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  • PDP rallies Enugu residents for voter registration, urges support for Mbah

    PDP rallies Enugu residents for voter registration, urges support for Mbah

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State weekend, rounded off its sensitisation campaign aimed at reversing voter apathy in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

    The grand finale of the campaign was held at Amagunze, headquarters of Nkanu East Local Government Area, where party leaders urged citizens to prioritise the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    The sensitisation train had earlier stopped at Agbani, headquarters of Nkanu West LGA, even as the party leadership had equally visited 15 other LGAs for a similar exercise.

    Addressing supporters, State PDP Chairman, Sir Martin Chukwunweike, represented by his deputy, Steve Orurua, emphasised the importance of voter participation, urging residents to use their PVCs to reward Governor Peter Mbah for his achievements across the state.

    Read Also: 2027: My conditions for rejoining APC, by Kwankwaso

    Chukwunweike highlighted the governor’s strides in education, health, and infrastructure, citing the establishment of smart schools and health centres across various wards.

    He added that Governor Mbah’s vision includes a rail transport project, which he described as reminiscent of the transformational spirit of the late Eastern Premier, Dr. Michael Okpara.

    “The governor has bridged the gap between government and the governed through his people-centred policies,” Chukwunweike said, while urging the people to obtain their PVCs ahead of 2027.

    Also speaking, Chairman of Nkanu East LGA and leader of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Sydney Edeh, noted that his council, once considered one of the most backward in Enugu, has now taken the lead in development under Mbah’s administration.

    He assured the governor of total support from Nkanu East in the next election.

    Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Frank Anioma and the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Uche Obute, commended the council chairmen for mobilising grassroots support and urged citizens to translate their voter registration into voting power in 2027.

    They called on residents to get their PVCs and work for the re-election of Governor Mbah.

  • ‘No opposition can stop Mbah’s second term bid’

    ‘No opposition can stop Mbah’s second term bid’

    Businessman and prominent son of Amagunze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nnaji, has declared that no opposition can stop the re-election of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in the 2027 general elections in the state.

    The prince also declared that the chances of any opposition party defeating Governor Mbah in the 2027 general elections will be slim, given the governor’s impressive performance and growing popularity across Enugu State.

    Prince Nnaji, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Enugu weekend, said Governor Mbah had already distinguished himself as a leader committed to transforming Enugu into a modern state through bold infrastructural and socio-economic initiatives.

    According to him, Mbah’s achievements within a short period in office have given him an edge that will be difficult for the opposition to counter.

    He pointed to the ongoing massive road construction projects, water supply interventions, education reforms, and digital economy initiatives as visible proofs of a government that is meeting the yearnings of its people.

    “Governor Mbah has changed the face of governance in Enugu. He came with a clear vision, and today we can all see the results. From rural roads to urban renewal projects, from his investments in water supply to his emphasis on education and youth empowerment, the governor has shown capacity and sincerity of purpose. That is why I believe that in 2027, it will be almost impossible for the opposition to defeat him,” Nnaji said.

    He therefore urged opposition elements in the state to close ranks and support Mbah’s 2027 re-election if their intentions were in the best interest of the state.

    Read Also: One Nigeria: How Mbah is leading the Azikiwe dream

    “I want to believe that any politician who is interested in the positive growth in Enugu State economy and its people, should join Governor Peter Mbah at this moment in our history. What else can anyone be possibly doing for the people of Enugu State if not what the governor is already doing?” he queried.

    He further noted that Enugu people have historically supported leaders who deliver tangible results, stressing that the governor’s achievements have endeared him to the grassroots.

    “The truth is that Mbah has won the confidence of the people. Any opposition party planning to unseat him is only engaging in wishful thinking. Enugu knows the difference between empty promises and real delivery,” he added.

    Prince Nnaji also praised the governor for fostering peace and inclusiveness in governance, saying such qualities have united communities and boosted investor confidence in the state. He called on residents of Enugu State to continue to support the administration to enable it consolidate on its gains.

