By Our Correspondent

In a bid to actualize the second term ambition of governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of the Governor in 2027.

The supporters who surged in at the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

By Our Correspondent

Ahead of 2027 election, a group under the aegis of Peter Obi Our President (PETOOP), has thrown their weight behind Obi, urging the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone 2027 presidential ticket to the southern geopolitical zone.

PETOOP advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop his desperate bid at all costs. Saying, “from 1960 to date, the North has ruled Nigeria more times than the South. The South has the greater claim to produce the next president.”

The group further said ADC must allow it’s presidential flagbearer to come from the South of Nigeria. “Failure to do so is tantamount to gifting the ruling party APC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a smooth victory in 2027.

National Converner of PETOOP, Magnus Oraka made the declaration on Saturday at the NUJ secretary while speaking to newsmen.

Oraka stated that democracy and governance has become”comic theatre” believe Peter Obi is a brand if giving the opportunity lead will change the narrative taking into account his track record.

He also called on the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan to resign with immediate effect over what he described as”partisan interference in ADC affairs.”

Oraka revealed that Prof. Amupitan exposed tweet-“victory is sure” is a prove that INEC under his leadership cannot be trusted with the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

“INEC has abandoned its role as an impartial umpire and
has descended into open partisanship. We have the evidence, Oraka noted.

He opined the recent involvement of INEC in the internal party affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is condemnable. By refusing to recognize the legitimate party leadership of Senator David Mark, INEC has
overstepped its constitutional mandate.

“If Amupitan has any remaining sense of honor, he will step down today.If he refuses, President Tinubu must demonstrate statesmanship by removing him immediately.

If the President fails to act, the National Assembly must invoke its constitutional powers to restore the integrity of our electoral management body.

“A partisan INEC is the death of free elections. We will not accept a situation where the umpire wears the jersey of one team.”

Oraka vowed that if the conditions given did not work they will mobilize, and they will not rest until justice is done.

By Our Correspondent

As the 2027 general elections draw close,Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the second phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on Friday, recording a total of 3,748,704 completed registrations across the country.

The figure contained in the commission’s weekly update for week 14 of the second phase of the exercise comprises both online pre-registrations and in-person completions at designated centres nationwide, reflecting sustained public participation in the voter registration process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

A breakdown of the registrations shows that 2,259,288 Nigerians completed their registration through the online pre-registration portal, while 1,489,416 finalized their registration physically.

The commission notes that the figures are preliminary and subject to further verification.

With the conclusion of the registration phase, INEC has now shifted focus to the display of the Register of Voters for Claims and Objections, a critical stage in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.

The display exercise will take place at designated centres nationwide from 29th April to 5th May, 2026, providing an opportunity for citizens to verify their details and raise objections where necessary.

The commission urges all Nigerians who registered during the second phase to take advantage of this window to confirm the accuracy of their information and assist in identifying ineligible entries, including duplicate registrations, deceased persons and non-citizens.

The CVR exercise is being conducted in phases. The first phase commenced on 18th August 2025 and ended on 10th December 2025, while the second phase ran from 5th January 2026 to 17th April 2026.

The date for the commencement of the 3rd phase will be made public in due course.

The commission reaffirmed that maintaining a clean and credible voter register remains central to the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.