…Backs endorsements with N300m for Mbah’s reelectio…Tells Enugu to beware of political cowboys

… Nnamani: Forgers, angry people won’t make good governors

…Nwobodo: Mbah will complete his 8 years

…Mbah: We’ve moved from theory to evident transformations

… Lauds Tinubu’s reforms

The people of Enugu East Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, pledging massive votes for the duo in the 2027 general election.

They said that Mbah’s campaign vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, create jobs for the youths, modernise infrastructure, secure communities, and reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology had transcended promises to become a living and evident reality.

Tagged Ofu Obi Mega Rally and widely described as the mother of all rallies in the state in many years, the people, known as the Nkanu clan, equally said the state’s connection with the centre and partnership with the Tinubu Administration had yielded dividends in the form of strategic appointments, projects, and federal interventions.

Gov Mbah and Chief Jim Nwobodo

The Ofu Obi rally, which held at the Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday, equally witnessed the donation of the sum of N300m towards Mbah’s reflection and an Ofo staff (symbol of authority, justice, and endorsement) to the governor by the traditional rulers.

In their speeches, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the massive turnout was a mark of gratitude for the turnaround of the state by the Mbah Administration and Tinubu’s support.

“Across all the sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The people can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.

“Indeed, if it were possible to borrow governors, other states would have been lining up to borrow our governor,” Ogbodo declared.

In declaring full support for Mbah and Tinubu, former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, declared that people engaged in certificate forgery or sacked from federal appointments should have no business the state’s governorship seat.

“I am one of those who said that Mbah has vision and he is rich in ideas and educational strategy.

“But if you are rich in certificate forgery, you can’t make a good leader. Nkanu people don’t associate with such shameful acts, people who procure certificates at Oluwole Street. If there are people aspiring to occupy offices, they must check their records properly.

“Anyone who cannot hold a federal office with pride or confidence has nothing to aspire to in seeking a state office.

“Again, anybody who is aspiring to be governor or anything else out of anger because you felt that the incumbent annoyed you will make a terrible governor if you come in. That means you have no vision. You are coming in with anger and if you come in with anger, you will do the wrong thing.

“So, as far as I can see, we have only one candidate who is running for governor, and that is Governor Peter Mbah. We won’t use the governorship seat to try our luck. Period,” he stated.

Elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, maintained that Mbah would be supported by all for his performance, irrespective of political party, asking anyone else dreaming of becoming governor in 2027 to rest his ambition.

“Everyone will vote for Peter Mbah – APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Africa Democratic Congress, and the rest because you have performed wonderfully well. Also, Enugu West went for two terms and Nsukka Zone went for two terms. So, we must go for our own two terms,” he added.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who was accompanied by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and other federal dignitaries, said Mbah and Tinubu had redefined the art of governance through bold and Inclusive policies that have benefitted Ndigbo and Enugu State.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Governor Mbah lauded the people of the zone and state for their courage in investing their trust in him back in 2023 when he had only a vision to sell, acknowledging that it was hard to place faith in something that had not yet taken shape.

“But because you were willing to take that leap of faith, something remarkable happened: Smart Green Schools in every ward; healthcare moving closer to families; roads connecting communities; water returning where people waited too long; modern transport terminals served by air-conditioned buses with Wi-Fi; Enugu Air opening new pathways to the world; investors arriving; conferences coming; businesses taking a fresh look at Enugu; and the list goes on.

“A few days from now, we will break ground on a 660MW coal-fired power plant that moves us closer to a future where our people no longer plan their lives around darkness.

“In a literal sense, the lights will go on in Enugu permanently,” he said.

Mbah saluted President Tinubu’s courageous reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said were repositioning the national economy and strengthening states’ capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“By taking difficult decisions and freeing up resources that had long been trapped in an unsustainable subsidy system, he has given the states greater agency, both in the responsibility and the resources to act,” he said.

He equally called for patience, enjoining the people to promote and protect the gains of the last three years in the state to full maturity, urging them to be mindful of political opportunists and the dangers of poverty of imagination, small politics, provincial thinking, and complacency.

“Several months from now, we will face another general election. This is not the moment to drift. A people who are building something precious must remain alert.

“Political cowboys will surface. Some will bring noise; some will bring anger; some will bring division. We will bring results. Our answer must be clarity. Our answer must be unity. Our answer must be the work,” he concluded.

Other speakers at the event include the Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye; lawmaker representing Enugu East, Senator Kelvin Chukwu as well as Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Sydney Edeh, and Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, who spoke for their respective constiencies.

