About 20 governors who are members of the Progressive Governors Forum have named Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as its chairman.

It was gathered that the decision followed the reported sack of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma as the chairman of the forum.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of some 20 All Progressives Congress, APC, governors held in Abuja on Thursday night, reports say.

Arise TV reported that other attendees at the meeting included the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and 17 others.

But Director General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, said in statement the report was “false and misleading.”

But the PGF Director who spoke to our correspondent said there was no such meeting, adding that the Imo State Governor remained the chairman of the body.

But a source who is aware of the development confirmed that the meeting was held at the Ogun Government Lodge on Thursday night.

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On Monday, thousands of tricycle riders in Enugu State gathered in a massive show of support for Governor Peter Mbah, endorsing his reelection bid in a display of growing grassroots momentum.

Operators, popularly known as Keke riders, rode their tricycles decorated with stickers and images of Governor Mbah from Abakpa to Okpara Square, Emene to Okpara Square, Agbani Road to Okpara Square, Ogui Road to Okpara Square, New Haven and through Nkpokiti, Ebeano Tunnel, Holy Ghost, Ziks Avenue, Timber Shade, UNEC Gate, IMT Gate and others.

The Chairman of the association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, told newsmen that the Mbah administration had provided an enabling environment, like security and good roads, which had greatly impacted on their spending on the maintenance of their tricycles.
“The governor is a good-hearted man. He embraced everyone and gave everyone an enabling environment for our people to do business in the state.

We have seen that the money that we pay, the money that we pay is going somewhere. We observed the developmental strides of the governor and said we want to organise a big solidarity and endorsement rally for Governor Mbah as the man we want in 2027, he said.

“We are endorsing him for 2027 so he will keep doing a good job as governor. We don’t want anybody else.

“Politicians lie a lot about what they didn’t do. But his own is ‘e dey play, e dey show’

“Just look at the roads he is building all over the place. We used to go to the mechanics every week and blow our earnings on bad roads before now. But today, we are seeing dividends of democracy. At least, no one can deny the fact that no other governor comes close to what our governor has done in less than three years.

“Again, with the 260 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Health Centres in all the wards, we will have more disposable income because the Smart Schools are free of charge. They even provide you free food and uniforms. Our children will soon be as learned as the children of America and Europe.

See also International Conference Centre. “We have people coming from Abuja, Lagos, Kano, all over Nigeria and even outside Nigeria once in a while for big conferences and we make a lot of money,” he said.

The group equally condemned the claims of over-taxation in Enugu, commending Mbah for phasing out cash payments in revenue collection, which they said created corruption, confusion and union crises in the past.

We no longer have chaotic revenue collection. We pay by the Internet. No more thug stuff. If you bring paper to collect any form of revenue, we resist it because we know it is no longer business as usual. So we now have peace, accountability, no more factions and fighting in the system because of revenue.

“It is also a lie that the governor is overtaxing Keke riders. It is utter lies. ‘We are paying the minimum money required from us and we are happy with the way the governor is utilising it to do our roads and other projects.

“Actually, the people that were collecting cash before Mbah came and doing all manner of sharp practices are the ones spinning the falsehood because they are not happy,” Edeh said.

They insisted the governor should do his second tenure “like it or not.”

“We will vote massively for him. As you could see, we are resolute. We are going to put the governor there, anyhow they want it. Even if he wants to run back to his business in Lagos, we will push him back into that seat to finish his term,” he vowed.43

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The nearly three-year tenure of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is quickly turning into an interesting case study of how contentious political beginnings may develop into performance-based legitimacy. The author is Jonathan Eze.

In a comparatively short time in office, Peter Mbah has completely changed the landscape of subnational leadership in Nigeria. He went from being a governor whose election victory in 2023 was hotly contested to one whose style of governance is increasingly focused on strategic development and visible performance.

It was anything but peaceful as he emerged from the Enugu State elections. His government was initially clouded by challenges to the election, which ranged from procedural violations to more general concerns about legitimacy.

But instead of staying mired in protracted political defensiveness, Mbah has adopted a purposeful and determined shift that centers public discourse around governance delivery.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of his administration was the shift from political contestation to constructive government.

Mbah has taken a different approach in a political climate where disputed mandates frequently result in delay or excessive politicking. His strategy demonstrates a thorough comprehension that, despite being established by law, legitimacy is eventually solidified via performance.

His ambitious, multi-sectoral development agenda must be placed within this framework.