  • One Nigeria: How Mbah is leading the Azikiwe dream

    One Nigeria: How Mbah is leading the Azikiwe dream

    • By Majeed Dahiru

    A few weeks to his inauguration as governor of Enugu State on May 29 2023, I had my first meeting with Peter Mbah along with a few other colleagues. The meeting, which was at the instance of my good friend, brother and perhaps one of Nigeria’s best media relations guru, Uche Anichukwu, held at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton. Present at the meeting was also my good friend Ifeanyi Ossai, then deputy governor- elect of Enugu State. For many years, I have been deeply connected to the political leadership of Enugu State to the extent that the state has become my second ”state of origin”. And in these years, I have come to appreciate a leadership value system that is firmly hinged on a deep connection between the political leaders and the people of Enugu State. In my close interaction with leading lights of Enugu State such as former Governor Ifeanyi Uguwanyi , former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekwerenmadu, former house of representative members Patrick Asadu and Toby Okechukwu among many others, I have come to the realization that if there is one state in Nigeria where democracy is truly work in progress then it is my second home state.

    But throughout my years of involvement in Enugu affairs, I never met Peter Mbah, who by then was busy carving a niche in the ecosystem of Nigeria’s organized private sector as a leading player in the oil and gas industry as the chairman of Pinnacle until the Abuja meeting. At the meeting, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, businessman and politician who previously served as chief of staff in the administration of former governor Chimaroke Nnamani, in a very calm, composed and stoic mien, took us through his vision for the state. In fact, he reiterated his campaign promises including the creation of a 30 billion dollar economy, resuscitation of urban water supply, ending sit at home, upgrading of health facilities and most importantly the building of smart schools to usher Enugu children into a future that is today. Listening keenly to this gentleman, I saw a serious minded man who means the business of governance.

     Satisfied that Peter Mbah knew exactly what he wanted to do as governor, I decided to quip in a little suggestion on the need for him to run a government that should be inclusive of all Nigerians resident in the state irrespective of ethnicity and religion, especially given the fact that Enugu was the former regional capital of the old Eastern Region. I specifically made this suggestion to the incoming governor, because of the widespread perception that the Igbo people of Nigeria are not accommodating of other groups as they are accommodated outside their eastern heartland home region and this issue is often weaponized against individual politicians seeking the highest office in the land from one of Nigeria’s most important sections. As I made this appeal, Governor Peter Mbah, an otherwise straight-faced man with an expressionless mien, let out a smile of appreciation without saying a word. Little did I know that I was preaching Catholicism to the Bishop of Rome.

    The recent controversy surrounding the abandonment of a multi-billion naira contract for the construction of Governor Mbah’s smart schools across the state, which was awarded to Olasijibomi Ogundele, a Lagos based Yoruba property developer has clearly revealed Peter Mbah as a detribalized pan- Nigerian nationalist who is leading and living out the vision of the Great Zik of Africa of one united Nigerian nation of citizens away from a fractured country of disunited tribesmen. After all it all began in 1952, when Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC party threw up Mallam Umaru Altine, a Hausa speaking Muslim from northern Nigeria, who was resident in Enugu city as the Mayor of the regional capital of the Nigeria’s Igbo homeland; a feat in national integration that has remained a reference point in national unity for more than half a century.

    This commentary is not about the business dispute between Brethren Olasijibomi Ogundele and Enugu State government but more about the fact that Governor Peter Mbah has shattered the myth or if you like the fallacy and falsehood about Ndigbo not being accommodating of others as they want others to accommodate them. By entrusting some of his most important project in the hands of ”others” Governor Mbah’s action has clearly vindicated the Igbo people of Nigeria and rebranded their image as a people who truly believe in the philosophy of ”Nwanne di na Mbah” [a brethren can be found in foreign land]. Interestingly, Olasijibomi Ogundele is not the first and only beneficiary of Enugu state government patronage within the context of this commentary.

