By PETRUS OBI

Years ago, an opposition governorship candidate seeking to unseat the then Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, addressed a press conference in Enugu. He devoted considerable attention to questioning the quality of roads being constructed by the government, the cost per kilometre and alleged breaches of due process.

It was a period when residents of Enugu were stunned by the sheer number of roads being executed across the state.

At one point, a journalist stood up and advised the candidate not to make the government’s road projects the centrepiece of his criticism, warning that such an approach could ultimately backfire.

Today, the current crop of opposition politicians appears to have learned that lesson early. At a time when Enugu has once again been turned into a massive construction site, would they need another journalist to redirect their narrative?

Advertisement

Governor Peter Mbah enters the 2027 governorship contest with perhaps one of the strongest political advantages enjoyed by an incumbent in Enugu in recent years. His advantage rests not only on political realignment and party structure, but also on visible projects and what appears to be a divided opposition.

Mbah controls the machinery of government and has spent more than three years building a record that is likely to form the centrepiece of his re-election campaign.

His administration has placed considerable emphasis on infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare and urban renewal. Projects such as the International Conference Centre, the rehabilitation of Hotel Presidential, the Smart Schools programme, road construction and agricultural investments across the state have given the administration tangible projects to point to.

Mbah has, therefore, made it more difficult for the opposition to sustain a purely negative campaign, limiting much of its criticism to the emerging “No Tax” slogan.

Yet the government argues that taxes are not collected for their own sake, but to fund public services and infrastructure.

Advertisement

The Mbah administration has maintained that its tax reforms are aimed at broadening the state’s revenue base, improving efficiency in collection and reducing leakages rather than imposing arbitrary burdens on residents. The government’s position is that a modern state cannot depend solely on federal allocations if it wants to sustain ambitious investments in infrastructure and public services.

More importantly, the government points to what it says residents are getting in return for the revenue being generated.

That is where the “No Tax” campaign becomes politically complicated for the opposition. Since the debate is reduced to taxation alone, Mbah has redirected it to a broader question: if taxes are abolished or substantially reduced, how would an incoming administration fund the roads, schools, healthcare facilities, agricultural programmes and other projects voters have come to expect?

The opposition has so far failed to explain in concrete terms how it would replace the revenue without compromising the projects and services residents demand.

Mbah, on the other hand, is putting up the argument about performance.

Advertisement

He is not necessarily asking voters to imagine what he intends to do. He is asking them to look around and judge what his administration has already done.

That places the opposition in a difficult position. Attacking projects that are visible to voters carries the same risk the journalist identified years ago during the Sullivan Chime era: criticism can become counterproductive when the people being persuaded can see the projects for themselves.

The real test for the opposition in 2027, therefore, may not be how loudly it says “No Tax”, but whether it can present a compelling alternative to the government’s broader development agenda.

In politics, slogans can attract attention. But when voters begin comparing records, plans and results, slogans alone may not be enough.

Mbah’s defection from the PDP to the APC was arguably the biggest political development in Enugu since the 2023 election. The move brought significant political actors and structures with him and ended the PDP’s long-standing dominance of the state.

Advertisement

That gives Mbah something that challengers cannot easily replicate: access to both the state political structure and the governing party at the federal level.

The 2027 contest will not be fought entirely on Enugu issues. The relationship between the state government and the Federal Government could become an important campaign argument.

Mbah’s supporters can present the APC alignment as an opportunity for Enugu to have a stronger relationship with Abuja and attract more federal attention and resources.

There are already signs of a coordinated Tinubu-Mbah political structure. Enugu East stakeholders endorsed both men in June 2026 and announced a ₦300 million contribution towards Mbah’s re-election campaign.

Mbah also appears to be building support across the senatorial zones.

Advertisement

Perhaps more significant than individual endorsements is the geographical spread of the support being reported. Political stakeholders in Enugu West have also endorsed Mbah for a second term and backed his nomination bid.

With the governor maintaining broad support across Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu West, he is in a considerably stronger position than a candidate whose support is concentrated in one political bloc.

More so, a disjointed opposition could ultimately be more advantageous to Mbah than even his own strengths.

The 2023 election demonstrated how competitive Enugu politics can become when opposition votes consolidate. Mbah won by a relatively narrow margin over Labour Party’s Chijioke Edeoga, with the final figures putting Mbah at about 45 per cent and Edeoga at about 44 per cent.

But the current political landscape appears different. The opposition is facing internal divisions and competing political interests, while Mbah has been consolidating his own structure.

Advertisement

Politics in Enugu has traditionally been heavily influenced by party structures, political networks and zoning. But Mbah appears determined to make performance the central argument for his second term.

