APC Launches Campaign in Enugu, Promises Support for Mbah and Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State kicked off its campaign for the 2027 general elections on Wednesday. Party leaders and members promised to mobilise voters to support the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu.

The campaign launch took place at Nsukka Township Stadium. Many party members, political office holders, traditional leaders, and supporters from all three senatorial districts came out in large numbers.

Speakers at the event called the big crowd evidence of the APC’s strength in Enugu State. They insisted that the party was ready to solidify its presence and win for all its candidates in the upcoming elections.

While addressing the crowd, Governor Mbah spoke about his government's investments in areas like security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development. He also mentioned the revival of old projects and the completion of abandoned ones.

Mbah asked people to judge his government based on its achievements and ongoing projects. He pointed out that the opposition had not presented any manifesto yet.

As he reflected on his journey to Nsukka for the rally, Mbah said the ongoing dualisation of the Penoks, T-Junction, Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka road had cut travel time and improved safety.

"I left the office a few minutes past 1pm. It took me two to three minutes to get to T-Junction from Penoks. It just reminded me of how motorists could have spent so much time, sometimes up to 30 minutes or hours if we did not dualise that road," he explained.

"From T-Junction all the way to Nsukka, I noticed that work was going on right left, green, what have you. The contractor assured me that a realistic commissioning date is before the end of this year."

"Another thing the road reminds me is that we have kissed empty Mondays goodbye. Once upon a time, we dreaded traveling on that road because of fear of attack. Today, we have kissed it goodbye," he stated.

According to Mbah, the administration’s infrastructure plan is not just about building roads. It is about reconnecting communities, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting integration across the state.

He mentioned the 40km Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Umualor-Ikem dual carriageway, which connects to Obollo-Afor road. This road improves connectivity and links communities in northern Enugu, serving as a new gateway to the North Central region.

On education, Mbah said the Smart Green Schools initiative aims to improve learning quality and prepare kids for a better future. He revealed that the government has recruited over 6,000 new teachers who are training at the state’s Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation.

This effort aims to shift education away from rote learning towards critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

In healthcare, the governor mentioned that his administration is building Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all 260 electoral wards. Each centre will have healthcare staff and accommodation, including a two-bedroom unit.

For economic development, Mbah listed the reopening of key investments like the Presidential Hotel, International Conference Centre, United Farm Products Limited, Songhai Enugu Integrated Farm, and Sunrise Rice Flour Mill as proof of the state’s commitment to boosting economic activities and creating jobs.

He also spoke about Enugu Air, describing it as more than just an airline. It shows the state’s readiness to attract investment, tourism, and business opportunities.

"Enugu Air represents more than an airline to us. It is our statement that we are open for business and we are open for tourism. We are open for people to come here and live."

Mbah added, "In a few weeks, Enugu Air will have a direct flight to London. Before the end of the first quarter next year, we will also have a flight to the United States and China."

The Governor admitted that more work is needed, especially on road infrastructure. He reiterated his administration’s goal of constructing 10,000 kilometres of roads.

"We are not measured by our words; we are measured by our results. We don’t say things that we don’t deliver on. What we commit to, we deliver," he said.

Mbah highlighted efforts to clear pension and gratuity debts, stating that the state has approved N32 billion and started paying gratuity arrears dating back to 2000.

He praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms for creating more financial opportunities for states. Mbah said his administration has used this to invest in infrastructure, social services, and job creation.

The governor also commended the federal government for its support in the South-East. He mentioned the South East Development Commission, gas pipeline projects, and appointments of locals to important positions.

He specifically noted the appointment of a Nsukka indigene as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, calling it a long-held wish of the host community.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai said the upcoming elections are a chance for the people to continue the development programs of the current government. He accused the opposition of spreading false information.

Top party members at the event included Chief Charlie Mbah, former Governor Jim Nwobodo, represented by Okey Ogbodo, Dr Ben Nwoye, and Dr Martin Chukwunwike, the Enugu State APC Chairman.

With the campaign officially launched, the Enugu State APC is ready to begin a statewide tour to spread its message across every part of the state.