Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has outlined the rationale behind the South East’s growing alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the region’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, describing the move as a pragmatic political shift already yielding tangible benefits.
Mbah said the endorsement of Tinubu and the massive migration of political forces to the APC—now controlling three of the five South East states—represented a paradigm shift anchored on realism and collective interest, stressing that the region was already reaping dividends from aligning with the centre.
The governor spoke on Saturday at the South East APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu, where he declared that the region had moved beyond indecision to purposeful action.
“It means that we are not standing at the crossroads of history; we are shaping history itself,” Mbah said.
Justifying the endorsement of President Tinubu, the Enugu governor said the decision was deliberate, strategic and rooted in measurable realities.
“I am thrilled even more so by the major goal of this meeting, which is to stamp a seal of endorsement on the President’s bold reforms and his candidacy in the 2027 election,” he said.
“This is no whimsical decision; it is rooted in facts – and the understanding that success as a region comes from vision that is clear enough to guide action, discipline strong enough to withstand pressure, strategy grounded in reality, and delivery that is relentless.”
Mbah emphasised the centrality of partnership in politics, noting that meaningful progress thrives on trust and collaboration.
“Politics is nurtured by partnership; the willingness to trust each other, to align, and to work together even when the path is challenging,” he said.
He added that Enugu State had become a stronghold of the APC, noting that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria had begun the difficult but necessary task of repositioning itself for long-term stability.
“Enugu State has become a bastion of the APC. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has begun the difficult work of repositioning itself for long-term strength. Hard choices have been made for sustainability,” he stated.
Mbah further described the Renewed Hope Agenda as more than a slogan, stressing that the endorsement was a conscious decision to deepen momentum and align governance outcomes across all levels.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is beyond political slogan. This endorsement is a clear decision to stand together and push this momentum further,” he said.
“It is about understanding that the ambitions we hold for our people, for our economy, for our future, are best served when vision at the centre aligns with delivery at the states and vice versa.”
Highlighting concrete gains from the region’s alignment with the federal government, Mbah said there was now a clear recognition that national development could not be achieved by leaving any region behind.
“For the South East, there has been a clear recognition from the federal government that national progress cannot be achieved with any region standing at the margins,” he said.
“We are seeing that recognition translate into action as our common aspirations are connected to national opportunities.”
He cited renewed focus on energy development and gas prospecting in the South East as a long-overdue priority that would unlock industrial growth and employment opportunities.
“For a region teeming with entrepreneurial zest, it is ironic that energy development and gas prospecting across the South East have long seemed a distant prospect. But this is becoming an active priority, laying the groundwork for industrial growth and jobs,” Mbah said.
The governor also pointed to the revival of the Eastern Rail Line linking Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu and other parts of the region as a critical step in restoring economic connectivity.
“The Eastern Rail Line, connecting Port Harcourt through Aba, Umuahia, Enugu and beyond, is back on the national map, restoring the arteries of trade and mobility that once defined this region,” he noted.
Mbah further described the approval of the concession of the Enugu Airport as a major milestone for the region.
“Equally heartwarming is the approval of the Enugu airport concession. This is a turning point that has positioned Enugu as an international gateway for the South East, given how it opens direct access to Africa and the wider world,” he said.
He stressed that the projects were not symbolic but strategic, reflecting a federal leadership committed to partnership, decentralised execution and inclusive development.
“These are not symbolic gestures. They are strategic decisions in support of our region. And they reflect something deeper: a federal leadership that understands the value of decentralised execution, of strong states delivering strong outcomes, and of partnership as a tool for national renewal,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Mbah said the South East was determined to abandon fragmented politics in favour of unity of purpose, warning that internal divisions had historically undermined the region’s progress.
“Our region’s chequered history reminds us how easily progress can be undone when unity gives way to fragmentation. But it also reminds us of what is possible when purpose is shared and direction is clear,” he said.
“In collectively affirming an end to decades of fragmented politics in the South East, we’re saying that the South East will no longer stand as a divided political unit.”
Calling for strategic thinking and sustained coordination, the governor urged leaders to embrace partnership over suspicion.
“This is a moment to think clearly and act strategically, and to remain focused on outcomes. Let us lean into partnership, not retreat into suspicion.
“Let us build, rather than fracture. And let us protect and extend the progress already in motion. That is the work before us. And that is why this endorsement matters,” Mbah concluded.