    Recently, the Governor commissioned five ultra-modern bus terminals in Enugu state as part of his administration’s transportation master plan to provide affordable and seamless interconnectivity across the state’s major towns and city centre. Four of those terminals were constructed by Planets Projects; a Lagos based construction whose major promoter is Eng Biodun Otunola. The modern Oshodi Bus terminal in Lagos was constructed by this firm. Similarly, the multi-billion naira Enugu State Command and Control Centre, which is reported to be the biggest in Nigeria with AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the state vide fibre optic cables, was built by Hajaraisan Nig LTD. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company is Aminu Uba Miko, an indigene of Kano state, while Ibrahim Shehu from Jigawa state was engaged to develop the Enugu State Vehicles’ Identification System Software. And XEJET, the operator of the recently launched Enugu Enugu Air; an Enugu state owned airline was founded by Emmanuel Izah from Kogi state.

    The good thing about these engagements is that they were competitively bidded for but the Yoruba or Hausa ethnicities of Enugu State government’s preferred bidders did not limit or diminish their chances of winning the contract in Peter Mbah’s Enugu. Just as Planets Project has a track record in transport infrastructure construction and management, so does Olasijibomi’s Sujimoto Property construction firm have a solid track record as pioneers of smart buildings in Africa. That the Enugu state government has taken steps to sanction Olasijibomi Ogundele clearly shows that Governor Mbah has no incestuous relationship with the young man and that his engagement was purely based on the belief that he can deliver on the job.

    Read Also: Gov. Mbah is welcome to join APC

    Away from these few cases amongst many others, Governor Mbah in making strategic appointments in Enugu State has demonstrated the oneness of Nigeria, where the principles of inclusion, equity and justice reigns supreme. The Managing Director of Enugu state Broadcasting Service is Ladi Akeredolu-Ale, a veteran broadcaster from Ondo State, while the man helping Governor Peter Mbah to drive his vision for available, accessible and affordable healthcare is Dr Yomi Jaye, his Special Adviser on Health Matters. To boost the IGR of the state, Governor Mbah hired Adenike Okebu as his Senior Special Assistant on Revenue. While Alh Abubakar Yusuf Sambo serves as the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, the Commander of Enugu Forest Guard is Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police who served in the Enugu State Command. The retired DCP was in charge of operations when Governor Mbah directed the full implementation of the ban on sit-at-home and other violent activities by miscreants. For his meritorious service to the state, DCP Akinbamilayo was retained by the state as part of its security management team.

    Peter Mbah’s Enugu State is the Nigeria of our dreams. And when the Igbo people of Nigeria are accused wrongly, they should point in the direction of Peter Mbah’s Enugu State. Like I have consistently maintained, Nigerians are essentially one people and the various ethnic groupings are simply members of the same family that are living in different parts of the family compound. A movement from one part of the family compound to another should not render a member of the family an outsider inside his/her family compound. This is called citizenship. And as citizens of Nigeria, we should be free to reside in any part of the federation without the dichotomy of ”indigene and settler” wherein one’s ethnicity can enhance or diminish access to state provision and protection. The fundamental condition preceding national development and security of any sovereign entity is the social cohesion, national integration and unity of the constituent peoples. Now we know why Peter Mbah’s Enugu State is working progressively.

    • Dahiru is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst.
  • 2027: Don’t waste your money contesting against Mbah, Enugu East leaders tell aspirants

    2027: Don’t waste your money contesting against Mbah, Enugu East leaders tell aspirants

    Leaders of thought and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District have warned political aspirants eyeing the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State not to waste their money or resources contesting against Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

    They insisted that Governor Mbah’s outstanding performance in just over two years in office had already secured him a second term.

    The leaders, who cut across political, professional, traditional, and grassroots divides, made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of a town hall meeting held on Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

    The communiqué, titled “One Good Term Deserves Another”, expressed total satisfaction with Mbah’s administration, noting that he had “not only kept his campaign promises but equally surpassed expectations.”

