AS ENUGU STATE APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FLAGS OFF ITS 2027 CAMPAIGN IN NSUKKA: A STRATEGIC HOMECOMING AND A STATEMENT OF POLITICAL RELEVANCE
By Samson Ezea
Political decisions are rarely made in a vacuum. They are often informed by history, prevailing realities, strategic calculations and the need to consolidate existing political relationships.
Against this backdrop, the decision of the Enugu State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to officially flag off its 2027 electioneering campaign in Nsukka Township Stadium on November 4 is not only strategic, but also symbolic, significant and politically instructive.
The choice of Nsukka goes beyond the mere selection of a venue. It represents political recognition, inclusion and an unmistakable acknowledgment of the importance of Enugu North Senatorial District to the political fortunes of the APC and the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
If my memory serves me right, this appears to be the first time since 1999 that a ruling party in Enugu State will be flagging off its electioneering campaign in Nsukka.
Traditionally, such high-profile political events have taken place at the iconic Okpara Square in Enugu. Therefore, the decision to take this year’s campaign flag-off to Nsukka is a remarkable departure from established practice and a clear demonstration of the strategic importance attached to the district.
To understand the significance of this development, it is important to revisit the political dynamics of the 2023 general elections.
In 2023, Enugu North Senatorial District became a major battleground between the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition Labour Party. The political atmosphere was characterised by strong opposition to the PDP-led government at the time.
Interestingly, a significant proportion of those who stood in opposition to the PDP in Enugu North during the 2023 elections have today aligned with the APC under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Their political realignment is informed, among other considerations, by the administration’s performance, the result-oriented reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the strategic partnership between the Enugu State Government and the APC-led Federal Government.
This evolving political reality has significantly reshaped the political landscape of Enugu State. It is obvious that Enugu North, just like the other two senatorial districts of Enugu West and Enugu East, occupies a very important position in the political calculations and development agenda of the APC-led governments at both the federal and state levels. The decision to flag off the 2027 campaign in Nsukka is a reflection of this recognition.
Beyond the political symbolism, today’s campaign flag-off can rightly be described as a homecoming for Governor Mbah.
Some months ago, the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District, at a well-attended mega endorsement rally organised by the people of the zone, unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for second terms in office.
Interestingly, that historic endorsement took place at the same Nsukka Township Stadium where the APC Campaign Council is returning today to officially flag off its 2027 electioneering campaign.
Thus, today’s event is more than a campaign flag-off. It is a symbolic return to a people who had earlier demonstrated their confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah through a collective endorsement.
It is an opportunity to consolidate that relationship, strengthen political bonds and renew the commitment to a shared development agenda.
Some political naysayers and social media traducers may question why the people of Enugu North Senatorial District should massively support the APC in the 2027 general elections. However, beyond political sentiments, partisan propaganda and attempts to undermine the achievements of the present administrations, there are compelling, verifiable and tangible reasons the people should carefully consider the benefits of continuity.
Without doubt, Enugu North Senatorial District has experienced an unprecedented level of attention, infrastructural investment and developmental interventions under the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Regardless of differing opinions or attempts to downplay these achievements, the facts on the ground provide compelling evidence of the progress being made.
Recently, while travelling to my hometown, Aku, in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, I was advised to use the ongoing dualised Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka–Makurdi road.
Remarkably, the journey from Enugu to Ogbede Junction, which ordinarily took over an hour before the road became almost inaccessible and impassable for years, took just about 30 minutes.
That experience speaks volumes about the quality, pace and progress of work on the road. It is a practical demonstration of how infrastructure development can transform mobility, reduce travel time and stimulate economic activities.
The same remarkable transformation is evident on the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway and the Old Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka road.
Not too long ago, several of these federal highways were in deplorable conditions, with frustratingly slow construction progress and significant difficulties for commuters.
Today, considerable improvements are being recorded, making transportation faster, safer and more convenient.
Such infrastructural interventions deserve commendation. They reflect deliberate efforts and strategic collaboration among key stakeholders, including President Tinubu, Governor Mbah, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and other political leaders from Enugu State.
This partnership is producing results that are increasingly visible across the state.
Historically, Enugu State has not enjoyed this level of federal presence and infrastructural investment, even during periods of relative economic prosperity.
The present administration has significantly changed that narrative.
Even if some argue that the Old Ninth Mile–Udi–Opi–Nsukka Junction road and the new Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka–Makurdi Expressway are being financed by MTN and a Chinese company, respectively, that does not diminish the importance of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that these projects receive the necessary attention, coordination and implementation momentum.
Indeed, the seriousness and commitment with which these projects are being pursued under President Tinubu’s administration are worthy of recognition.
At the state level, Governor Mbah’s administration has equally initiated and executed several strategic, people-oriented projects across Enugu North Senatorial District.
One of the most significant is the ongoing dualisation of the Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka road, a major gateway connecting Enugu metropolis to Nsukka. Upon completion, the project will significantly improve transportation, stimulate commercial activities, enhance property values and reduce the daily stress experienced by commuters.