A daring approach to the development of human capital and infrastructure lies at the heart of Mbah’s governance philosophy.

One of his most notable projects is the Enugu Smart Green Schools project, an education reform initiative that aims to incorporate sustainability, innovation, and digital learning into the state’s basic education system.

The project, which positions Enugu as a potential leader in technology-driven education in the South East, is more than just a symbolic intervention; it is an investment in the next generation.

In order to decentralize healthcare delivery and guarantee that high-quality medical services are available at the local level, Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers have been implemented throughout the state’s wards.

This project demonstrates a governing style that is both urban-centric and mindful of rural inclusion, which is crucial in a state with a variety of demographic realities.

Another obvious characteristic of the administration is urban regeneration. The upgrading of transportation infrastructure, enhanced drainage systems, and the restoration and extension of main roadways inside the city of Enugu all indicate a government determined to change the physical and economic environment of the state.

These initiatives are intended to improve transportation, boost commerce, and draw investment; they are not just aesthetic.

The Enugu Air project, which aims to create a state-backed airline, is arguably one of the most ambitious projects.

The program highlights Mbah’s larger economic goal to establish Enugu as a regional center for connectivity, business, and tourism, even if it is still in its early stages of development.

Together with more extensive investments in digital governance technologies targeted at enhancing effectiveness and openness in public administration, this is accompanied by the construction of a Command and Control Center outfitted with surveillance equipment to bolster security architecture.

These initiatives are unique not only in their extent but also in the speed and coordination with which they are carried out. Mbah has a corporate, results-driven, decisive, data-driven, and outcome-focused leadership style.

In stark contrast to the slower, more incremental methods frequently associated with subnational administrations, this has brought about a new pace of governance in Enugu.

It should come as no surprise that well-known Nigerians from all political backgrounds have praised this performance-driven strategy. President Bola Tinubu has praised the administration’s economic agenda and infrastructure advancements, citing it as a model of proactive governance.

While former Anambra state governor Peter Obi has continuously stressed the value of wise and influential leadership—a philosophy that is congruent with current developments in Enugu—former vice president Atiku Abubakar has also acknowledged the scope of reforms happening.

Mbah’s initiatives have also been cited by regional colleagues, like as Governor Hope Uzodimma, as evidence of an increasingly competitive dynamic among South East governors.

In fact, Mbah’s vision is helping to recalibrate leadership expectations throughout the South East, even outside of Enugu. His focus on execution, size, and innovation is progressively boosting the standard of governance in the area.

Such an approach presents a new template, one that stresses concrete results over political theatrics, in a region of the country long hampered by economic underperformance and infrastructure shortfalls.

It is crucial to remember that criticism is a part of every government. The sustainability of the state of Enugu’s growth rate, the funding of major projects, and the inclusivity of its decision-making processes are all being questioned.

Although not exclusive to Enugu, these issues highlight the necessity of ongoing involvement, openness, and institutional development in order to prevent the benefits of the present from becoming the drawbacks of the future.

Mbah’s governing trajectory is already having political ramifications. After being greatly electrified during the 2023 elections under the Labour Party, the opposition landscape has undergone substantial changes.

Dr. Chijioke Edeoga, the governor’s main opponent from the Labour Party platform, defected first to the Peoples Democratic Party and then to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move effectively broke up opposition unity and changed the state’s political power dynamics. Such realignments are important in Nigeria’s electoral setting, where party structure and elite agreement frequently interact with incumbency advantage.

They imply that Mbah might have significant influence going into the 2027 governor race when combined with observable governance outcomes. Although it would be premature to say that the contest is certain, the signs suggest that things could go more smoothly politically than they did in 2023.

However, the longevity and inclusivity of his governing model will ultimately determine his political future, not just the weakness of the opposition.

For development to be politically beneficial, it must be felt and seen by all facets of society. The administration’s initiatives must be perceived as having real benefits by the corporate class, youth populations, rural communities, and urban residents.

All things considered, Governor Mbah’s term is quickly turning into a fascinating case study of how contentious political beginnings may develop into legitimacy based on performance.

His administration has shown that governance can overcome the constraints of election conflicts provided it is approached with decisiveness and clarity of vision. The direction is one of intentional change, from smart green schools to the expansion of healthcare, from urban renewal to large-scale economic initiatives like Enugu Air.

This momentum has the ability to ensure his political career and create a lasting impact on the governance structure of Enugu State and the larger South East if it is maintained.