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A faction of the African Democratic Congress has unveiled businessman, Prof. Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections following the conclusion of the party’s nationwide primary elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had last week emerged as the presidential candidate of the party after defeating ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a primary election held across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

But on Sunday, the faction led by Bala Gombe also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Speaking during the formal presentation of the candidates in Abuja, the party’s factional National Chairman, Bala Gombe, said the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria in line with the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and federal character.

According to him, three aspirants initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the presidential ticket.

“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” he said.

Gombe explained that the party adopted the consensus option provided under the Electoral Act, leading to the emergence of Uba as its sole presidential candidate after the withdrawal of the other aspirants.

“In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognizes consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary election.

“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.

“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections.”

He added that the party was formally unveiling all candidates who emerged from its internal democratic processes across various elective positions.

“Furthermore, in the spirit of humility, transparency, and profound respect for our members, stakeholders, and the general public, the leadership of ADC is pleased to formally present and unveil the comprehensive list of candidates duly nominated and elected under our platform.

“This list comprises the ADC presidential candidate, as well as the governorship candidates across 29 states of the federation, all of whom emerged through the party’s constitutionally approved internal democratic processes,” he said.

Among those presented as governorship candidates were Muhammad Usman Shuwa (Adamawa), Idris Adamu Yanoko (Kano), Shamsudin Muhammad (Kaduna), Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi (Zamfara), Babagana Mala (Borno), Musliu Babadele (Lagos), Ganiyu Alabi (Ogun), Rukayya Salami (Osun), Gbenga Gbenga (Oyo), Gada Suswan (Benue), Dijatu Abdul Salam (Nasarawa) and Christopher Benjo (Delta).

Gombe said the party had successfully concluded primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions nationwide.

“In furtherance of our commitment to ensure full participation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections by fielding credible, qualified, and constitutionally compliant candidates across all elective positions, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of all our party primaries.

“The entire process was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, fostering unity and cordiality among all stakeholders. May Allah grant us wisdom, guidance, and resounding victory in all the elections. Ameen,” he added.

The unveiling comes as political parties begin positioning for the 2027 general elections, with consultations, coalition talks and internal realignments already gathering momentum across the country’s political landscape.

Founded in 2005, the ADC has positioned itself as an alternative political platform and has participated in successive general elections. The party has in recent years sought to expand its national footprint by attracting new members and strengthening its structures across the states.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially endorsed former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The affirmation took place at a special convention held in Abuja on Saturday, where party delegates and leaders ratified Obi as the party’s flagbearer.

The motion for his endorsement was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Moments after his endorsement, Obi announced former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate, describing him as a genuine partner in governance rather than a ceremonial deputy.

In his acceptance speech, Obi thanked party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his belief that “a New Nigeria is possible.”

“I humbly accept this responsibility as the presidential candidate of our party,” Obi declared.

He expressed gratitude to party leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee, and supporters who travelled from across the country to witness the convention.

“This moment is bigger than my personal ambition,” Obi said.

“It concerns the soul of our nation and the future of our children. It is about restoring hope to millions of Nigerians who have endured hardship but remain committed to the promise of this country.”

Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current realities, citing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and declining public confidence in governance.

“Families are anxious about their safety, parents fear for the future of their children, and talented young Nigerians increasingly doubt the possibility of opportunity in their own country,” he said.

“Businesses are struggling, communities are hurting, and many citizens have lost faith in governance. Yet, I stand here filled with hope and confidence in the resilience of our people because a New Nigeria is within reach.”

The NDC presidential candidate outlined key policy priorities for his proposed administration, including security, national unity, power supply, healthcare, education, and employment generation.

On youth unemployment and economic development, Obi stressed the need for urgent intervention.
“Our vast pool of talented youth remains significantly underemployed. The official unemployment figures do not reflect reality. The actual rates of unemployment and underemployment exceed 30 percent, while youth unemployment is above 40 percent — among the highest globally,” he said.

To address the challenge, Obi pledged support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tax incentives, affordable credit, and improved access to financing in agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution sectors.

“These interventions will be measurable, transparent, and accountable,” he assured.

Addressing corruption and governance costs, Obi promised prudent and transparent management of public resources.

“Nigerians will witness a measurable reduction in corruption and the basic costs of governance,” he stated.

“Public funds will be managed with transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure every naira delivers value to the people.”

He further pledged to strengthen democratic institutions and promote tolerance of political opposition.

“Democracy under our leadership will reflect true government of the people, by the people, and for the people — free from interference by the ruling party,” Obi said.

“We will cultivate a culture of respect for opposition parties and encourage constructive collaboration in governance.”

The endorsement of Obi and the emergence of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket are expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.