    Listing Mbah’s achievements in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, the group said the governor had “repositioned Enugu State on a path of development never witnessed since the days of Dr. Michael Okpara.”

    They cited landmark projects such as the AI-powered Command and Control Centre, 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 new healthcare centres, over 1,000km of road projects, revival of moribund assets, modern transport terminals, Enugu Air, and a raft of agricultural estates across all wards of the state as proof of his transformative governance.

    “We, the people of Enugu East Senatorial District, unequivocally endorse Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office come 2027,” the communiqué read.

    “In fact, if he has done these great works in just two years, it is only left to the imagination what Enugu will look like after eight years,” it said.

    Declaring that party affiliation was irrelevant in this endorsement, the leaders stated: “Our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”

    They also appealed to the people of Enugu North and Enugu West senators Districts to reciprocate the zoning support earlier accorded them by the East between 2007 and 2023 during the tenures of Barr. Sullivan Chime and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi respectively.

    The leaders urged Ndi Enugu to sustain their support for the Mbah administration in the interest of peace, security, and rapid development.

    The communiqué was issued by the2023 governorship candidate of Labour Party, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga; former state chairman of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye; ALGON chairman and chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh; coordinator of Presidents General of communities in the state, Arinze Ogbodo and representatives of the six LGAs in the zone.

  • Enugu Governor Mbah seeks Kanu’s release

    Enugu Governor Mbah seeks Kanu’s release

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah yesterday reiterated his call for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.

    He said freeing Kanu “was the right thing to do” and that he had met the President over it.

    Mbah spoke during a question-and-answer session after his presentation on “Leadership and transformation” at the Showcase Session of the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu.

    The governor also shared practical strategies he applies in overcoming barriers and unlocking the state’s opportunities.

    Urged by a participant not to give up on his advocacy for Kanu’s release, the governor said, “My first visit to the President was about Nnamdi Kanu.

    “I believe that the right thing to do is to release him. Hopefully, that will be done soon.”

    Mbah said the sit-at-home observed in the Southeast every Monday over Kanu’s detention was a thing of the past in his state.

    His words: “We met a situation where people were compelled to stay at home every Monday.

    “Now, people trade in Ogbete and other markets in peace on Mondays.

    “Monday sit-at-home has ended in Enugu, as you (lawyers) can see. You can also move around and investigate.”

    Kanu is on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism charges, which he denied.

    In his presentation, Mbah said transformational leadership demanded the audacity to envision something beyond low expectations.

    He said such leaders must ground their work in vision, values, and a disruptive strategy to achieve desired results.

    Read Also: Alleged terrorism: ‘Let Kanu provide defence for his actions’ – Prosecution tells court

    “Our vision was to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living.

    “We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited,” the governor said.

    He explained that such vision and targets could not be wished into existence, hence the state’s huge investments in drastic crime reduction and the building of infrastructure to power business, tourism, and investment.

    “None of our visions and targets would have been possible without security.

    “So, from the outset, we built a tech-driven, intelligence-led security architecture anchored in our Command and Control Centre.

    “With round-the-clock AI surveillance across our neighbourhoods, integrated response units (DRS), and community partnership, Enugu has recorded an over 80 per cent reduction in violent crime.

    “This stability is the bedrock upon which investment, jobs, and society can grow.”

    He added that his administration had to its credit over 2,000 ongoing or completed projects cutting across various sectors – health, roads, transport, agriculture, and education, among others.

    He said his administration’s consistent allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education was informed by the recognition that the state’s real wealth now and in the future rested on the quality of its human capital.

    “We committed over 33 per cent of our budget to education – a decision some thought was reckless. But we knew it was essential.”

  • Mbah restores Okpara’s vision with rehabilitation of Hotel Presidential

    Mbah restores Okpara’s vision with rehabilitation of Hotel Presidential

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah yesterday described the renovation of Hotel Presidential as “a homecoming for history.”

