As Nwobodo, Nnamani endorse Mbah,Tinubu
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The people of Enugu East Senatorial District, culturally known as Nkanu Land, on Saturday staged a massive solidarity rally to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, tagged “Ofu Obi” (One Heart), drew a huge crowd to the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, despite the state government’s directive that Ogbete Main Market and other markets within the metropolis should not shut down operations because of the event.
Political stakeholders, business leaders and prominent personalities from Nkanu Land, irrespective of political affiliation, mobilised residents from their various communities to attend the rally, hiring buses to convey supporters to the venue.
Nkanu Land comprises six local government areas: Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Nkanu West and Isi-Uzo. The first three local governments form a significant part of the expanding Enugu metropolis.
Beyond the massive turnout, the rally underscored the district’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election bid in 2027, even as major political parties are expected to field candidates from Nkanu Land in line with the state’s long-standing zoning arrangement, which has guided the rotation of the governorship since the return of democracy in 1999.
In a show of support, stakeholders from the district donated N300 million towards the re-election campaigns of Governor Mbah and President Tinubu.
Presenting a symbolic cheque to the governor, the Convener and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, recalled that Enugu West and Enugu North Senatorial Districts had earlier organised similar rallies in support of both leaders.
Checks by Authority Newspaper showed that Enugu West Senatorial District, which initiated the endorsement process at a rally in Awgu Local Government Area, donated N100 million towards the purchase of the APC governorship nomination form for Governor Mbah. Similarly, political stakeholders from Enugu North Senatorial District contributed N102 million in support of the governor and President Tinubu.
Addressing the gathering, Ogbodo said: “Today is not just a political gathering today is a historic declaration of faith,unity, gratitude and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial zone have risen with one voice,one spirit and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly and unshakeable behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not just an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress,inspired by vision and driven by the extra ordinary transformation taking place across Enugu state under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers a unique opportunity to welcome home,our son in whom we are well pleased”.
He maintained that Governor Mbah had performed exceptionally well within his first three years in office, earning the admiration of residents across the state and strengthening calls for his re-election.
According to him: “My brothers and sisters,when leadership is visionary,the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people,hope returns to society.
“Today,the vision is no longer a promise. It is becoming a living reality before our eyes. He came,he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio political landscape of the capital state of Eastern region. Across our roads, Schools, Hospitals,Communities and economic sectors,the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda”.
Ogbodo said the rally sent a clear message that the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and indeed the entire state would support Governor Mbah’s return in 2027.
He stated: “We are gathered to tell him loudly and clearly,Your Excellency, continue the good work, Continue the transformation. Continue the mission of rebuilding Enugu state. Continue to lead with courage,vision and excellence. And come 2027,the people shall speak again with an overwhelming mandate”.
The planning committee chairman also commended Enugu West and Enugu North Senatorial Districts for organising similar endorsement rallies.
His words:”Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,this is also a moment for unity.Politics must never divide us, especially now that we have an excellent product, who has demonstrated political brilliance by alligning with the center If it Is possible for states to borrow governors,other states would have been lining up to send their applications to Enugu state.
“In recognition of this, Enugu West Senatorial zone quickly procured the guber form for His Excellency and Enugu North zone(Nsukka) followed up with a stry message of solidarity and support. We wish to express our gratitude and a big thank you to these brothers and sisters. May I therefore, call on all party faithfuls,all stakeholders,all support groups,all youths and wonen across our state to remain peaceful, focussed,united, and committed to our political goal in 2027 Our mission is to translate this massive support into votes on Electiion day”.
The formal motion endorsing Governor Mbah as the preferred candidate of Enugu East Senatorial District for the 2027 governorship election was moved by Senator Kelvin Chizoba Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, and seconded by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The crowd unanimously responded in the affirmative, signalling support for the re-election of both Governor Mbah and President Tinubu.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, commended the people of Enugu East for endorsing President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Chief Jim Nwobodo, also threw his weight behind the governor’s re-election, describing the call as non-partisan.
Nwobodo noted that Governor Mbah was constitutionally entitled to seek a second term and added that the zoning arrangement in Enugu politics supports Nkanu Land producing the governor until 2031.
Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, described Governor Mbah as a man of integrity, discipline and proven character, urging voters to reject candidates with questionable reputations.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and the entire state for believing in his vision during the 2023 election.
He said:
“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.
The governor also highlighted plans for a coal-powered electricity plant in the state aimed at boosting power supply.
According to him: “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 further praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.
The rally attracted political leaders and supporters from across the state, including Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency; Hon. Dennis Agbo; Hon. Chidi Obetta; Chief Ikeje Asogwa, APC senatorial candidate for Enugu North in the June 20 by-election; serving council chairmen and other stakeholders.