That strategy is potentially powerful because voters can evaluate roads, schools, hospitals, agricultural programmes, urban projects and other government interventions rather than simply listening to campaign promises.

The more projects that are completed before 2027, the more difficult it becomes for an opponent to campaign.

Mbah appears to have the advantage. He has incumbency, a growing political structure, the backing of the APC machinery and a record of projects that stands out across the country.

If the current political circumstances persist, the 2027 governorship election could see Peter Mbah entering the contest not merely as the incumbent, but as the clear favourite for a second term.

Advertisement

He may, indeed, be heading for what could be described as a relatively smooth ride to another four years in Government House.

By Emma Igwe
Competence, Mobilisation and Political Networking Put Ebonyi’s Former Governor at the Heart of the 2027 Presidential Campaign
The appointment of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, as Deputy Director-General in charge of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council is more than a political honour. It is a recognition of the strategic value that his experience, organisational ability, political network and capacity for grassroots mobilisation can bring to the campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For Umahi, the assignment places him at a critical intersection between infrastructure, political communication and electoral mobilisation. These are three areas that could significantly shape the APC’s efforts as the country moves towards the 2027 presidential election.
His greatest asset may not simply be the office he occupies as Minister of Works, but the network he has built over decades in Nigerian politics.
As a former governor of Ebonyi State, former senator and now a federal minister responsible for one of the most visible sectors of government, Umahi has interacted with political leaders, traditional rulers, contractors, professional groups, community leaders and ordinary citizens across different parts of the country.
That network could become an important instrument for the APC presidential campaign.
A MOBILISER WITH GRASSROOTS EXPERIENCE
Successful presidential campaigns are rarely won through media appearances alone. They require structures capable of translating national political messages into local conversations.
This is where Umahi’s political experience becomes particularly relevant.
He understands the dynamics of grassroots politics, particularly in the South-East, where political mobilisation requires sustained engagement with communities, traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations, professional associations and other stakeholders.
His experience in Ebonyi politics has given him an understanding of how political structures are built from the ward level upwards.
As Deputy Director-General for Mobilisation and Sensitisation, he will therefore have an opportunity to deploy that experience beyond Ebonyi and the South-East.
The assignment requires someone capable of moving between the political leadership and the grassroots. Umahi’s career places him in a strong position to perform that bridge-building role.
HIS INFRASTRUCTURE PORTFOLIO GIVES HIM A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
Perhaps the most interesting dimension of his new assignment is the combination of Infrastructure with Mobilisation and Sensitisation.
Infrastructure is one of the most tangible ways citizens experience government.
Roads, bridges, federal highways and other public works are not abstract political promises. They affect transportation, commerce, agriculture, employment and the daily movement of Nigerians.
As Works Minister, Umahi is positioned to communicate the administration’s infrastructure agenda directly to the people.
His campaign responsibility could therefore involve explaining not merely what the administration intends to do, but what it has done, what is ongoing and how those interventions are expected to affect different regions and communities.
This could give the APC campaign a powerful narrative: connecting government infrastructure policies with the everyday experiences of citizens.
THE SOUTH-EAST DIMENSION
Umahi’s role could be particularly significant in the South-East.
The region has historically been a difficult political terrain for the APC at the presidential level. Any serious attempt to expand the party’s electoral footprint there requires more than conventional campaign rallies.
It requires credible interlocutors, sustained engagement and political figures who understand the region’s complex political and socio-cultural environment.
Umahi’s presence within the presidential campaign structure gives the APC one of its most experienced political actors from the South-East a prominent role in that engagement.
His ability to interact with political stakeholders across party and regional lines could become an important asset as the APC seeks to consolidate its support and persuade undecided voters.
NETWORKING: THE POWER BEHIND THE ASSIGNMENT
Politics is ultimately about people.
A campaign may have money, media visibility and sophisticated communication strategies, but electoral success still depends heavily on relationships and organisation.
Umahi’s political network extends beyond his immediate constituency. His years in public service have placed him in contact with governors, legislators, ministers, businessmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and political organisers.
The challenge before him will be to transform that network into an effective campaign infrastructure.
If properly coordinated, his assignment could help the APC strengthen communication between the national campaign structure and political actors at the state, local government, ward and community levels.
FROM PROJECT DELIVERY TO POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
There is also a symbolic dimension to the appointment.
Umahi’s career has increasingly been associated with infrastructure and project delivery. His movement from state-level leadership into the federal Works Ministry has placed him at the centre of some of the country’s most consequential infrastructure discussions.
Now, that technical and administrative experience is being incorporated into the political campaign.
The message is significant: infrastructure is not only a development issue; it is also part of the political conversation.
The APC will need to convince Nigerians that its development agenda under President Tinubu is producing measurable results. Umahi, given his portfolio and public profile, can become one of the campaign’s key voices in presenting that argument.
THE BIGGER CHALLENGE
But a major appointment also comes with a major responsibility.
Umahi’s reputation for political organisation will now be tested on a national scale. The 2027 election will require the APC to coordinate its national message while simultaneously addressing the different concerns of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He will have to help build bridges between the party’s national leadership and grassroots structures, communicate the administration’s achievements effectively, respond to criticisms and help mobilise support across constituencies.
The task is therefore considerably bigger than attending campaign events.
It is about building confidence, expanding political networks and converting political goodwill into an organised electoral structure.
A STRATEGIC ROLE FOR A STRATEGIC CAMPAIGN
President Tinubu’s re-election bid will inevitably be fought on several fronts: performance, economy, security, infrastructure, regional representation, political organisation and public perception.
Umahi’s new responsibility places him directly within one of the most important components of that contest—mobilisation.
His organisational capacity, grassroots experience, infrastructure portfolio and extensive political relationships could make him a significant asset to the APC presidential campaign.
For a politician who has moved from the grassroots to the Senate, from the Ebonyi State Government House to the federal cabinet, and now into a senior position within the presidential campaign structure, the new assignment represents another stage in an evolving political career.
The road to 2027 will undoubtedly be challenging.
But with Umahi occupying a strategic position responsible for infrastructure, mobilisation and sensitisation, the APC has placed one of its experienced political organisers at a crucial point in the machinery of its presidential campaign.
It is a big job—and an even bigger responsibility. But if his political network, organisational ability and grassroots mobilisation capacity are effectively deployed, David Umahi could become one of the important strategic figures helping to shape the APC’s pathway to victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The people of Awkunanaw clan comprising 22 autonomous communities that span Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu state declared their total support for the governorship ambition of their son, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who is the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, 2027 governorship candidate for Enugu state.