    He spoke during the unveiling of the renovated facility which was build 62 years ago by the administration of Dr. Michael Okpara as Premier of the defunct Eastern Region.

    Easter Region was made up of the five Southeast states.

    Mbah extolled the foresightedness of the former premier. He expressed  regret that the monument of pride had being rotten away in the past 15 years.

    He explained that Hotel Presidential’s revival was in line with his campaign promise to recover Enugu’s moribund assets and grow the state’s economy sevenfold.

    “Sixty-two years ago, our forebears under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara built this landmark as a symbol of Eastern Region’s resilience, elegance and enterprise.

    “Over the decades, time and neglect dimmed that light. For about 15 years, this glorious edifice stood as an affront to our pride, as something contrary to what we represent.

    “We came into office with a strong pledge: to recover what belongs to our people, convert dormant assets into productive assets; turn liabilities into engines of growth.

    “That is why this unveiling is more than opening the doors of a hotel; it is the reopening of Enugu’s confidence. It is a tangible sign that when we say Enugu is open for business, we mean business.

    “This hotel is a strategic enabler of our growth plan, comprising the ambitious target to grow Enugu’s economy seven-fold to at least $30 billion and to achieve a zero percent poverty headcount rate,” he said.

    He assured that the standards for the hotel’s revamp were truly world-class, because the administration “insisted on this so that when Enugu says ‘welcome’ to its investors, our hospitality infrastructure speaks with the same credibility as our policies.”

    Read Also: First Lady to empower 1,000 women today in Lagos

    “Our hospitality ecosystem today is simply inspiring: the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre (ICC) now anchors Enugu’s conferencing ambitions; the adjacent 5-star, 345-room ICC Hotel under construction will deliver premium “keys” for large events; Enugu Air, which has given wings to our dreams and announced the scale of our vision to the world; And now, the renewed Hotel Presidential adds a full-service icon back into the mix.

    “None of this is a whimsical project; they are connecting dots on a large canvas. These assets are crucial to our aim to welcome up to three million annual tourist visits and to make Enugu the Conferencing Capital of Africa.

    “The economic value is already visible. This hotel alone supports hundreds of direct jobs, culinary and events teams, engineering, landscaping, suppliers, and several other opportunities.

    “Every conference day books our taxis and CNG buses; every visiting family discovers our art, our music, our cuisine, and our warmth.

    “And the signal to investors is even bigger: when government shows it can recover assets, fix the fundamentals, and protect investments, private capital follows. That is why you see momentum across other moribund assets like UPPL, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas; International Conference Centre, and a host of others,” he added.

    He thanked the managers and concessionaire of the reconstructed hotel, Amber Hospitality, for believing in Enugu’s potential, noting that “they bring on board an enviable pedigree, earned through the efficient management of about 12 successful brands in the hospitality sector.”

    He equally commended the contractors – Dilworth – for their attention to detail as well as the successive Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure and their Culture and Tourism counterpart for working to realise the project.

    In her address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, while extoling Mbah’s leadership, said that “the silence has been broken; the lights are on — never to dim again; the doors are open — never to shut again; and the spirit of Enugu is back, stronger and brighter than ever.”

    Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, commended the governor for his speed in not only building new things, but also in reviving dead assets.

    “Your mantra says that tomorrow is here, but you have resurrected yesterday today,” he said.

    Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, praised the governor’s work rate, having commissioned Enugu Air, five transport terminals, 100 CNG buses, the reconstructed Hotel Presidential in succession under one month.

    “If you are not tired of commissioning projects, we will not be tired of coming out. We have never seen it this way. Your leadership in Enugu State is legendary and monumental. There is no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027,” he assured.

    The Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, acclaimed the governor’s transformative leadership, assuring him of the people’s continued support.

  • Enugu APC chieftains declare support for Mbah amid defection rumours

    Enugu APC chieftains declare support for Mbah amid defection rumours

    Foundation members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have declared their support for Governor Peter Mbah’s entry into the party, dismissing remarks by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, suggesting otherwise.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, former director general of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said Governor Mbah and his team were “wholeheartedly welcome” in line with APC’s conventions, urging them to ignore what he described as “the rantings” of the minister.

