Huge Crowd in Enugu East Backs Tinubu and Mbah for Second Terms

The people of Enugu East Senatorial district showed strong support for Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu on Saturday. They promised to give both of them massive votes in the 2027 elections.

They believe that Mr Mbah's vision to make Enugu State a leading economy in Nigeria is not just talk. His plans include creating jobs for young people, improving infrastructure, securing communities, and enhancing education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology. These goals have become clear achievements for the state.

The event, called the 'Ofu Obi Mega Rally,' was described as one of the biggest rallies in the state in many years. The Nkanu clan, who organized the rally, also mentioned that their ties with the federal government and partnership with the Tinubu Administration have brought benefits like key appointments and federal projects.

The Ofu Obi rally took place at Okpara Square in Enugu. During the event, traditional rulers donated N300 million to support Mbah and also presented him with an Ofo staff, which symbolizes authority, justice, and endorsement.

Okey Ogbodo, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, and Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government, spoke about the large turnout at the rally. They said it showed gratitude for the positive changes brought by Mbah and Tinubu’s backing.

"In all sectors, the proof of good leadership is clearer than any propaganda. The people can see the difference. They can witness that Enugu State is moving forward, confidently and quickly," Ogbodo said.

In his support for Mbah and Tinubu, former Senate President Ken Nnamani criticized those involved in certificate forgery or those dismissed from federal jobs. He said they should not be interested in the governorship.

"I am one of those who believe that Mbah has vision and is full of ideas and educational strategies. But if you are known for certificate forgery, you cannot be a good leader. The Nkanu people do not associate with such disgraceful behavior. Anyone looking to hold office must have a clean record," Nnamani stated.

He added, "Anyone who cannot hold a federal job with pride has no business seeking a state position. If you want to be governor out of anger because you feel the current governor upset you, you will make a bad governor. You are coming with anger, and that will lead to bad decisions."

Nnamani concluded, "We have only one candidate for governor, and that is Governor Peter Mbah. We will not gamble with the governorship seat. Period."

Elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, expressed that everyone would support Mbah, regardless of party affiliation. He urged anyone else with ambitions for the governorship in 2027 to rethink.

"Everyone will vote for Peter Mbah, from APC to Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Africa Democratic Congress, and others because he has performed excellently. Enugu West and Nsukka Zone have had two terms, so we must support our own for two terms too," he stated.

Dr Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, along with other federal officials, praised Mbah and Tinubu for improving governance with inclusive policies that have benefited Ndigbo and Enugu State.

Governor Mbah thanked the people for trusting him back in 2023 when he only had a vision to share. He acknowledged it was hard to believe in something not yet visible.

"Because you took that leap of faith, amazing things happened: Smart Green Schools in every ward, healthcare closer to families, roads connecting communities, and modern transport terminals with air-conditioned buses and Wi-Fi. Enugu Air is opening new connections to the world, and businesses are now looking at Enugu positively. The list goes on," he said.

Mbah also mentioned plans for a 660MW coal-fired power plant, which he believes will help solve the power issue in Enugu.

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

He acknowledged President Tinubu’s bold reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said are making the national economy better and helping states deliver democratic benefits.

"By making tough choices and freeing up resources stuck in a bad subsidy system, he has given states more power and resources to act," he said.

Mbah encouraged the people to protect the progress made over the past three years and be cautious of political opportunists. He warned against complacency and small-minded politics.

"In months, we will have another general election. This is not the time to relax. People building something valuable must stay alert. Political opportunists will come. Some will bring noise and anger; others will bring division. We will bring results. Our answer must be unity and hard work," he concluded.

Other speakers at the event included the Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, Dr Ben Nwoye, Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East, and others who spoke for their constituencies.