The elders and thousands of the people of these 22 communities namely, Omuoha, Amechi Obuoffia, Ndi Uno Obuoffia, Amangwu, Ndi Agu Obuoffia, Amegu Akegbe, Attakwu, Obeaghu, Akegbe Ugwu(Okwuo) Umuatugbuoma, Umueze, Amechi Uwani, Amechi Uno, Amechi, Ugwuaji, Obegu Ugwuaji, Akwuke, Akwuke Uwani, Amodu Okowo, Okpebe, Obeagu, and Obeagu Uno gathered in their ancestral home, Ihuani Okunano at Ndi Uno Obuoffia where they prayed and gave the traditional ‘Ofo’ to Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, endorsing him, and expressing their total support, for his 2027 governorship ambition.

The elders led by the oldest man in the clan, the 104 years-old Chief Emmanuel Agwa Onovo from Akegbe Ugwu (Okwuo), extolled the public life and philantropy of Sir Chinyeaka, and prayed that God and the good people of Enugu State would vote for his victory in the 2027 governorship election. They recalled the hundreds of people of Awkunanaw clan and beyond who have been lifted by his philantropy, and how he single-handedly built the magnificient Akpasha town hall, the meeting venue of the Awkunanaw clan.

“The significance of the event,” according to the eldest man in the clan who presided over the ceremony, “is that the ‘Ofo’ provides a spiritual shield, acting as a direct link to the ancestors and God, serving as spiritual licence that justifies the warrior’s cause”

Chief Mark Ngene, a 98 year old former Director in Enugu state Local Government System, and a leading voice in Awkunanaw Clan, said, “Sir Chinyeaka’s public service record presents him as the people’s warrior and a trusted son of Igbo land who, as he goes to battle, is, today, the 19th day of August, 2026, presented with an ‘Ofo’ staff which serves as a sacred act of spiritual arming, devine endorsement rooted in a ]covenant of truth and an impending overwhelming victory in the 2027 governorship election”

Speaking after recieving the ‘Ofo,’ Sir Chinyeaka thanked the elders, the Awkunanaw people, NDC candidates and supporters, who graced the occassion. He said, “What you just witnessed, today, the 19th day of August 2026, marking the commencement of electioneering campaign for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, is the gifting of the victory baton, traditionally called, ‘Ofo,’ in Igbo land, given to my humble self by the Awkunanaw clan, led by the Council of Elders, the traditional ‘Ofo’ custodians, ‘aka ji ‘Ofo,’ of the 22 autonomous communities of the clan.
‘Ofo’ is imbued with authority over adversaries and enables the holder to triumph over obstacles and or challenges. I recall that on this ground where I am standing, stood His Excellency Jim Nwobodo in 1979 during the build-up to the then Anambra State governorship election, and recieved this same sacred ‘Ofo’ from the elders of Awkunanaw clan. He, subsequently, won the governorship election. Similarly, in 2005, on this same spot, this same ‘Ofo’ was given to Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani when he contested the position of the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he, too, won.”

