Chief Obiora Okwuibe, praising the governor for his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and transformational interventions.

Okwuibe particularly appreciated the governor for facilitating the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN, as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, alongside the appointments of Dan Nwomeh, Prof. Uchenna Agu, and Francis Aninwike.

The community also commended the administration for key projects in Ozalla, including the functional Smart Green School, the ongoing Type II Primary Healthcare Centre, the renovation of the old Ozalla Health Centre, and the Ituku–Ishi Ozalla road project.

Okwuibe lamented that successive administrations had overlooked the internal roads linking the various parts of the community.

“Although Ozalla may appear adequately served by roads to anyone merely passing through, this impression is misleading. What is visible are largely federal highways that cut across our community. Beyond these major highways, the internal road network linking our autonomous communities, villages, and farmlands remains in a severely dilapidated condition,” he stated.

In a major political declaration, Okwuibe announced Ozalla’s unreserved endorsement of Mbah for a second term.

“We commit ourselves to full political mobilisation across our community, ensuring massive voter turnout and delivering overwhelming support for your re-election,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “Accordingly, we pledge to support Your Excellency in 2027 and continue to align with the Federal Government in the spirit of cooperation, continuity, and national development.”

Nweke: ‘Opposition Are Like Flies’

Former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr., who spoke on behalf of the community, said Ozalla’s support for the governor was rooted in conviction and appreciation of his exceptional performance.

According to him, Mbah has demonstrated audacious vision, capacity for implementation, respect for public trust, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

Throwing his weight behind Mbah’s re-election, Nweke dismissed opposition aspirants as politically insignificant.

“Come 2027, you have our full support. Yes, there could be a few skirmishes here and there, but they are like flies and nothing serious. They do not constitute any threat,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Responding, Governor Mbah reiterated that his administration’s development philosophy is anchored on inclusivity, equity, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

“If Ozalla is strong, Enugu is strong; if Enugu is strong, the region is strong, and if the region is strong, the country is strong,” the governor stated.

Mbah assured the community that after the ongoing major investments in education and healthcare, his administration would embark on aggressive road infrastructure development across rural communities, with plans to construct about 1,250 kilometres of roads annually.

Other speakers at the Idodo event included former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, represented by Hon. Ejike Anih; Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh; Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Banko Okibe; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah; former Council Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe; and community leader, Dr. George Nwachi.

The Ozalla delegation included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; former National Commissioner of INEC, Barr. Victor Chukwuani; and the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke, among others.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, clearing seven candidates from different political parties to contest for the vacant Senate seat.