A massive crowd of political leaders, party stakeholders, community leaders and supporters converged on Amagunze, headquarters of Nkanu East Local Government Area, as the G-17 for Peter Mbah grassroots mobilisation group concluded its statewide tour with a grand rally endorsing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The colourful event marked the culmination of the group’s mobilisation across Enugu State’s 17 local government areas and the inauguration of its structures, including 17 Local Government Executives, 260 Ward Executives and Polling Unit Canvassers.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Council and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, described G-17 as one of the state’s most formidable grassroots political movements, applauding its organisation, discipline and mobilisation capacity.
“As ALGON Chairman in Enugu State, I can confidently say G-17 has distinguished itself as a premier grassroots political support group in Enugu State. The structure, discipline and organisation we have witnessed across the 17 LGAs are remarkable,” he said.
Edeh pledged continued collaboration with the group even after leaving office, expressing confidence that the movement would play a pivotal role in delivering Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
“I will hand over office in September, but I will not hand over my commitment to Governor Peter Mbah. Together with my successor, we shall continue working with G-17 to ensure that Nkanu East exceeds the votes recorded in the 2023 election and delivers Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates come 2027,” he declared.
Highlighting the governor’s achievements, the council chairman said residents of Nkanu East had already resolved to reward Mbah’s performance with overwhelming electoral support.
“Nkanu East has already been converted. Nobody needs to tell us to vote for our performing son. We are prepared, we are waiting and we shall reward him with overwhelming votes,” he added.
Edeh also attributed several development projects executed by his administration—including the ongoing 200,000-capacity ultra-modern civic hall, more than 13 kilometres of roads, the completion of the Ugbawka-Nara Bridge and other infrastructure across the council’s 14 political wards—to the inspiration drawn from Governor Mbah’s leadership.
Also speaking, the member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Hon. Okey Mbah, described Governor Mbah as one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors and commended the Convener and Board of Trustees Chairman of G-17, Chief Chinedu Mbah, for building what he described as a genuine grassroots political movement.
The APC Chairmanship Candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, said the group had returned to its founding vision and promised to work closely with its leadership if elected.
“The movement has returned to the hands of those who understand its purpose. What I have seen today confirms that G-17 is a truly grassroots-based political structure. I assure you that when elected, my administration will work closely with G-17 to ensure total victory for APC in 2027,” he pledged.
The Personal Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State and President of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), Tony Okonkwo, also praised the organisation for what he described as exceptional grassroots political engineering.
“What G-17 is doing is commendable. Looking at this structure, I am convinced that the victory of APC candidates in 2027 is already assured,” he said.
The event was attended by senior APC leaders, including the Enugu State Chairman of the party, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, represented by the State Organising Secretary, Engr. Onyi Odibe; the Deputy State Chairman, Peace Patrick; the State Woman Leader, Mrs. Esther Edeh; and the South-East APC Women Leader, Dr. Oby Ajih. They commended G-17 for strengthening the party’s grassroots base and expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Delivering the keynote address, the Convener of G-17, Chief Chinedu Mbah, charged the newly inaugurated executives to begin immediate mobilisation across every polling unit and ward, stressing that the task ahead required dedication and sustained engagement with the people.
“You have accepted responsibility. Your assignment begins immediately. Move from polling unit to polling unit, ward to ward and community to community, informing our people about the achievements of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Victory is built from the grassroots,” he charged.
The event ended with the formal inauguration of the Nkanu East Local Government Executive, Ward Executives and Polling Unit Canvassers, who pledged to commence intensive grassroots mobilisation across the council’s 14 political wards as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general election.
