Political momentum gathered around Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on Thursday as influential stakeholders from the Akpugo community in Nkanu West Local Government Area reaffirmed their unwavering support for his administration and pledged to back his re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, community leader Chief Simon Eze praised Governor Mbah’s performance in office, describing his leadership as visionary, purposeful, and transformational. He said the governor’s achievements across critical sectors had reinforced public confidence in his ability to steer Enugu State toward lasting prosperity.
Chief Eze particularly commended Mbah for his appearance at the recent “Meet the Candidates” Town Hall Meeting organized by Afia TV in Enugu, where the governor gave an extensive account of his administration’s accomplishments and future development agenda.
According to Eze, the governor’s presentation highlighted tangible progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, job creation, social welfare, human capital development, and economic transformation.
“Governor Mbah has demonstrated uncommon commitment to governance and development. His achievements speak for themselves, and the people of Akpugo remain firmly behind his vision for a greater Enugu,” Eze stated.
At the town hall meeting, Governor Mbah strongly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, insisting that any attempt to return to the previous regime would be economically disastrous for Nigeria.
The governor described calls for the reintroduction of subsidy as misguided and counterproductive, warning that such a move would reverse hard-earned economic gains and discourage investors.
“We cannot go back to subsidy. It is not in the interest of the country, and it should not even be a subject of debate,” Mbah declared.
He argued that reinstating fuel subsidy would worsen poverty, trigger further pressure on the naira, and send negative signals to both local and international investors.
According to him, policy consistency remains critical to sustaining investor confidence and driving economic growth.
Governor Mbah maintained that the Federal Government’s economic reforms are beginning to stabilize Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators and attract investment into the country.
He pointed to increasing investor confidence, improved capital inflows, and renewed interest in key sectors of the economy as evidence that the reforms are working.
The governor further argued that the old subsidy regime disproportionately benefited the wealthy while providing only marginal relief to ordinary citizens.
Instead, he said, resources freed by subsidy removal can now be redirected toward targeted interventions for vulnerable Nigerians through social investment and empowerment programmes.
Reflecting on his administration’s record, Mbah urged residents to compare the state he inherited with the Enugu that is emerging under his leadership.
He cited landmark projects and initiatives, including:
•The revival of Hotel Presidential;
•The International Conference Centre;
•Enugu Air;
•Modern transport terminals;
•268 Smart Green Schools;
•260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres;
•The International Hospital;
•CNG bus transportation;
•The Nigergas project.
The governor said these developments represent only the foundation of a broader transformation agenda aimed at positioning Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading economic and investment destinations.
Looking beyond his first term, Mbah unveiled an ambitious vision of an Enugu powered by reliable electricity, modern transportation systems, world-class education, and global connectivity.
He spoke of plans to generate up to 660 megawatts of electricity, ensure round-the-clock power supply, expand transportation infrastructure through rail connectivity, and strengthen the state’s position as a regional economic hub.
The governor also envisioned an Enugu where businesses thrive without the burden of high energy costs and where young people acquire globally relevant skills through a modernized educational system.
“If these aspirations resonate with our people, then we have a collective responsibility to protect and sustain the progress we have made,” he said.
Akpugo Backs Continuity
For the Akpugo stakeholders, the governor’s scorecard and future agenda provide sufficient justification for continuity beyond 2027.
Chief Simon Eze emphasized that the community remains committed to supporting policies and leadership that promote growth, development, and improved living standards for the people of Enugu State.
Their endorsement adds to growing political support for Governor Mbah as conversations around the state’s future leadership continue to gain momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
