Enugu APC Elects 17 Candidates for Sept. 26 LG Polls, Issues Certificates of Return

The All Progressives Congress in Enugu State has elected 17 candidates to fly its flag in the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 26, 2026, as announced by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission.

The exercise produced all 17 flag bearers, with 12 serving local government chairmen securing return tickets through the party primaries held across the state.

Among those returned are Jude Asogwa (Nsukka), Caleb Ani (Enugu South), Ugo Ukwueze (Igboeze South), Ibenaku Onoh (Enugu North), Ugochukwu Nwanjoku (Aninri) and Greg Anyaegbudike (Oji River).

Others include Chijioke Ezugwu (Uzo Uwani), Hyginus Agu (Udi), Uche Okoro (Awgu), Belove-Dan Anike (Enugu East), John Ogbodo (Nkanu West) and Vitalis Ndu (Ezeagu).

Mr Obiora Obeagu (Isi-Uzo) and Sydney Edeh (Nkanu East), who completed their two-term constitutional limit, were replaced by Brendan Ani and Mike Ogbuekwe respectively, while three incumbents — Eric Odo (Igbo-Etiti), Aka Eze (Udenu) and Uche Ogalla (Igboeze North) — failed to return.

They were replaced by Martin Ugwu (Igbo-Etiti), Ikechukwu Ezeoha (Udenu) and Dr Chris Onyekachi (Igboeze North).

Presenting Certificates of Return on Wednesday at the APC State Secretariat in Enugu, the State Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, described the primaries as peaceful and successful.

“We are happy that it went seamlessly. Everything happened smoothly in all the local governments. We never had any serious issues and all the results have been returned,” he said.

Chukwunweike said the candidates emerged through direct primaries conducted at council headquarters across the state.

“What we are doing here today is to give you what you call a Certificate of Return, having been elected as the candidates for APC in the upcoming local government election,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in the September 26 polls.

“I believe that we will still do as usual and sweep the polls come September this year. I say congratulations to all those who have emerged and who are now to carry our flag,” he said.

The APC chairman urged the candidates to demonstrate good leadership and replicate developmental strides at the grassroots level, noting that they should emulate the achievements of the state governor.

“What you need to do is to go and replicate what our governor is doing in the state. His Excellency, Peter Mbah, has actually done most of the campaign for us,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the candidates, the Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Enugu State, Mr Uchenna Okolo, expressed appreciation to the party leadership and the governor for what he described as a transparent process.

“We tender our unreserved gratitude to our performing governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his resilience and for finding us worthy to continue to render service to our dear state,” he said.

Okolo, who is also Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, commended party members across the 17 councils for their peaceful conduct during the primaries and pledged continued alignment with the state’s development agenda.