The atmosphere in Enugu State was charged with excitement and celebration on Friday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially declared Governor Peter Mbah the winner of the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections at the International Conference Centre Enugu.

The well-attended event drew party faithful, members of the State House of Assembly, party stakeholders, and electoral observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all of whom gathered to witness the formal declaration of the party’s flag bearer.

The exercise commenced with an opening prayer led by Cecilia Ezeilo, a former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, setting a solemn tone for what later transformed into a carnival-like celebration of party unity and internal democracy.

Returning officers from the 17 local government areas of the state took turns announcing results from their respective councils, including the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo.

Following the collation of votes, the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, headed by Hon. Danmalikin Hausa, confirmed that 397,370 accredited party members participated in the exercise conducted across the state’s 260 wards on Thursday, May 21.

Declaring the governor the winner of the primary, the committee chairman described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and highly commendable.

Addressing party members at the event, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Sir Martin Chukwunweike, reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Governor Mbah’s administration, praising what he described as visible achievements recorded under his leadership.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to party faithful for the overwhelming support and confidence reposed in him, assuring them that his administration would continue to deliver people-oriented governance.

“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,” the governor stated.

Mbah emphasized that his administration had successfully disproved the long-held belief that campaign promises are rarely fulfilled, stressing that his governance philosophy, “Tomorrow Is Here,” had become a visible reality across the state.

Highlighting achievements recorded under his administration, the governor pointed to improvements in security, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, industrial revitalization, and infrastructure development.

According to him, the state’s Command and Control Centre and other security initiatives have restored public confidence and improved safety across Enugu State.

He also noted that the establishment of Smart Green Schools across wards and the provision of Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all 260 wards were transforming access to quality education and healthcare.

The governor further cited ongoing industrial and economic projects, including the revitalization of the Songhai Heneke Farm in Ezeagu, the rebirth of United Palm Products Limited, the establishment of the Enugu Haier Factory, and the launch of Enugu Air, which he said would create employment opportunities and position the state as an emerging economic hub.
On infrastructure, Mbah disclosed that his administration had constructed over 1,500 kilometres of roads and introduced modern transport terminals and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses aimed at improving transportation and easing movement within the state.

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

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government’s economic policies had enabled states to access greater resources for developmental projects.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the primary election panel, Hon. Danmalikin Hausa, commended Governor Mbah, party leaders, and members for ensuring a peaceful and rancour-free process.

“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 said.

He further praised President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for providing what he described as exemplary leadership that ensured credible and peaceful primaries across the country.

The successful conduct of the APC governorship primaries in Enugu State has further reinforced the party’s message of unity and internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Governor Peter Mbah emerging as the party’s flag bearer amid widespread support from stakeholders and party faithful, the APC appears set to consolidate on its developmental agenda while preparing for another crucial electoral contest in the state.