BY TOBY CHUKS
Fear of uncertainty has gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections following the plan to adopt Peter Obi as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming poll.
It was gathered that since the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour joined the ADC, the political atmosphere of Enugu State has heightened most particularly in Enugu East Senatorial District also known as Nkanu.
Reports had it that the reason for the 2027 momentum in Nkanu land is consequent upon the fact that it remains the turn of the zone to occupy the Lion Building office of the Executive Governor of the State for more four years – from 2027 – 2031.
It was learnt that the ADC momentum has sparked uncertainty for the incumbent Governor, Dr Peter Mba’s second term interest as prominent political figures across Nkanu zone are already indicating their interest to run the 2027 governorship race and oust Mba from Lion Building .
Some of the prominent figures whose names are already being linked to the 2027 race under ADC are former Minister of Power Professor Bath Nnaji, former National Assembly member Senator Gil Nnaji and Evarist Nnaji alias Odengene.
A renowned technocrat and seasoned administrator, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa who has served in various capacity both at the State and Federal levels such as former Accountant General of Enugu State and former Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Power and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) respespsctively is said to be on front gubernatorial roll.
Sir Ohaa is said to be under pressure from leading stakeholders to leave APC and cross over to ADC and join the 2027 race under ADC.
Political pundits say Ohaa who was the preferred choice for governorhip among the king makers in Enugu East in 2023 before the unexpected happened remains a top ranking quality for governorhip considering his pedigree as a technocrat and seasoned administrator who has presided over political and economic matters at the utmost levels.
The ex Permanent Secretary is said to have started receiving presure again from the kingmakers who believe that he is the most preferred choice to occupy the Lion Building in 2027.
A competent source revealed said that some sections of stakeholders in Nkanu zone who are not comfortable with APC have decided to front an alternative candidate for Lion Building under the platform of ADC and Sir Ohaa is top of the list.
Speaking on the development, an insider close to the former Accountant General who pleaded anominty said that people including chieftains of political parties, red caps chiefs, senior citizens, clergy men, businessmen and women have been coming around his boss in respect of politics.
Further checks said a section of stakeholders of Nkanu zone who is not at home with APC has already started consultation with other Senatorial District including Enugu West and Enugu North also known as Nsukka zone with a view to ensuring that interest of each zone is well protected under an ADC administration.
It was gathered that the ADC governor will serve for only one term of four years to pave the way for governorhip to move to Enugu West in 2031 while Nsukka zone is billed to be allocated the Ministerial slot of Enugu State in the Federal cabinet.
Butressing the point on the political development in Enugu State with regards to Peter Obi’s bandwagon, one of the stakeholders who has served as a Commissioner in Enugu State who also pleaded anominty as he lacked the power to speak for stakeholders confided said that a section of Nkanu stakeholders have opted to identify with ADC and front an alternative for Lion Building mainly because of Mba’s sojourn to APC which is not acceptable to the people in entire country and the Southeast geopolitical zone shouldn’t do otherwise to go against the wish of other Nigerians.
According to the ex Commissioner, “Nigerians are singing a new song with former Governor of Anambra State Mr Peter Obi ahead of 2027 general elections and we won’t be left behind, we want to be part of the bandwagon and that’s why we have decided to look at the direction of ADC”
