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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Thousands of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend poured into Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State in a show of strength, endorsing Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The rally, organised by the Ifediche Political Family, attracted a crowd estimated at over 10,000, drawn from Awgu, Oji-River and Aninri local government areas, as party faithful marched through major streets before converging at the council headquarters.
The atmosphere was charged, with chants, banners and party insignia dominating the procession, signalling what organisers described as growing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
Top APC stakeholders in the state graced the event, including the State Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike; Chairman of Oji-River LGA, Chief Greg Anyaegbudike; and founder of the Ifediche Political Family, Mazi Dr Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba.
Addressing the crowd, Dr Chukwunweike stressed what he described as a long-standing political culture in Enugu State, where sitting governors are traditionally supported to complete two terms.
He pointed to past administrations to reinforce his argument.
“Governors in Enugu State have always been given the opportunity to complete two terms. From Chimaroke Nnamani to Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the people stood by them, and we must sustain that tradition,” he said.
According to him, Governor Mbah, who assumed office in 2023, has shown enough commitment to merit similar backing, citing developments in key sectors.
“Governor Mbah deserves the same support to complete his second term ending in 2031, considering the strides his administration has made in education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure,” he added.
He commended the organisers, particularly Dr Onyirimba, for what he described as effective grassroots mobilisation, urging other party leaders to replicate the model across wards and local government areas to deepen the party’s reach.
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In his remarks, Chief Anyaegbudike applauded the Ifediche Political Family for strengthening party unity at the local level.
He said, “We appreciate the efforts of the Ifediche Political Family. Their activities have helped to foster unity within the APC in Oji-River Local Government Area.”
He also urged members to remain politically active at all levels.
“Party members across Awgu, Oji-River and Aninri must stay engaged from the polling units to the wards and local government structures if we are to achieve our goals,” he said.
Convener of the group and aspirant for the Awgu/Oji-River/Aninri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Dr Onyirimba, said the rally was part of a broader effort to galvanise support for APC candidates ahead of 2027.
“We organised this rally to galvanise support for APC candidates in the 2027 elections, including Governor Mbah and President Tinubu,” he said.
Highlighting some of the group’s interventions, Onyirimba pointed to initiatives aimed at impacting lives at the grassroots.
“We have facilitated ICT training for 300 youths at the Bridge Institute in Enugu, rehabilitated boreholes, supported healthcare facilities in Oji-River and provided agricultural inputs to farmers.
“We will continue to address the needs of our people. Our efforts so far demonstrate our commitment to service, even before holding public office,” Onyirimba said, adding that greater impact would be achieved if given the mandate.
The rally climaxed at the Oji-River Local Government Secretariat, where the Director-General of the Ifediche Political Family, Evangelist Walter Madu, charged members to remain steadfast and loyal as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
He urged sustained commitment to both the group and the APC, stressing that unity and grassroots mobilisation would be key to future electoral success.
