…say senatorial district is the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s projects
Leaders from the Enugu North Senatorial District, commonly referred to as Nsukka Zone, have officially endorsed Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a continued term beyond 2027, citing the significant transformation of the zone during his less than two years in office.
The Nsukka leaders gathered at the Adada House in Nsukka on Thursday, representing a diverse array of socio-cultural groups, academia, traditional rulers, industry leaders, businesspeople, politicians, market traders, and farmers from the six council areas within the zone. They expressed their steadfast support for the Mbah administration under the Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch.
During an interactive discussion led by a panel of representatives from the various groups, a communique was issued at the end of the session, receiving signatures from no fewer than 700 individuals, including notable figures such as former Deputy Governor Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta.
The leaders highlighted the extensive infrastructural developments by the governor throughout the state, particularly within Nsukka Zone, as the basis for their endorsement.
In their resolution and vote of gratitude, the coalition commended the governor’s “outstanding leadership and stellar performance” since he assumed office in May 2023, asserting that the only candidate they would support in 2027 is Governor Mbah.
They maintained that backing Mbah for an additional eight years is in the best interest of the Nsukka people, as it would allow him to complete the landmark projects initiated during his administration, which are already fostering economic development in the region.
The coalition further commended the governor for fostering peace and security in Enugu State, making it an appealing destination for investment, business, and tourism in Nigeria. “In particular, we note with satisfaction, that the setting up of the Enugu State Command and Control Center by His Excellency at the Government House for tracking criminal activities across the state has become a model for other states of the federation. We applaud His Excellency’s holistic development agenda for Enugu State anchored on his disruptive innovation philosophy as a catalyst for positive change,” the communique stated.
Highlighting that the senatorial district comprises 102 electoral wards, representing 39.2 per cent of the 260 electoral wards in the state, the enthusiastic Nsukka leaders noted that with 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres established across the six councils, the zone has emerged as the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s impressive performance.
Regarding the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the coalition described it as a vital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic activities. They also pointed to the reconstruction of the 44.8 km Ama Ngwo-Eke-Oghe-Iwollo-Umulokpa road and the new 40 km Owo-Ama Nkanu-Ubahu-Mbu-Neke dual carriageway as essential developments that will create a new traffic and economic corridor for the senatorial zone.
The coalition acknowledged that Mbah’s administration has successfully transformed Enugu State from a civil service state into a rapidly developing industrial hub, projecting an astonishing annual internally generated revenue of over N600 billion by the end of 2025. “The governor’s commitment to progress is evident in the rapid pace of development and transformation across various sectors, including roads, bridges, healthcare, security, tourism, entertainment, industries, and educational institutions.”
Expressing their support for the governor, Chief Ukuta stated that the people of the zone would not only back him in the upcoming elections but also owe him an apology for the collective mindset that nearly resulted in the election of unsuitable candidates.
Senator Utazi, affirming his confidence in the governor’s leadership, mentioned that as an APC member, he was present to specifically acknowledge the governor’s commendable work and stressed that he deserves the unwavering support of the entire zone. “I am a card-carrying member of APC starting from my ward in Nkpologu all the way to Abuja. I want to say that this gathering is not for PDP. It’s a gathering for every well-meaning Nsukka indigene who is appreciative of the good job the governor of Enugu State is doing in Enugu State and especially in Enugu North senatorial district. In fact, when I came back to Enugu, starting from the airport, I saw nylon roads, the type only seen in Abuja.
“When I visited the governor recently to discuss the police station I built there as a senator, the governor was immediately working to operationalize it, and is additionally working on the road from 9th Mile to Umulokpa. He also told me severally the things he was doing in Nsukka zone and all of them are what people can see on ground. Let’s support him to continue with his job. I want to say frankly that Nsukka people are happy with him,” the senator added.
Dr. Ajogwu also expressed that the coalition had articulated the sentiments of the Nsukka people in their support for the governor’s re-election.
Hon. Ezeani, who led the lawmakers from the zone, reiterated that the governor would maintain a cordial relationship with the House of Assembly to ensure the continuation of good governance in the state. He described the Mbah administration as one characterised by “business unusual,” with new projects emerging daily and many already completed across the state, affirming their unreserved support and endorsement for his candidacy beyond 2027.
Dr. Shere praised the governor for the transport infrastructure projects, including the Nsukka Central Terminal Station, the Holy Ghost ultra-modern terminal stations, and the recently delivered CNG buses ordered by the state government.
“You don’t need to be told that in Nsukka, we are all adopting Governor Peter Mbah to complete the job he has started here. Nsukka is now looking beautiful because of what he’s contributing to our economy, infrastructure, education, and transport sectors. Look at the Enugu Air; it’s a game-changing moment for the state. The investment prospects will impact all the nooks and crannies of the state. Again, the International Conference Centre, the ongoing 5-star hotel, the Hotel Presidential, and the 300-bed international hospital in the state will make Enugu the hub of medical tourism where robotic surgery will be conducted and thousands of jobs created,” he remarked.
Moving a motion for the endorsement of the governor for 2027, Chief Itanyi highlighted that the ongoing 43.7 km dualisation of the Penoks-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road is the most expensive project in the state. The motion received unanimous approval through voice votes from the members of the coalition present in the hall.
