In the period preceding the 2023 gubernatorial election in Enugu State, the leading candidates presented their visions to the electorate. The principal contenders, in no particular order, were Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Nnaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP), and Chief Frank Nweke of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I made a concerted effort to attend their presentations, listening attentively to their plans for the advancement of our beloved state. While each platform contained commendable and attractive proposals, only one candidate could prevail. With your indulgence, I shall set aside the programmes of the other aspirants and focus my analysis on the incumbent—Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of the PDP then, whose 62-page manifesto promised to build “a peaceful and secure, highly developed, and prosperous state for all.” The central question guiding this review is: how far has he delivered on those pledges?
I entered that arena as an independent observer, personally unacquainted with Barr. Mbah or any other aspirant. My purpose was one of due diligence, anticipating a day such as this, when I might impartially assess the performance of whoever assumed office. Notably, on that occasion, Barr. Mbah explicitly invited the people of Enugu to judge him by his manifesto. As an independent observer, I resolved to track his governance against those written promises.
The venue on October 13, 2022—the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium at Godfrey Okoye University—was adorned with hopeful symbolism. Supporters clad in vibrant attire filled the space, and the master of ceremony, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, skillfully stoked the crowd’s enthusiasm. To many, victory seemed assured.
Unswayed by the fervour, as I had been at other campaign events, I attended to listen and record. My objective was to later pose the question: “How far, so far?” The answers that follow are juxtaposed with the Governor’s own words. This appraisal is based on personal observation and verifiable evidence, allowing readers to corroborate or challenge my conclusions. The assessment will proceed sector by sector, as outlined in the manifesto.
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
What is now termed the Enugu State Transportation Revolution commenced with the strategic appointment of Dr. Obi Ozoh as Commissioner for Transportation. His extensive expertise was swiftly brought to bear in actualising the Governor’s vision. As stated on page 29 of the manifesto: “We will modernize road transportation in line with global best practices and facilitate the acquisition of modern buses and construction of modern bus terminals…” This pledge has now taken tangible form. The government has constructed and commissioned state-of-the-art transport terminals at Holy Ghost (1 & 2), Garriki, Abakpa, and Nsukka. These facilities, aesthetically striking and impeccably maintained, have transformed their locales. Complementing them is a fleet of CNG buses, now ubiquitous across Enugu, which has notably reduced transport fares to Agbani, Nsukka and other parts of Enugu, especially now that the cost of petroleum products are rising because of the ongoing US, Israel – Iran war. Additional terminals are planned for 19th Mile, Oji River, Four Corners, and Obolo Afor.
The success of Enugu Air remains a subject of intrigue. While skeptics initially dismissed the venture as untenable, official reports indicate robust profitability. Notably, the 2026 budget proposal includes plans to acquire fourteen new aircraft, suggesting strong route performance and patronage. In fact, between Sunday, 8th February and 5th March 2026, additional four out of the fourteen aircrafts being expected have arrived and deployed.
Furthermore, advanced discussions with the CRBC are underway for the construction of a 135.4km railway line, with ₦10 billion allocated in the 2026 budget for its first phase. The design anticipates future interconnectivity with neighbouring states.
SECURITY
On pages 38–39 of his manifesto, Barr. Mbah pledged to “Roll out a system of actively monitored CCTV cameras across the State” and acquire drones for aerial surveillance. At the time, such promises could be dismissed as political rhetoric. However, upon assuming office, he promptly established a Command and Control Centre within the Government House premises and deployed a network of AI-enabled surveillance cameras across strategic areas. On December 1, 2025, he commissioned further hi-tech assets, including two advanced drones, additional ten Hilux patrol vans, and hundreds of units of ballistic protection gear.
The Governor noted that these investments reinforce over 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles already fitted with AI cameras. Residents can attest to a significant reduction in crime—reportedly over 80%—since his inauguration. Importantly, according to the Governor, the administration recognises the adaptive nature of criminality and remains vigilant against complacency.
