Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State witnessed a historic political resurgence on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as thousands of party faithful, stakeholders, community leaders and youths converged at the Awgu Civic Centre Ugbonabo for the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise, Ward 9 (Amoli/Ogugu/Owelli Court/Ugbo).

Leading the exercise was Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Executive Director Project of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who declared that the South East has entered a new political dawn anchored on renewed hope, strategic alignment, and visible development dividends.

Addressing the mammoth crowd after completing his personal registration and receiving his APC membership card, Okechukwu hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as bold, people-centred governance that has rekindled confidence in the future of the South East.

“Yesterday is gone; tomorrow is here. We are renewing our hope,” Okechukwu declared to thunderous applause.

He stated that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to national unity, regional development and youth empowerment, stressing that such leadership deserves overwhelming support in the 2027 general election.

Among the landmark achievements cited were the signing into law of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the establishment of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences in Enugu, and the Nigeria Education Loan (NEL) Fund Act, which provides interest-free loans to Nigerian students.

According to him, these policies reflect a renewed national resolve to remove barriers to education, Equal Opportunity and accelerate regional development.

“No child should be denied education because of poverty or poor infrastructure. This administration has proven that it understands the future of Nigeria,” he said.

Okechukwu further disclosed that the University of Allied Health Sciences has approved the establishment of a major campus in Obeagu, Awgu, with authorization for 12 additional academic programmes, assuring qualified applicants of admission opportunities.

Reflecting on his political journey, the former federal lawmaker explained that after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he remained politically unaffiliated until the current realignment driven by governance performance and the collective interest of the people.

“There was a time I resigned from the PDP. We belonged to no party, though many assumed otherwise. But when the wishes of the people are deliberately ignored, change becomes inevitable,” he stated.

He recalled his long-standing advocacy for the establishment of the South East Development Commission during the 8th Assembly, noting that the bill was eventually reintroduced  and sponsored by our leader, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (DS) and passed by the National Assembly and promptly signed by President Tinubu — a move he described as a defining moment for the South East.

He also highlighted the presidential approval upgrading the former School of Dental Technology into a full-fledged university as further evidence of the federal government’s commitment to educational expansion in the region.

Commending Governor Peter Mbah, Okechukwu described him as a visionary, project-driven leader with a strong working relationship with the Federal Government. He disclosed that the Governor has committed to establishing a University of Education in Ihe, reconstructing the Awgu Games Village ahead of the National Sports Festival, expanding water infrastructure, building additional hostels, and rehabilitating critical road corridors including the Ugwume–Isochi axis.

He said Awgu stakeholders have resolved to mobilise massively for APC registration as a pathway to sustaining development momentum ahead of 2027.

Okechukwu also commended the Awgu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, for his leadership and grassroots mobilisation, noting that the council has remained strategic in aligning development advocacy with political stability.

He also praised the Chairman for leading a high-powered delegation comprising religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to appreciate the Governor for his developmental commitments to the area.

In an exclusive interview with UGAMA TV, Okechukwu described the APC e-registration platform as “scientific and future-driven,” explaining that integration with the National Identification Number (NIN) prevents multiple registrations and guarantees accurate, real-time membership data.

He said the innovation would strengthen grassroots inclusion, deepen financial access, and promote civic participation, particularly in rural communities.

“The digital registration system empowers the grassroots and strengthens national identity. It is politics driven by data, transparency and accountability,” he noted.

The event attracted an impressive lineup of political heavyweights and community leaders, reflecting the growing momentum within the APC in Enugu State.

Among the dignitaries present were:
• Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, Chairman, Awgu Local Government Area
• Chief (Hon.) Ginika Tor Williams, former Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission and major stakeholder in Ward 9
• High Chief Frank Obasi, CEO, Villa Toscana Hotels
• Hon. Frank Anioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters
• Dr. Chiedozie Nwafor (CNN), Member, Enugu State APC Working Committee
Awgu local government Apc Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Kenechukwu Okolo

• Chief (Hon.) Alex Ogbonna, former President, Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Enugu State and Ward 9 stakeholder
• Chief (Hon.) Eze O. Eze, former Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Government House and super stakeholder in Ward 9
• Hon. Johnson Chukwuobasi, former Member, Enugu State House of Assembly
• Prof. Ikechukwu Udeuhere Godwin, former Commissioner for Information, Enugu State
• Hon. Cletus Akalusi, former Secretary, PDP Enugu State
• Mrs. Rita Chimaobi Ihemeje, Member, ENSUBEB and Woman Leader, Enugu West Unity Forum

Several ward executives, youth leaders, women groups, traditional leaders, party coordinators and political stakeholders across Awgu and Enugu West Senatorial District also graced the occasion.

Okechukwu concluded by expressing strong optimism that the political alignment between Enugu State and the Federal Government would unlock unprecedented economic opportunities, infrastructure growth and youth empowerment.

“Our Governor has joined the APC. We are now connected to the centre. The sky is our limit,” he declared.

The APC e-registration exercise continues across wards in Awgu as party leaders intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of future electoral engagements.