Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah 

By Buchi Nnaji

Reminiscing over the activities of the 2022 People's Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial primary election in Enugu State and it's eventual outcome, brings one to a logical conclusion that indeed, Enugu State is in the hands of God. A contest that was anticipated by many individuals to be ladened with inescapable rancour and violence, ended up being peaceful with virtually no misunderstanding. This wouldn't have been achieved without the tactful roles played behind the scene by the leader of the PDP in Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other prominent stakeholders.

It started gradually with media battles, between proponents of Enugu State zoning arrangement and those who were opposed to it, probably because it didn't favour their ambition at this time. The principles of zoning and it's positive and negative implications were thoroughly dissected with heated arguments that saw many facts exposed. While a school of thought insisted that there was no documentary evidence to back zoning agreement, others maintained it was a gentleman's agreement enshrined in the hearts and conscience of Enugu State citizens.

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Eventually, a document surfaced in the form of the minutes of Enugu State PDP expanded stakeholders meeting held on 7th July, 2013 during the reign of HE Sullivan Iheanacho Chime as the Executive Governor of Enugu State. According to the minutes of the meeting, the issue of zoning and power rotation was discussed and it was agreed that "the Gubernatorial ticket of the party (PDP) shall move to Enugu North Senatorial District after the tenure of Sullivan I. Chime and thereafter move to Enugu East Senatorial District with an understanding that the cycle of zoning continues in that order." Accompanying the minutes was an attendance list duly signed by the stakeholders, among whom were those who later claimed that the issue was never discussed. 

READ ALSO: Another Senator Dumps APC

After all said and done, superior argument in support of zoning finally had the day, with more than 98% of the delegates from across the state voting for Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who is from Nkanu East LGA, in Enugu East Senatorial Zone. The decision made by the delegates through their votes and on behalf of the people of Enugu State, further buttressed the indelible fact that power rotation, otherwise known as zoning, practically exist in Enugu State, and forms the basis for the inherent political peace and harmony in the state. 

The contest was tough and full of intrigues, with many qualified aspirants, of which prominent among them was Capt. Evarest Nnaji (Odengene), who is also from Nkanu East LGA. Capt. Nnaji was the closest contender for the PDP governorship ticket, but as faith may have it, Barr. Peter Mbah was favoured, while Capt. Evarest Nnaji withdrew from the race barely 24hours before the election. Another major contestant was Barr. Chijioke Edeoga from Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu East Senatorial District, whom many believed that his relationship with the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi would fetch him the anointing of the governor as his successor. 

Moreso, the former Deputy President of Nigeria Senate, Ike Ekweremadu on his own part was yet another aspirant who made significant push towards clinching the PDP guber ticket, but his ambition was dead on arrival because the existing zoning arrangement in the state did not favor him, having come from Enugu West Senatorial Zone. Rumours had it that Ekweremadu who also withdrew from the PDP guber contest at late hours, went secretly to negotiate with the national leadership of All Progressive Congress, APC for the party's guber ticket to be given to him. According to the unconfirmed rumor, all his efforts were in vain as APC had already elected Mr. Uche Nnaji as her flagberearer for the 2023 guber election.

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At the end of the PDP electioneering processes, the maturity displayed by the other sixteen aspirants as regards to Peter Mbah's victory is overwhelming and rare. Following Gov Ugwuanyi's guide, and the direction of the interests of major stakeholders in the state, some of the aspirants withdrew from the contest, while some others stepped down for Barr. Peter Mbah just before voting commenced. Those moves howbeit signifies love, cooperation and loyalty to the PDP and Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's leadership in Enugu State. The gesture did not stop there, as all the other sixteen aspirants went ahead to support and endorse the candidature of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the PDP gubernatorial flag bearer for the 2023 election in Enugu State.

In a later development, Capt. Evarest Nnaji in keeping with the truce, which according to him, he earlier had with Barr. Peter Mbah during the struggle for the PDP governorship ticket, summoned all his supporters and followers and appealed to them to accept the outcome of the PDP primary election that saw Peter Mbah emerge as the standard bearer. He directed them to henceforth, throw all their supports behind Peter Mbah and work together for the overall victory of PDP in the 2023 general election.

READ ALSO: Ebeano political structure in Enugu ‘ll not choke PDP guber candidate, Mbah in 2023 – U.S.A Igwesi

Mbah on his part demonstrated that he is a good team player and a unifier by appreciating his co-contestants for their solidarity and assuring them that when successfully elected in 2023, he would run an all-inclusive government. His actions before, during and after the primary election has left no one in doubt that the new Enugu of our dream is here; hence, his campaign slogan, "Tomorrow is here". The peaceful and ceremonious atmosphere that greeted his landslide victory at the May 25th PDP guber primary election is a clear indication that majority of Enugu State people are on the right path to enthrone quality leadership that will wipe tears from the faces of many citizens.

Looking at the intimidating profile of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, it is obvious that the people of Enugu State already have every reason to celebrate the coming of an entrepreneur; a technocrat who is poised to positively change the economic value of the state, thereby greatly improving the living standard of the people. In the nearest future, Enugu State is expected to be industrialized; this is the expectation of many citizens, owing to the fact that a successful entrepreneur is going to take over the mantle of leadership by divine grace.

Peter Mbah, having demonstrated his business acumen by establishing and growing Pinnacle Oil Ltd. to an enviable height, is expected to bring his professional and entrepreneurial skills to bear by making Enugu State an industrial hub. By so doing, a lot of job opportunities will spring up, thereby absorbing many unemployed youths. 

Other pertinent issues that the masses so much desire to be addressed by the incoming administration is that of unavailability of water supply. Water is among the basic need of man, and any government that want to be rated high in terms of performance must make frantic effort to ensure steady water supply to the people. Peter Mbah's administration is also expected to do a lot in protecting the lives and properties of citizens and residents of Enugu State, reconstruct major roads in Enugu metropolis and rural access roads, among others.

Conclusively, it is obvious that the task ahead is complex, yet, expectations are very high, and the incoming administration would need the prayers and unalloyed support of the masses to succeed in building the much desired Enugu State of our dream; all hands must be on deck!

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