…Edeoga likens self to biblical Paul, pledges to work for Mbah’s re-election
…Nwoye: It’s not about party, but about Mbah’s personality
Leaders of thought and stakeholders of Enugu East Senatorial District, cutting across political divides, have unanimously adopted Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, advising politicians not to waste their money contesting against him.
The decision was contained in a communiqué entitled “One Good Turn Deserves Another”, issued at the end of a town hall meeting held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Sunday. The leaders stressed that they were blind to party lines and would support Mbah on any political platform he chooses for his re-election.
“In endorsing him, we want to state that we are blind to party affiliation. In the face of Nigeria’s fluid party politics, our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a performing Governor, who has shown that he not only has what it takes to turn Enugu State around, but also to take it to the pinnacle of glory where our founding fathers dreamt of,” the communiqué read.
The motion for Mbah’s adoption was moved by the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, who made a dramatic declaration:
“We know the story in the Bible about Saul and Paul. Saul was using all his might to fight the disciples of Jesus Christ. On his way to Damascus he met with the Holy Spirit and his eyes opened. He converted and became the most impactful follower of Jesus Christ.
So I, as Chijioke Edeoga, am that Saul in the Bible. I am promising that I will be that Paul in the Bible. I will devote everything within me to ensure he returns for the second tenure. I am moving a motion that the leadership of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have decided that Peter Mbah will be our sole candidate for 2027.”
Seconding the motion, former APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, emphasised that the endorsement transcended partisan lines:
“Although I am of the APC, this gathering of Enugu East is not about party, but about Mbah’s personality.”
The communiqué, rendered by veteran politician Deacon Ogbodo, further underscored the resolve of the people:
“Following a far-reaching discourse where our people — thought leaders, political leaders, professionals, youth leaders, women leaders, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of town unions, leaders of market associations, trade union leaders, among others — openly and freely aired their views, the people of Enugu East Senatorial District unequivocally endorse Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office come 2027.
If he has done these great works in repositioning Enugu State in just two years, it is only left to imagination what the state would look like at the end of eight years of his administration.
Given Governor Peter Mbah’s trailblazing performance, we are convinced that he is leading Enugu State on the path of development never witnessed before. We have prayed for a day like this since the end of Dr. Michael Okpara’s era. Today, we can state unequivocally that God has answered our prayers in the person of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Ndi Enugu now hold their heads high and proudly identify as Ndi Enugu anywhere.”
The people of Enugu East also urged other senatorial zones to reciprocate the gesture by returning the political favour in 2027. They recalled how Enugu East refrained from fielding governorship candidates in 2007 and 2011 when Enugu West produced Barr. Sullivan Chime, and again in 2015 and 2019 when Enugu North produced Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Backing this position, former Deputy Governor Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi stressed that anyone contesting against Mbah in 2027 would be wasting their resources.
“Any politician running against Mbah in 2027 would be wasting his money, unless he or she just wants to have the title of former governorship candidate added to his name,” Onyebuchi said.
The zone highlighted Mbah’s achievements as reasons for their endorsement. These include:
- Security: Radical improvement in the security architecture through massive investment.
- Education & Health: Allocation of 33% of the state’s annual budget to build 260 Smart Green Schools across the wards, construction of 260 Primary Healthcare Centres with staff quarters, and revival of moribund state assets.
- Transport & Infrastructure: Launch of Enugu Air, five modern transport terminals in Holy Ghost, Gariki, Nsukka, and Abakpa; introduction of 100 CNG Mass Transit buses; completion of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport terminal and commencement of a cargo terminal project.
- Roads & Facilities: About 1,000 km of roads completed or ongoing, completion of the International Conference Centre, ongoing ICC 5-Star Hotel project, and the Enugu International Hospital.
- Agriculture: Multiple landmark agricultural interventions.
The adoption of Governor Peter Mbah as Enugu East’s sole candidate for 2027 is seen as a significant political statement, signaling unity across party lines in recognition of his performance.
