…Says ‘Tomorrow is Here’ mantra no longer abstract expression

…Panel: Enugu APC model for internal democracy

Governor Peter Mbah has saluted the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) faithful for his resounding election as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 general election, highlighting progress made under his stewardship and promising more to the state.

He stated this in his acceptance speech at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Friday, as the Hon. Danmalikin Hausa-led Enugu State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee concluded the collation of results of the exercise that saw 397,370 accredited party faithful participating across the state’s 260 wards on Thursday and formally declared him winner.

“This moment is not one I take for granted. For me, there was never a sense of entitlement. I accept this nomination with full awareness of the expectations that come with it, buoyed by the knowledge that it’s not an unfamiliar path for me,” he stated.

Mbah expressed happiness that his administration totally disproved the notion that campaign promises could never be kept, saying the “Tomorrow Is Here,” which underscores his governance philosophy had moved from the abstract to a reality.

“What once felt distant – that tomorrow could be different – is no longer abstract. It is taking shape.

“It is visible in the routines of daily life, in how people travel, how they work, and how they now access services that were once unreliable or out of reach.

“We have smashed the notion that promises matter more than performance. Every naira spent has been made to give the people of Enugu a return on their investment of trust and faith,” he said.

Continuing, the governor reeled out his administration’s achievements across various sectors.

“Today, events are scheduled on Mondays without the least apprehension. Through our Command and Control Centre and other modern security infrastructure, we have effectively restored citizens’ faith in the state’s capacity to protect them.

“Through our ward-based Smart Green Schools, learning has become fit-for-purpose, offering our children education that guarantees them a place in a fast-changing world.

“With at least one Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre in each of our 260 Wards, we have ensured that location is no longer a hindrance to quality healthcare.

“Across our rural communities, crop yield is rising as the rev of tractors increasingly replaces backbreaking tasks like ridging and tilling once done with hoes and cutlasses.

“Across our towns and cities, opportunities are emerging as decades-long moribund industries roar back to life.

“Until a few months ago, the Songhai Heneke Farm in Ezeagu was a desolate project. The story is different today.

“The United Palm Products Limited has risen from its moribund past to become a viable venture – offering job opportunities to the youth.

“The Enugu Haier Factory, a $20 million investment facility that manufactures digital appliances and electronics, also comes to mind.

“Jobs in the aviation sector that once felt out of reach no longer feels so for our youths with the launch of Enugu Air.

“Our sons and daughters will soon be able to fly to major cities of the world from here.

“We have done over 1,500 kilometres of roads, launched five world-class Transport Terminals and CNG buses to ensure that our people commute in dignity and comfort.”

“Beyond the state, Enugu is becoming the standard bearer for sustainable governance, innovative development, and quality of life,” he asserted.

The governor equally acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu’s bold policies contributed immensely to the successes by making more resources available to states to invest in development.

Meanwhile, primary election panel Chairman, Hon. Hausa, has commended Mbah and party leaders for the peaceful and credible primary elections in the state.

“Enugu State APC is a well-coordinated chapter where internal democracy, consensus-building, discipline, synergy and peace reign supreme. The whole exercise has been rancour-free and indeed a carnival of sorts,” he added.

He equally commended President Tinubu and the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led national executive of the party “for providing the exemplary leadership that midwifed the peaceful and credible primaries at the subnational level.

…Vows to challenge Ododo in next guber election

The Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Jibrin Isah, has declared that “the battle line has been drawn” between him and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election.

Jibrin, one of seven aspirants in the contest, alleged widespread irregularities during the exercise, accusing government agents of hijacking electoral materials meant for the primary election.

Speaking after the primary, the senator expressed shock that only two votes were recorded in his favour in his own ward, insisting that electoral officials never arrived at the venue for voting.

According to him, he had gone to his ward to cast his vote but discovered that no electoral officer was present, adding that similar incidents were reported across several wards in the senatorial district.

He said the absence of electoral officials and voting materials prevented many APC members from participating in the exercise in affected areas.

The lawmaker alleged that the situation was a calculated move aimed at frustrating his supporters and manipulating the outcome of the primary election.