Beyond these immediate benefits, the road will promote urban expansion and strengthen the economic relationship between Enugu and Nsukka. It will also make it easier for people who work in Enugu to reside in Nsukka and commute conveniently.
In the education and healthcare sectors, Governor Mbah’s administration has embarked on the construction of 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 102 electoral wards of Enugu North Senatorial District.
These projects represent a significant investment in human capital development, improved access to quality education and the delivery of primary healthcare services at the grassroots.
Another landmark achievement is the nearing completion and equipping of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Teaching Hospital at Igbo-Eno.
With the teaching hospital operational, residents of Enugu North and neighbouring communities have improved access to specialised medical services without necessarily travelling to distant institutions such as ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, or the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) for certain categories of medical care. This is a significant milestone in the healthcare development of the zone.
In the education sector, another longstanding aspiration of the Nsukka people was realised with the appointment of an Nsukka indigene, Professor Simon Ortuanya, as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, after more than six decades.
The development, facilitated through the combined efforts of Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other relevant leaders, represents an important moment of inclusion, recognition and historical significance for the people of Nsukka.
In addressing the challenges of urbanisation and transportation, the reconstruction and transformation of Ogige Nsukka Market into a modern transport terminal have brought significant relief to the perennial traffic congestion that previously characterised the area.
Similar modern transport terminals have been developed in Abakpa, Holy Ghost and Gariki, with CNG-powered buses providing affordable and efficient transportation services to residents.
Admittedly, the urban renewal process required the removal of certain structures and affected some individuals. However, such interventions must be considered within the broader context of urban planning, public convenience and sustainable development.
Development sometimes requires difficult adjustments. While the concerns of affected individuals deserve consideration, the broader public interest must also be protected. Where policies are properly implemented and the collective benefits outweigh the temporary inconveniences, they represent necessary steps towards building a more organised, functional and progressive society.
Attempts by some individuals to politicise these developmental interventions, particularly by portraying them as deliberate actions targeted against particular people, are misleading and opportunistic.
The truth is that these transformations are part of a broader statewide development agenda designed to reposition Enugu State for sustainable growth.
The people of Enugu North are politically conscious, discerning and sufficiently enlightened to distinguish between genuine development concerns and narratives driven by partisan interests.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the people of Enugu North Senatorial District must be strategic, courageous and forward-thinking in their political decisions.
Elections are not merely about party affiliations, sentiments or temporary political excitement. They are about leadership, performance, opportunities, representation and the future of the people.
President Tinubu and Governor Mbah have demonstrated a capacity for governance, commitment to development and willingness to work together for the benefit of Enugu State and its people.
Their administrations have brought renewed attention to infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, economic reforms and institutional development.
These are tangible areas of progress that should form part of the people’s assessment of political leadership.
The experiences of the 2023 general elections also offer important lessons. Political choices have consequences, and the decisions made at the ballot box can either consolidate existing gains or create setbacks in the development journey of a people.
Enugu North people should avoid being carried away by political sentiments, divisive narratives and the temporary excitement of opposition politics.
The people must objectively evaluate the present realities and make decisions that advance their collective interests.
As the popular saying goes, a bird in hand is worth more than a thousand in the bush.
Supporting and voting massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Senator Ikeje Asogwa and all APC candidates in Enugu State is not merely a partisan political gesture. It is a deliberate investment in continuity, stability, effective representation and sustained development.
The future political relevance, bargaining power and developmental trajectory of Enugu North Senatorial District beyond 2027 will depend, to a considerable extent, on the political choices the people make today.
Today’s APC campaign flag-off in Nsukka carries a message that goes beyond electioneering. It is a statement of political recognition, inclusion, confidence and strategic partnership.
It demonstrates that Enugu North is no longer on the margins of the political calculations of the ruling party in the state. It is an important stakeholder in the emerging political and developmental direction of Enugu State.
For Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, it is a symbolic homecoming to a people who had earlier endorsed his second-term ambition. For President Tinubu, it is another opportunity to consolidate the political relationship between the Federal Government and the people of Enugu State.
For the APC, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that its political strength in Enugu is built on expanding partnerships, inclusive governance and the collective aspirations of the people.
The message to Enugu North people is simple: political relevance must translate into developmental benefits, and developmental benefits must be protected through informed political choices.
The time has come for the people of Enugu North Senatorial District to speak with one voice, demonstrate political maturity and consolidate the gains of the present administrations.
Let us put aside unnecessary divisions, reject politically motivated distractions and rally behind the leadership that has demonstrated the capacity and commitment to move Enugu State forward.
As the APC officially begins its 2027 journey in Nsukka today, the people must understand the significance of the moment.
Nsukka is not just hosting the APC campaign flag-off; Nsukka is at the centre of a renewed political partnership and a shared vision for the future of Enugu State.
Ezea, Director Media To Senator Ikeje Asogwa is also Deputy Director, Public Communication, Enugu State APC Campaign Council
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
