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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Nkanu West State Constituency, Ifeanyi Nnamani, has said that Governor Peter Mbah has no formidable challenger ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
Nnamani, who spoke during an interaction with journalists in Enugu, dismissed the political strength of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, saying he lacked the intellectual capacity and leadership credentials to challenge Mbah.
He said the governor had demonstrated sufficient preparedness for leadership through what he described as reforms and development projects across the state.
“Leadership is not child’s play; it requires trust, integrity, and someone who is above board. Mbah has shown over the period of years that he came prepared,” Nnamani said.
Nnamani, who is from Amakpu Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area, the same council area as Nnaji, said those seeking to challenge the governor must first demonstrate that they could offer something better. He pointed to the construction of Type-2 primary healthcare centres across the state, the Smart Green Schools initiative, and improvements in security as some of the achievements of the Mbah administration.
“Enugu is being rated as one of the safest states in the country,” he said. “You cannot afford to change a winning team; anybody gearing up to contest against him should be above him, not below him.”
The aspirant also faulted Nnaji’s political activities, arguing that campaigns for elective office should be centred on policies and programmes capable of addressing the challenges confronting the people.
He alleged that some opposition figures in the state were distracted by personal controversies and legal issues, making it difficult for them to present a credible alternative to the electorate.
He recalled that Nkanu had produced prominent political leaders, including former Governor Jim Nwobodo, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, adding that Mbah has continued the tradition of producing leaders with the capacity to drive development in the state.
On his ambition to represent Nkanu West in the State House of Assembly, Nnamani said his agenda would focus on social intervention, healthcare, agriculture, and education. He explained that, although legislators do not directly execute most government projects, they could influence development through effective advocacy, collaboration with the executive, and attracting external resources.
“As a legislator, you have two different tools to get your agenda to come to pass: lobbying and negotiation, and sourcing funds from external avenues,” he said.
Nnamani, who described himself as an international businessman and philanthropist in the mining sector, also pledged to complement government efforts with his personal resources where necessary.
“The driving force is first, passion,” he said. “I know the real concerns of my people, the common people, and I believe that if I can have a chance to represent them, I can push those concerns to a conclusion.”
He expressed optimism that a strong working relationship between the legislature and Mbah administration would accelerate development at the grassroots and improve the welfare of residents of Nkanu West.