Concluding, he said, “With this ‘Ofo,’ I am now fully prepared to go for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu state and win seamlessly to the glory of God.”

Advertisement

Several NDC chieftains and candidates in the 2027 election attended the ceremony. They included the deputy governorship candidate, Chief Frank Omeje, Enugu West Senatorial candidate, Chief Chinedu Ene. Others were House of Representatives candidates: Awgu/Aninri/Oji River, Dr. John Nwokeabia, Nsukka/Igboeze South, Dr. Hilary Onyishi (Ikemba), Nkanu West/Nkanu East, Hon. El shaddai Chinemerem Ike, Igbo Etiti/Uzouwani, Barr. Fide Ani. House of Assembly candidate for Enugu South Urban constituency, Mrs Ngozi Agbo, was also present.

Other NDC Chieftains present were Barr. Emeka Okeke, former Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Kentus Eze, former SPA to Governor Ugwuanyi, Chief Emeka Madu, former member Enugu state House of Assembly, Chief Hycinth Ngwu, former APC Chieftain and Director, FAAN, Dr Vincent Obeta, former MD NEWMAP, Dr. Anthony Okenwa-Ani, former Chairman, Nkanu Local Government, and a host of others.

Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, popularly known by his traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, political leader, community mobiliser, philanthropist and development advocate seeking to represent the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

His journey from entrepreneurship and community service to political leadership has been shaped by a commitment to enterprise, grassroots development, human capital and a firm belief that effective representation must translate into tangible opportunities for the people.

Hon. Chukwu hails from Enyim Agalagu, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was born into the distinguished family of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, a respected entrepreneur and founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.

Growing up under a father whose life reflected discipline, enterprise, hard work and responsibility had a profound influence on him. From an early age, he learnt that success carries an obligation to society and that leadership is ultimately measured by the positive difference a person makes in the lives of others.

His family background also exposed him to the diversity of Nigeria. With maternal roots in Northern Nigeria and significant relationships across different parts of the country, he developed an appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse cultures, traditions and communities.

Advertisement

That national exposure, however, has never weakened his connection to his ancestral home. He has remained deeply rooted in Ikwo and maintains strong relationships with youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Education and Preparation for Public Leadership

Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu holds a degree in Political Science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

His interest in democratic governance, elections and legislative institutions led him to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Elections and Party Politics.

He is also commencing a PhD programme at NILDS, further deepening his academic engagement with democratic institutions, elections, legislative governance and public leadership.

His academic training complements years of practical experience in business, political organisation, community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.

Advertisement

For Chukwu, politics is not simply about occupying public office. It is about understanding the institutions of government and using them effectively to deliver meaningful development.

Entrepreneurship and Private-Sector Leadership

As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lykombop Nigeria Limited, Hon. Chukwu has been involved in infrastructure, transportation, technology, energy, investment facilitation and strategic development partnerships.

His entrepreneurial outlook is centred on identifying opportunities that can create jobs, attract investment, open markets and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.

One of his notable technology initiatives is the Made in Nigeria Mobile App (MIN), conceived as a digital ecosystem designed to connect Nigerian manufacturers, producers, entrepreneurs and service providers with consumers and markets.

The initiative reflects his broader advocacy for local content, indigenous enterprise, digital inclusion, industrialisation and job creation.

Advertisement

His belief is straightforward: Nigeria must strengthen its capacity to produce, promote and consume Nigerian-made goods while creating an environment in which local businesses can grow.

Championing Technology and Sustainable Transportation

Chukwu’s development interests extend beyond conventional business into emerging technologies and sustainable transportation.

As Coordinator of the Electric Vehicles for Africa (EWEVA) initiative, he has promoted conversations around electric and alternative-energy transportation, charging infrastructure, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.

His engagements in this area have broadened his network across Africa and internationally while reinforcing his belief that African countries should not remain passive consumers of emerging technologies.

He advocates greater African participation in the industries, skills, infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the continent’s economic future.

Advertisement

Grassroots Development and Human Empowerment

For Hon. Chukwu, development begins with people.

