Thousands of supporters from Enugu West Senatorial District on Saturday rallied at the Awgu Local Government Secretariat field to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term in office, citing what they described as visible development, impactful policies, and strategic governance.
The massive political gathering also witnessed the presentation of a ₦100 million cheque to Governor Mbah for the purchase of his nomination form, as the zone pledged unwavering support for both leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, used the occasion to caution Nigerians against politicians promising to serve only one term, describing such pledges as deceptive and politically motivated.
Leading the endorsement process, the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu, said the decision was based on performance and not mere political sentiment.
“Today, we can see the best Command and Control Centre to help improve our security in Enugu. We have Smart Schools in every one of our wards. We have seen Type-2 Healthcare Centres. We have seen roads.
“Before now, if you were going to Aguobu Owa through 9th Mile, it would seem like a journey of no return. But now, it takes you only a few minutes. It is the handiwork of Governor Peter Mbah. These are not promises; these are realities; these are dividends of democracy. This is what happens when leadership is bold. No weakness, no excuse, no apologies. Just results.
“At the national level, we have seen the transformational effects of the President. We are benefiting here in the South East and Enugu State in particular. We thank our governor, who was bold and did not delay to connect us to the centre,” Ngwu said.
Former Chief of Naval Staff and former Military Governor of old Anambra State, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.), alongside former Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph Orji (rtd.), also backed the endorsements, saying the people’s decision reflected the reality on ground.
“The testimonies today are accurate. The people have spoken. All we want to do is to ask you to go back and do more,” Madueke stated.
Senator Ken Nnamani and the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, urged residents to reject politicians making one-term promises, insisting such assurances are rarely sincere.
“They will not keep to such promises. Some people tell lies with confidence. You should be careful. As for Enugu State, you have waited for four years, with another four years remaining. But any other candidate apart from Mbah does not guarantee Enugu West’s turn by 2031. Besides, currently on the stage, we have someone with integrity and performance. Even among his colleague governors, he is highly rated. And he is ready to continue to perform,” Nnamani said.
Addressing the cheering crowd, Governor Mbah described the rally as overwhelming and praised the people of Enugu West for standing firmly for equity, justice, and strategic political leadership.
“This rally is of epic proportions. Nothing prepared me for this. You have also become standard bearers for equity, justice, fairness, and unity. You are also showing that you are not lightheaded; that you are strategic,” he said.
Mbah also highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu, saying the endorsement reflected growing public confidence in the President’s economic reforms and national development agenda.
“You have shown that you cannot stand on the margins in recognising the programmes, the policies, and the projects that Mr. President has brought to us here in Enugu.
“By this endorsement, you are recognising the positive results of Mr. President’s efforts in the stabilisation of our macro indicators, making sure that our foreign exchange is stabilised; that our inflation rate is trending downwards; that our foreign reserves are growing above the $50 billion mark, and that the states now have enough money to execute massive projects. The local governments in Enugu State are also executing numerous projects that I am being invited almost on a weekly basis to come and commission,” he stated.
The governor assured the people that he would continue to justify their confidence in his administration and pledged that President Tinubu would also not disappoint them.
The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by the House of Representatives member for Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Umeha, and seconded by the Executive Director (Projects), South East Development Commission, Hon. Toby Okechukwu.
Similarly, the motion for Mbah’s endorsement was moved by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and seconded by the lawmaker representing Aninri State Constituency, Hon. Magnus Ede.
Several political leaders, traditional rulers, former public office holders, and local government chairmen across Enugu West also threw their weight behind the endorsement, describing it as a united decision of the zone.
