Nnamani Arinze Darlington, a supporter of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, has challenged candidates of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State to present clear policy alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, accusing them of relying on sentiments and the popularity of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi rather than offering concrete plans for the state.
In an opinion piece, Nnamani argued that the party’s candidates had yet to articulate a distinct vision or practical proposals capable of differentiating their approach from the ongoing programmes of the Mbah administration.
He maintained that while political affiliations and personal loyalties could influence voters, they should not replace detailed manifestos, measurable targets and workable solutions to the challenges facing Enugu State.
“When asked to articulate their manifesto or explain what they intend to deliver differently for Ndi Enugu, the response has frequently been reduced to repeated invocations of ‘Peter Obi’,” Nnamani wrote.
“While personal loyalty and past affiliations may hold sentimental value, they cannot substitute for a detailed programme of governance, measurable priorities, or practical solutions to the challenges facing the state, those challenges that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is already addressing with visible results.”
Nnamani contrasted what he described as the NDC’s sentiment-driven approach with the projects and reforms being implemented under Mbah, citing improvements in internally generated revenue, road construction, education, healthcare, transportation, security and agriculture.
He claimed that Enugu’s internally generated revenue had risen from approximately ₦28 billion to ₦37 billion inherited by the administration to more than ₦400 billion, attributing the increase to reforms, digitisation and improved management rather than tax increases.
The opinion writer also cited more than 1,521 kilometres of roads constructed or reconstructed, over 7,000 classrooms and 268 Smart Green Schools, as well as 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres established across the state’s political wards.
Other initiatives highlighted in the article included the development of an international specialist hospital, the launch of Enugu Air, modern transport terminals, compressed natural gas buses, improved water supply, agricultural projects, the revival of long-abandoned assets and the proposed New Enugu Smart City.
According to Nnamani, these projects provide a basis for assessing the administration’s performance and require political opponents to explain what they would do differently if elected.
“The reliance on a ‘pity card’ approach seeking votes primarily through emotional appeal and borrowed popularity rather than policy substance will not succeed in the forthcoming election cycle,” he stated.
He argued that voters deserved specific proposals on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and economic opportunities, rather than slogans or appeals to sympathy.
Nnamani further urged political actors to avoid what he described as falsehoods, propaganda and sentimental appeals, insisting that candidates seeking public office should be prepared to defend their programmes with credible and practical proposals.
“Falsehoods, propaganda, lies, vague slogans and sentimental associations are no longer sufficient, as Ndi Enugu will not be deceived,” he wrote.
He added that candidates should stop relying on sentiment and political associations and instead present agendas that could be evaluated on their merits.
“Voters are entitled to hear specific, credible proposals. Those seeking public office must move beyond the pity card and present a coherent agenda that stands on its own merit. They must stop hiding under the cover of sentiments and blackmail,” Nnamani concluded.
