Ohanaeze Ndigbo Backs Tinubu, Mbah for Second Term

The Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing their administrations’ economic and infrastructure strides.

The endorsement was announced in a communiqué issued at a grand reception and rally held in honour of Mbah at Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday. The event drew political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from across the South-East and parts of the South-South.

According to the group, its decision followed a review of policies and projects implemented by both the Federal Government and the Enugu State administration. It highlighted ongoing economic reforms, road construction, urban renewal and investments aimed at boosting productivity and attracting private capital to the region.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it was satisfied with the pace of governance in Enugu State, expressing confidence that continuity under Mbah would consolidate existing gains and accelerate development. It added that sustained policy direction was critical to positioning Enugu as a competitive economic hub.

Speaking on behalf of the President-General of the organisation, John Azuta-Mbata, the Rivers State chairman, Livingston Wechie, described Mbah’s administration as a benchmark for governance in the South-East. He urged the governor not to relent in delivering infrastructure and economic reforms.

Wechie also appealed to the governor to mobilise leaders across the South-East to engage the Federal Government on issues affecting the region, including the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose case remains a subject of political and legal debate.

Responding, Mbah described the endorsement as a vote of confidence in his administration, pledging to intensify efforts to deliver democratic dividends. He said his government would continue to prioritise infrastructure, economic expansion, job creation and improved public services.

The governor also cautioned residents against what he termed “politics of deception,” urging them to critically assess campaign promises as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Several local government chairmen who spoke at the event aligned with the endorsement, describing it as merited. Ferdinand Ukwueze (Igboeze South), Chijioke Ezeugwu (Uzo Uwani), Jude Asogwa (Nsukka) and Aka Eze Aka (Udenu) commended the governor’s performance, pointing to improvements in governance, service delivery and development planning across their respective areas.

They maintained that the administration’s policies had begun to yield measurable outcomes, particularly in infrastructure and institutional reforms, which they said have redefined governance standards in the state.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the traditional Igbo symbol of authority, the Ofo, to the governor by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Political endorsements by socio-cultural organisations are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s pre-election landscape, often signalling regional alignments and shaping early momentum ahead of party primaries and campaigns.