Jibrin maintained that his performance and projects across Kogi East had strengthened the APC in the district and would guarantee electoral victories for the party, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also said he had remained loyal to Governor Ododo and the leadership of the APC, questioning why he was allegedly being targeted despite his contributions and commitment to the party.

The senator further alleged that the governor moved against him after receiving information that he intended to contest the governorship seat in the future.

“Well, with the latest development, I will now contest for the governorship position against Governor Ododo when the time comes,” he said.

Jibrin called on the leadership of the APC to investigate the alleged hijacking of electoral materials and ensure fairness and transparency in the party’s internal electoral process.

1. Hon. Hamish Idris – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District

2. Hon. Abdurman Kwacham – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District
3. Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue – Anambra State, North Senatorial District
4. Donald Daunemigita – Bayelsa State, West Senatorial District
5. Sen. Ben Murray Bruce – Bayelsa State, East Senatorial District

6. Sen. Benson S. Agadaga – Bayelsa State, East Senatorial District
7. Daniel Effiong Asuquo – Cross River State, South Senatorial District
8. Oden Ibiang O Ewa – Cross River State, Central Senatorial District
9. Dr. Marian Nnamaka Ogoh-Ali – Delta State, North Senatorial District
10. Sen. Usman J. Wowo – FCT (no district listed)
11. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi – FCT (no district listed)
12. Adam Mouktar Mohammed – Jigawa State, South/West Senatorial District
13. Sen. Garba Musa Mai Doki – Kebbi State, South Senatorial District
14. Kollo B. Jiya – Kwara State, North Senatorial District
15. Amb. Olutola John Onijala – Kwara State, South Senatorial District

16. Awolola Muritala – Kwara State, South Senatorial District
17. Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga – Kwara State, South Senatorial District
18. Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu – Nasarawa State, North Senatorial District
19. Usman Muhammed Elegu – Nasarawa State, South Senatorial District
20. Alhaji Dr. Yusuf Moh’d Agabi – Nasarawa State, South Senatorial District
21. Ari Ali Muhammed – Nasarawa State, South Senatorial District
22. Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq – Niger State, Niger/South Senatorial District
23. Hon. Muhammed Bello A. – Niger State, Niger South Senatorial District
24. Bello Bawa Bwari – Niger State, Niger South Senatorial District
25. Ademola Wasiu Alli – Oyo State, Central Senatorial District
26. Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega – Oyo State, North Senatorial District
27. Mr. Kolapoboye Kola Daisi – Oyo State, South Senatorial District
28. Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen – Oyo State, Oyo Central Senatorial District
29. Hon. Hameed Afeez Repete – Oyo State, Central Senatorial District
30. Amb. Pst. Akinremi Alade Bolaji – Oyo State, South Senatorial District
31. Bello Abudullahi Bodejo – Taraba State, Central Senatorial District
32. Gyang Yaya Zi San – Plateau State, North Senatorial District
33. Napoleon Binkap Bah – Plateau State, South Senatorial District

34. Usman Ephraim Gar – Plateau State, Central Senatorial District
35. Oyukaye Flag Amachree – Rivers State, West Senatorial District
36. Chief Dr. Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo – Rivers State, West Senatorial District
37. Jack-Rich Tein T.S – Rivers State, West Senatorial District
38. Banigo Ipalibo – Rivers State, West Senatorial District
39. Chief Barry Balera Mwara – Rivers State, South/East Senatorial District
40. Hon. Hassan H. Kafayos – Yobe State, Yobe North Senatorial District
41. Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi – Zamfara State, Central Senatorial District
42. Aliyu Abubakar – Zamfara State, Central Senatorial District

43. Muhammad Bashir Maru – Zamfara State, Central Senatorial District

44. Hassan Muhammad Gusau – Zamfara State, Central Senatorial District
45. Abubakar H. Moriiki – Zamfara State, North Senatorial District
46. Bilyaminu Yusuf – Zamfara State, North Senatorial District
47. Isyaka Ajiya Anka – Zamfara State, West Senatorial District.