The Mbah example presents an alternative story, one in which ambition is matched with execution and where leadership is evaluated not only by rhetoric but also by results, in a country where the gap between political promise and governmental achievement frequently remains large.

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Governor Peter Mbah’s security policy, which includes a significant investment in technology, has been praised by His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria. He has urged other state governors to follow in his footsteps.

Mbah’s strategy is a model for preventing insecurity and protecting people and property, according to Aba.

During a birthday Eucharistic service on Easter Monday at Wesley Cathedral to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Most Rev. Christopher Ede, the Archbishop of the Methodist Archdiocese of Enugu, and his twin brother, Hon. Peter Ede, he made the call.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prelate highlighted his visit to the state’s Command and Control Center, where he saw what he called Governor Mbah’s cutting-edge, technologically advanced security architecture.

He claims that the facilities are able to quickly respond to security threats and monitor activity throughout the state in real time.

I was with Governor Peter Mbah the other day. I saw the entire state of Enugu when he brought me to the Command and Control Center. I asked him, “Can you show me where my Archbishop lives?” because I wanted to put him to the test. Before I knew it, he had widened the cameras, and I could see employees moving around. I exclaimed, “Oh my God.”

The Prelate praised the governor for putting residents’ safety first, pointing out that his administration had shown a strong dedication to safeguarding people’s lives and property.

“You don’t play around with security because you are a man of the people. I’d like to line up with anyone that helps others,” he continued.

Archbishop Ede thanked the governor for honoring the event in his remarks, characterizing his participation as an expression of sincere support and gratitude.

“Your Excellency, it is a wonderful honor that you have come to honor us. That indicates to me that it’s not just about our work but also about valuing who I am and what God is accomplishing through me.

The church adores you. We have stood and continue to stand by you. We really appreciate you coming, and we’ll keep praying for you,” he said.

Speaking during the function, Governor Mbah praised the book “Start Well, Finish Strong: Leadership Principles for Ministers and Organizational Decision-Makers,” which was written by the Archbishop.

He praised the celebrant’s qualities as a man of humility, service, and quality and regarded it as both impactful and enlightening.

“We are here to celebrate three things: the Archbishop’s birthday, the Archbishop and his twin, and the Archbishop’s accomplishments,” Mbah stated.

“Marking a diamond jubilee, it’s truly a milestone.” He said, “Your life embodies the fundamental qualities of greatness: humility and service.”

The governor mentioned his close relationship with the Archbishop and recalled their conversations throughout his campaign, especially those that focused on healthcare, education, and social services.

Indeed, you are now a light to many. You have demonstrated that our birth circumstances do not limit us. “You have risen from modest beginnings to inspire countless people,” he remarked.

Mbah also praised the cleric’s dedication to charitable giving, community development, and poverty alleviation, characterizing him as a deserving son of Enugu State whose influence extends beyond national borders.

You’ve shown us that excellence is about service rather than social standing. We can only give thanks to God on a day like today for your inspirational life,” the governor remarked.

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Enugu, Nigeria – A prominent member of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Chief Ogochukwu Onyema, has revealed that he may defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if the party welcomes former LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, into its ranks.

Chief Onyema, a former senatorial aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu West, made this known during an exclusive interview in Enugu over the weekend. He described the SDP as an “emerging party” with growing national relevance, citing its internal regulations which discourage members from engaging in prolonged legal disputes.

“If Obi moves to SDP, I will follow him,” Onyema stated, suggesting that the former Anambra governor’s presence could redefine the party’s future.

The Ohanaeze chieftain also used the opportunity to praise Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as “visionary leadership” and “proactive governance.”

“If you want me to tell you about His Excellency, Ndubisi Mbah, I say to you that whoever does the way I do, I’ll call my good friend,” Onyema said. “Each time I see his choice of projects, I smile within myself. This man is strategic, he’s futuristic. I admire his leadership style.”

Onyema recounted his journey through the PDP, noting his disappointment over multiple failed attempts to secure a legislative ticket despite contesting for the House of Representatives and the Senate on three different occasions.

“I was in PDP when we won the election that produced Peter Mbah and I said I am leaving PDP,” he recalled. “I said they should not give me an appointment, let me chart my own course.”

Although he refrained from clearly stating his political ambition for the 2027 general elections, Onyema’s remarks hint at a continuing interest in public service—albeit under a different political platform.

His statements have further fueled speculation about potential realignments ahead of 2027, especially as political actors across the country begin to reposition.

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