Through the Ochiri Ozua Youth Foundation and various personal interventions, he has supported initiatives involving youth development, education, mentorship, economic empowerment and community advancement.

His approach to community leadership is based on accessibility. Despite his exposure to business, political and international circles, he remains comfortable engaging directly with ordinary citizens, community elders, young people and grassroots stakeholders.

Those who know him describe him as sociable, approachable and willing to interact freely with people regardless of their social standing.

He believes that leaders lose touch with their responsibilities when they become disconnected from the people they seek to serve.

Advertisement

From Community Engagement to Politics

Hon. Chukwu’s political journey evolved from years of community involvement, political participation and advocacy for development.

His experiences have given him exposure to party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, electoral competition, political negotiation and the complexities of democratic representation.

Over time, he became convinced that sustainable change requires not only private-sector initiatives and community interventions but also effective participation in the institutions where laws, budgets and national priorities are determined.

That conviction informed his decision to seek election to the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.

Following consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women and supporters, he emerged as the NDC candidate for the constituency after a competitive primary process.

Advertisement

For him, the nomination is not the destination. It is an opportunity to build a wider movement around effective representation, accountability and constituency development.

A Vision for Ezza South and Ikwo

At the centre of Chukwu’s political proposition is the belief that representation must go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly.

He believes an effective representative must understand the legislative process, contribute meaningfully to lawmaking and oversight, attract opportunities and interventions to the constituency, and remain accessible to the people throughout the tenure.

His development priorities include:

• Education and human-capital development;
• Youth and women empowerment;
• Agriculture and agro-processing;
• Healthcare;
• Infrastructure development;
• Technology and digital inclusion;
• Entrepreneurship and employment creation;
• Community security; and
• Greater economic opportunities for families and businesses.

He places particular emphasis on young people, whom he regards as the constituency’s greatest long-term asset.

His vision is to equip young people with education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurial opportunities and access to networks that can enable them to compete across Nigeria and internationally.

Advertisement

He also sees enormous potential in the agricultural strength of Ezza South and Ikwo. According to this vision, agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence production through better processing, storage, market access, infrastructure and investment.

Building Bridges Between Government and Enterprise

Chukwu’s private-sector experience has shaped his belief that government cannot solve every developmental challenge alone.

He argues that effective representation should create bridges between government institutions, communities, businesses, investors and development organisations.

Such partnerships, he believes, can unlock opportunities that may not be available through government funding alone.

His objective is therefore to position Ezza South and Ikwo to benefit from government programmes, private investment, technology, development partnerships and emerging economic opportunities.

Advertisement

A Bridge Across Communities and Generations

One of Chukwu’s defining characteristics is his ability to operate across different social, cultural and professional environments.

His roots are firmly established in Ikwo, while his maternal heritage and national exposure have given him relationships across different parts of Nigeria.

His business engagements have also connected him to national and international networks, while his grassroots activities have kept him closely connected to the communities he seeks to represent.

These experiences have shaped a worldview that is local in commitment but national in outlook.

He sees Ezza South and Ikwo as communities that should be connected to opportunities across Nigeria and the wider global economy.

Advertisement

The Man Behind the Public Profile

Away from politics and business, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu is a family man, husband and father.

He values friendship, loyalty, compassion and respect for people irrespective of their social standing.

His traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is an important part of his public identity and relationship with the grassroots. To him, traditional recognition is not merely a privilege but a responsibility to remain accessible, protect community interests and use one’s influence for the advancement of others.

His faith in God also remains central to his personal philosophy, with his journey in enterprise, community leadership and public service shaped by perseverance, divine grace and the support of people who have believed in him.

A New Proposition for Representation

As he seeks the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu presents himself as more than a politician seeking office.

Advertisement

He brings to the contest a combination of entrepreneurial experience, academic preparation, grassroots engagement, community leadership and national and international networks.

His message is built around a simple proposition:

Representation must be visible.
Representation must be accessible.
Representation must attract opportunities.
Representation must produce measurable results.

He believes that elected representatives must remain connected to the communities that gave them their mandate and must continually demonstrate the value of that mandate through action.

For Ezza South and Ikwo, his aspiration is to build a constituency where the people have a stronger voice in Abuja, young people have clearer pathways to opportunity, communities attract meaningful development, and elected leadership remains accountable to the people.

Advertisement

Guided by the values of hard work, courage, integrity, compassion, enterprise, loyalty and service, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, seeks to bring his experience and networks to the service of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and, ultimately, to the service of Nigeria.

His Philosophy

“Leadership is a sacred trust. Its true measure is not the position a person occupies, but the opportunities created, the lives improved and the legacy left for generations yet unborn.”