From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A political pressure group in Enugu State operating under the aegis of Achi Political Dialogue Group (APDG) has applauded the developmental strides of Governor Peter Mbah and appealed for the immediate commencement of projects earmarked for Achi clan by his administration.
The appeal was made at the group’s reconvened political dialogue meeting held at Ikenecheoha Palace, the residence of late Senator B.C. Okwu, in Achi on Sunday, February 15.
It would be recalled that Governor Mbah was hosted to a civic reception by the Achi clan on Sunday, December 21, 2025, where he assured that the state government would construct the road linking Oji River Local Government Area and Udi Council Area from Egwu-Achi to Umuabi-Udi.
Governor Mbah also promised that the Achi Veterinary School, originally established by the defunct Eastern Nigeria government, would be revitalised to contribute to the envisaged Enugu State agro-economy.
He further assured that the school would be upgraded to a higher diploma-awarding institution in related agricultural courses, among other interventions.
At its Sunday, February 15 meeting, APDG commended the governor for the assurances, noting that although the projects were captured in the 2026 state budget, it had become imperative to match words with action as proof that Achi clan was truly accommodated.
Chief Maxi Okwu said the projects would boost economic activities, stressing that Achi clan should not be left out of Governor Mbah’s development agenda.
His words, “Achi Political Dialogue Group,APDG” recovened it’s meeting after almost two years of deliberate dormancy. Even though APDG is non partisan, We usually meet to brainstorm, exchange ideas on contemporary issues as it affects Achi clan in the society.
“We appreciate the fact that Governor visited at Achi less than two months ago at the invitation of some of our brothers. We commend him for that. The APDG passionate plea is for the commencenent of work on the projects as he promised us.
“The road linking Egwu-Achi and Umuabi in Udi local government area is very dear to us. It will enhance interconnectivity. it will open new frontiers of economic and commercial activities between Oji River and Udi local government areas, and by extension Enugu state and Nigeria, generally.
“We are also expecting the renovation and upgrading of the Veterinary School as Governor Mbah, assured Achi people. The revitalisation and upgrading if Achi Veterinary School will be of enormous benefit to Enugu state. There is no government project in Achi at the moment,” Chief Okwu decried.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Achi Political Dialogue Group (APDG) also advocated proper harmonisation of elective positions in Oji River Local Government Area in the interest of equity and justice.
The group demanded that the position of the next chairman of Oji River Local Government Area be zoned to Oji River Central Development Centre, designated as Zone A.
The leader of the group, Chief Maxi Okwu, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, said the resolution was based on the existence of four political zones in Oji River Local Government Area, as provided in a law enacted by the immediate past administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
According to him, the law specifies the sharing and rotation of elective positions among the four zones in the council.
Chief Okwu stated, “On the strength of the law guiding rotation and sharing of elective positions in Oji River local government area, enacted and signed into law by ex- Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration in the state, ‘Achi Political Dialogue Group’APDG,after a thorough review of the garnering wave of 2027 General elections, found out that it is the turn of Oji River Central Development Area classified as Zone A to produce the next Chairman of Oji River local government area.
“APDG stands by that law and is appealing to other zones, Communities, Political stakeholders and Pressure groups in Oji River Local government area to adhere to it, in the interest of peace and harmony, devoid of rancour to continue to reign in Oji River local government politics,” Chief Okwu stated.
On the 2027 politics, APDG said it supports the move by sons and daughters of Achi clan to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election. It stressed that the position was originally zoned to Achi clan in 2023 but was lost after the legal battle that followed.
“We are determined to recover the House of Representatives seat in 2027 General election. It belongs to Achi and we shall recover it, so as to balance the equation properly in the Oji River political local government political space, Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constiuency and Enugu state generally,” Chief Maxi Okwu said.
Records show that Hon. Engr. Stanislaus Okereke of the Labour Party was initially declared the winner of the election, sworn in and represented Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
However, four months later, he was replaced by Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, the PDP candidate, whom the court affirmed as the authentic winner.
At the Sunday, February 16 meeting, APDG also resolved to set up three additional committees to strengthen its operations. They are the Committee on Contact and Mobilisation, Research and Publicity, and Committee on Finance.
The group retained the existing Strategy Committee led by Dr. Tony Amah, while Mrs. Amaka Benneth Uzodinma was unanimously adopted as the General Secretary of the organisation.
