From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The political landscape in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections is gradually taking on a more mature and constructively engaging outlook.
The long-standing culture of weak or non-existent opposition against ruling parties and incumbents—characteristic of previous administrations since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999—is steadily fading.
Currently, elected office holders in the state appear to be under increasing scrutiny, as opposition parties and aspirants intensify constructive criticism and mount challenges in their bid for elective positions.
Investigations reveal that even the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah—widely assessed by analysts to have performed creditably so far—is facing growing opposition both within and outside the All Progressives Congress (APC). This marks a departure from the past, when opposition was largely absent from the state’s political scene.
Signs of political dynamism and a shared commitment to enhancing socio-economic and infrastructural development are increasingly evident. For instance, Governor Mbah, alongside the 17 local government chairmen—initially elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—reportedly defected to the APC in September 2025. However, findings indicate that the PDP is regrouping and positioning itself strongly for the 2027 elections.
In addition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties are emerging as formidable challengers to the APC in the state.
Among the politicians seeking to reshape the political momentum in Enugu State is Mazi Dr Ezenwa A.A. Onyirimba.
Dr Onyirimba is introducing innovative ideas and approaches that are gradually gaining attention within the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency—popularly known as Greater Awgu. He is already translating his ambitions into action as he aspires to represent the constituency in the 11th National Assembly on the platform of the APC in 2027.
Though he has not held any major elective office, aside from serving as Special Adviser to the APC on Youth and Student Affairs, Onyirimba has reportedly initiated and attracted several development and human capital projects across the three local government areas of the constituency.
In a bid to address the area’s developmental challenges, he facilitated the siting of a federal hospital at Ihe-Achi—an ongoing project considered crucial to improving healthcare infrastructure in Greater Awgu.
He also oversaw the renovation of 18 boreholes across various communities in the constituency.
Additionally, he attracted a technology training programme for 300 unemployed graduates from Greater Awgu at the Digital Bridge Institute, Ibagwa Nike. The initiative is structured to provide automatic employment opportunities for participants upon completion.
At the onset of the 2025 farming season, Onyirimba facilitated agricultural support for over 60 farmers drawn from Aninri, Awgu and Oji River local government areas.
A founding member of the APC in Oji River Local Government Area, Onyirimba has also been noted for funding various party programmes and activities prior to the influx of PDP stakeholders into the party.
Currently, he is seeking the APC ticket to contest the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency seat, with a view to expanding developmental and empowerment initiatives in the area.
He also founded a political pressure group, IFEDICHE Political Family, which has structures across the 41 wards in Greater Awgu. The group has been active in mobilising support for the re-election of Bola Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
The group’s activities culminated in a 10,000-strong solidarity march by youths in Greater Awgu, held on April 11, 2026, in Oji River Township. It also played a prominent role at the Enugu West Senatorial District mega rally in support of the same candidates, held in Awgu on April 18, 2026.
Onyirimba expressed optimism that the APC remains the dominant political force in Greater Awgu, citing the structures established by IFEDICHE Political Family and the party’s leadership under Governor Mbah.