    “We are at a loss as to why Chief Nnaji, who himself is a hijacker from the PDP, is chasing away a performing Governor Mbah,” Okechukwu stated. “Our goal is to win the Lion Building for the first time and join 23 other APC states to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in 2027.”

    Read Also: 2027: ‘Enugu APC has capable candidate to take over from Mbah’

    Okechukwu was reacting to Nnaji’s comments at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday, where the minister challenged anyone seeking to contest the Enugu governorship to join the APC and face the primaries.

    The APC chieftain advised Nnaji to focus more on his ministerial duties, claiming there had been no visible achievements in the ministry since his appointment.

    “Otherwise, we will not allow Chief Nnaji, who came a distant fourth with 14,575 votes in the governorship election and polled only 4,722 in the 2023 presidential election, to rubbish APC again,” Okechukwu warned.

  • 2027: Enugu leaders vow to follow Mbah’s political decisions amid defection rumours

    2027: Enugu leaders vow to follow Mbah’s political decisions amid defection rumours

    A powerful coalition of political, traditional, and professional leaders in Enugu State, operating under the banner of Enugu State Patriots, has pledged unconditional loyalty to Governor Peter Mbah, declaring their support for him in the 2027 elections regardless of his political party affiliation.

    Following a high-level strategy meeting in Enugu, the group issued a communiqué titled “Peter Mbah is Our Party,” lauding the governor’s performance over the past two years as transcending partisan lines.

    Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Professor Mathine Anikwe stated, “We are not bound by political labels. Governor Mbah’s leadership has created its own identity. He has become a political movement. Wherever he goes, we go.”

    The Patriots pointed to nearly 2,000 completed and ongoing projects as proof of Mbah’s transformative governance. These include 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Primary Healthcare Centres, 800km of road construction, farm estates across all wards, and the recent launch of Enugu Air.

    Emphasising that Mbah’s second term is “non-negotiable,” the group cited his track record and the zoning arrangement, which supports a second tenure for Enugu East Senatorial District.

    Despite the state’s historical ties to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the group insisted that Mbah’s vision and performance had redefined political loyalty in Enugu.

    “Enugu people are more connected to his vision of growing the state’s GDP to $30 billion than to any party slogan,” the statement read. “He is not just a governor—he is the people’s mandate.”

    Read Also: Mbah advocates tech, decentralisation to boost Nigeria’s gaming industry

    Notable figures in the group include Rt. Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, traditional ruler, Igwe Kingsley Okeke, Hon. Chima Obieze, Engr. Luke Mmamel, Hon. Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu, and several serving and former local government and legislative leaders.

    They concluded that Governor Mbah has become the most unifying political figure in Enugu State, enjoying broad-based support across ethnic, religious, and party divides.

  • Mbah advocates tech, decentralisation to boost Nigeria’s gaming industry

    Mbah advocates tech, decentralisation to boost Nigeria’s gaming industry

    The governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has identified technology and the decentralisation of regulatory powers as key drivers for the transformation and growth of Nigeria’s gaming sector.

    Speaking at the opening of the second Enugu Gaming Conference 2025, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Urama, said the gaming industry holds vast potential for job creation and economic development.

    The two-day event, themed “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future”, was organised by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission to position the state as a hub for innovative and responsible gaming.

    Mbah applauded the commission’s efforts in modernising the sector and reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting innovation and enhancing regulatory frameworks.

    “Over the past year, we’ve invested in cutting-edge digital infrastructure, including the Automated License Verification and Operator Registration Portal. This real-time system has drastically reduced manual processes, curbed fraud, and ensured compliance across the state,” he said.

    He also unveiled plans to launch advanced technology solutions and awareness campaigns to promote responsible gaming, curb underage gambling, and protect vulnerable populations.

    The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said Nigeria’s gaming landscape is evolving, and so must its governance.

