The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has endorsed the newly published book, “Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023),” describing it as a landmark work that documents and strengthens the political philosophy of power rotation in Enugu State.
The book’s authors, led by co-author Uchenna Cyril Anioke, presented copies of the publication to Nwoye in Enugu, where discussions centred on the history, evolution and significance of governorship zoning in the state since the return of democracy in 1999.
Presenting the book, Anioke said the publication was conceived in response to the controversies and political tensions that surrounded the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State.
According to him, the authors embarked on extensive research to provide historical clarity on a subject that has shaped political stability and equity in the state.
“The publication became necessary after the rancorous, toxic and extensive power struggles that trailed the 2023 governorship election,” Anioke said.
He noted that the zoning arrangement had continued to influence political developments in Enugu, pointing out that the beneficiaries of the current power rotation framework are evident across the state.
“Today, the people of Enugu East are enjoying the dividends of this undocumented zoning agreement and those contesting for the governorship seat in 2027 are all from the senatorial zone,” he added.
Responding, Nwoye commended the authors for what he described as a significant contribution to the political history of Enugu State, saying the work goes beyond ordinary political literature.
“It’s a well thought out book and it’s not just a book; it’s a philosophical work that will help us to preserve the peace and document the zoning we’ve been canvassing for a very long time,” Nwoye said.
The APC chieftain argued that the publication provides a reference point for future political debates on power rotation and equity in the state.
“With this book, zoning has been written and we can point to this and say that zoning has been written when it comes to the governorship,” he stated.
Nwoye further said the philosophy underpinning the book supports the continuation of the existing zoning arrangement, insisting that Governor Peter Mbah should be allowed to complete two terms in office in line with the state’s established political convention.
He cautioned residents against politicians making promises of a single-term governorship ahead of the 2027 election.
“The spirit of this book supports the incumbent governor, Peter Mbah, completing his eight years. Ndị Enugu should be wary of people coming to promise only one term because that is an outright lie and nobody will believe that,” Nwoye declared.
The book examines how the governorship zoning arrangement evolved from a political understanding among stakeholders into a widely accepted convention that has guided the rotation of power among Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North Senatorial Districts over the past two decades.