    Read Also: How Gov Mbah, Ugwuanyi, Onoh can deliver Enugu for Tinubu in 2027

    “We must move beyond revenue and enforcement. Today, it’s about innovation, jurisdiction, technology, and structure,” Arum said, calling for decentralised regulation that reflects local realities while maintaining federal-state synergy.

    Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji — represented by Alexander Owen — stressed the need for strong data privacy, secure platforms, and strict age verification processes to safeguard minors and uphold ethical standards in gaming.

    The conference brought together industry leaders, regulators, and tech experts to chart a new path for Nigeria’s gaming future.

  • How Gov Mbah, Ugwuanyi, Onoh can deliver Enugu for Tinubu in 2027

    How Gov Mbah, Ugwuanyi, Onoh can deliver Enugu for Tinubu in 2027

    By Adolphus Udeh

    In the bustling political landscape of Enugu State, a new chapter is unfolding as the 2027 general elections loom on the horizon. At the heart of this narrative is Denge Dr. Josef Onoh, a political heavyweight and former campaign spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South East, who has issued a clarion call to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure a victory for Tinubu in the state. 

    Onoh’s statement, delivered with characteristic candor, underscores the necessity of a strategic alliance between the two leaders and most especially former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a member of the G5 to deliver Enugu for the president, while also highlighting the formidable influence Onoh wields—a force that could significantly impact Mbah’s political fortunes if they fail to unite. 

    Onoh is the only candidate that could run against Gov. Mba either from Enugu East senatorial zone or Enugu west senatorial zone as he hails from both zones in what can best be described as a political trinity. 

    Dr. Josef Onoh is no stranger to Enugu’s political arena. A former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly (2003–2007), a Senior special adviser to the former Governor Ugwuanyi on Domestic Matters, a Senior Special Adviser on security matters, a Senior Special Adviser on Special Projects, a commissioner, office of the Governor and the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), a former 2023 PDP gubernatorial aspirant, the Founder of the Asiwaju Renewed Mandate South East (ARMSE), and Chairman of Forum of former members of Enugu House of Assembly. 

    Onoh has built a reputation as a principled and influential figure. His tenure as ECTDA Chairman saw transformative projects, such as the relocation of the Enugu Building Materials Market and contributions to the development of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. His political journey, from the days of the Grassroot democracy movement (GDM), marked by a bold defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to champion Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, cemented his status as a loyalist of the APC and a voice for Southern Nigeria’s interests.

    Onoh’s influence extends beyond Enugu. As Tinubu’s South East campaign spokesman, he navigated a region where the APC struggled to gain traction, particularly in Enugu, Anambra, and Abia, where Tinubu garnered only 1.1% of the vote in 2023. Despite this, Onoh’s relentless advocacy for Tinubu, rooted in his belief in a Southern presidency, earned him respect and a direct line to the presidency. His ability to mobilize support, as seen in his efforts to rally Igbo traders in Lagos for Governor Sanwo-Olu, demonstrates his grassroots reach and strategic acumen.

    Onoh’s clout is further amplified by his familial legacy. As the son of former Anambra State Governor Christian Onoh, he carries a dynastic weight that resonates in Igbo politics. His outspoken critiques, such as his defense of Tinubu against Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s attacks and his condemnation of Peter Obi’s political oscillations, showcase his fearless approach to shaping public discourse. This influence makes Onoh a pivotal player in Enugu, capable of swaying voters and political stakeholders—a reality Governor Mbah cannot ignore.

    Governor Peter Mbah’s Political Crossroads as a PDP stalwart, has been a transformative figure in Enugu since his narrow victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election, where he polled 160,895 votes to defeat Labour Party’s Chijioke Edeoga by a mere 3,343 votes. His administration has been lauded for its comprehensive approach to governance, revitalizing sectors like infrastructure, education, health, and security. 

    The PDP’s resurgence in Enugu, reclaiming 20 of 24 State Assembly seats and five of eight House of Representatives seats, is a testament to Mbah’s political dexterity and appeal. However, Mbah faces a complex political landscape. The 2023 elections revealed Enugu’s volatility, with the Labour Party initially dominating before defections bolstered the PDP. 

    Moreover, Mbah’s governance style, while effective, has drawn criticism for actions like market demolitions, which the APC has capitalized on to rally defectors. Reports suggest Mbah is weighing options to either defect to the APC or remain in the PDP while supporting Tinubu’s re-election, a move driven by his close ties to the presidency and a desire to secure his own re-election in 2027.

    Onoh’s statement to President Tinubu—“I cannot deliver Enugu State for the president in 2027 without the cooperation of Governor Peter Mbah” is a strategic plea for unity. Onoh recognizes that Enugu’s political dynamics require a combined effort to overcome the region’s historical resistance to the APC. 

    In 2023, Enugu overwhelmingly supported Peter Obi, with Tinubu securing only 1.1% of the vote. Onoh’s experience as a campaigner in this challenging terrain underscores his understanding that delivering Enugu demands Mbah’s administrative machinery and grassroots support.

    Onoh’s urging Mbah to join the APC is not merely a call for party loyalty but a pragmatic strategy for political realignment. If Mbah defects, he would likely become the APC’s leader in Enugu, consolidating power and sidelining local APC factions led by figures like Uche Nnaji, who have vowed to unseat Mbah. Such a move would align Enugu with the national ruling party, ensuring federal support and enhancing Mbah’s re-election prospects. For Onoh, this alliance would leverage his influence to mobilize APC loyalists while tapping into Mbah’s governance achievements to sway undecided voters.

     *The Stakes of Discord* 

    Should Mbah and Onoh fail to align, the consequences could be dire for both Enugu’s political stability and Tinubu’s re-election bid. Onoh’s influence, rooted in his ability to galvanize communities and his direct access to Tinubu, could be wielded to rally opposition against Mbah. His past interventions, such as advocating for Ogui-Nike’s turn in local government leadership, demonstrate his capacity to shape local politics and challenge established powers. If Onoh mobilizes against Mbah, he could erode the governor’s support base, particularly in areas like Enugu North LGA, where Onoh hails from.

    For Mbah, resisting cooperation risks alienating the APC’s growing presence in Enugu, fueled by defections from the PDP, LP, and APGA. The APC, under leaders like Uche Nnaji, is aggressively positioning itself to capture Enugu in 2027, capitalizing on public discontent with policies like market demolitions. Without Onoh’s support, Mbah could face a fragmented PDP and a resurgent APC, jeoparding his re-election chances.

    For Tinubu, a divided Enugu could jeopardize his South East strategy. The region’s governors, including Mbah, are reportedly leaning toward supporting Tinubu, as noted by Minister of Works Dave Umahi. However, without a unified front, the APC’s chances of breaking the South East’s opposition stronghold diminish, especially given the coalition of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    A Path Forward

    The synergy between Onoh and Mbah could be a game-changer. Onoh’s grassroots influence and loyalty to Tinubu, combined with Mbah’s administrative prowess and PDP machinery, could deliver a significant portion of Enugu’s votes to the APC. Mbah’s defection to the APC, as Onoh suggests, would streamline this effort, positioning Enugu as a key battleground for Tinubu’s re-election. It would also neutralize internal APC opposition, ensuring a cohesive campaign strategy.

    As Enugu navigates this critical juncture, the stakes are high. Onoh’s call for cooperation is a reminder that in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, alliances are forged not just on ideology but on mutual benefit. For Mbah, aligning with Onoh and the APC could secure his political future and elevate Enugu’s role in national politics. For Onoh, it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy as a kingmaker who delivered Enugu for Tinubu. Together, they could reshape Enugu’s political destiny, but failure to unite risks a fragmented effort that could cost them both—and Tinubu—in 2027.

    Comrade Udeh is the Former Chairman of APC in Enugu State