WATER SUPPLY
Governor Mbah’s unequivocal pledge to deliver water within 180 days was fulfilled with the inauguration of the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme and the Oji River scheme on November 25, 2023. In areas such as Ogui, Asata, New Haven, GRA, Coal Camp etc, reliable water supply has been restored after years of dependence on expensive water vendors. While the current challenge of reduced supply has been attributed to the obvious power supply issues in the country and the fact that some parts of Enugu still await connection, the progress in serviced zones is substantial and verifiable. For instance, I live in a part of Enugu that used to enjoy pipe born water. I was born in this city, and growing up, pipe born water was a normal. Sadly, many years before the inception of Governor Peter Mbah, we were spending between 15k and 30k every two to three weeks, buying water from water vendors. Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah assumed office on May 29, 2023, and officially inaugurated the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme, as well as an additional scheme at Oji River, on November 25, 2023, which was the 180th day of his administration. However, I can authoritatively, by experience, tell you that since the 20th of November 2023, which was actually 175 days of Governor Peter Mbah’s inauguration till date, I do not know the cost of a full or half load of water tanker, because water has been regular around the earlier mentioned areas of Ogui, Asata, New Haven, GRA, Coal Camp etc.
EDUCATION
UNESCO recommends that 15–20% of annual budgets be allocated to education. The Mbah administration has consistently exceeded this, with allocations of 33% (2024), 33.2% (2025), and 32.27% (2026)—the only state in Nigeria to do so. This commitment is visible in the ongoing construction of “Smart Schools” across all electoral wards. Furthermore, the transformation of the Government Technical College (GTC) Enugu within a year is particularly striking and must be seen to be fully appreciated.
HEALTHCARE
The manifesto envisioned Enugu as a destination for medical tourism in West Africa. Significant investments are evident at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where projects are being closely supervised to ensure quality. A new Diagnostic Centre near Okpara Avenue is undergoing intensive renovation/upgrade, and the Enugu International Hospital on Rangers Avenue is rapidly approaching completion—a facility intended to eliminate the need for medical travel abroad. Additionally, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres are being constructed across all wards, with many already completed.
TOURISM
As promised in his manifesto, the administration has activated plans to position Enugu as a tourism hub. The Enugu International Conference Centre (ICC) with other facilities have been completed and are operational. The new ICC Hotel within the same premises is nearing completion, dramatically enhancing the Three Arm Zone of Independence Layout. The iconic Presidential Hotel has been revitalised, and the Nike Lake Resort, now managed by Landmark Group, has been transformed into a premier leisure destination.
Future projects include the redevelopment of Awhum Waterfall—complete with canopy walkways, boardwalks, and food courts—and the construction of the “Cross of Hope” at Okpatu Hill, a 50-meter structure intended to be Africa’s tallest cross, aimed at boosting religious tourism.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Road infrastructure is undergoing a visible metamorphosis. Notable projects include a 40km dual carriageway linking Owo to Obollo Afor, a new six-lane road from PRODA Junction into the New Enugu Smart City, and the dualisation of the Abakpa–Nsukka and Enugu–Abakaliki roads. So many roads within the state capital are at various stages of completion. Recently, the government approved the construction of an additional 1,022 roads across urban and rural areas.
INDUSTRIALISATION
The pledge to revive moribund industries is being realised: Niger Gas Company Emene and the Enugu Tractor Assembly Plant are operational. Reliable information indicates that Niger Steel Emene, Cashew Industries Oghe, Anambra Vegetable Oil Plant, Sunrise Flour Mill, United Palm Product, and a cement factory will be commissioned soon. Just few days ago, a brand new ICT factory was inaugurated by the Governor. Enugu Haier Factory, as it is known is expected to bring in $20 million foreign direct investment in partnership with Haier Global Business. According to the Governor, “The factory will also produce up 200,000 ICT devices annually and create a lot of jobs”.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Enugu is experiencing a notable influx of residents, increasing housing demand and driving up rents. In response, 15% of the 2026 budget is earmarked for the construction of 15,000 mass housing units—a potentially transformative intervention that could significantly alleviate pressure on the housing market.
TAXATION
As a civil servant, my monthly tax deduction exceeds ₦19,000, amounting to over ₦200,000 annually—a scale consistent across the civil service. While this is within statutory frameworks, public sentiment on taxation merits consideration.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Two issues frequently arose in public discourse: taxation and the Governor’s move to the APC.
Regarding the latter, a political party is ultimately a vehicle; the right to freedom of association is fundamental and should be respected irrespective of one’s office.
Concerning taxation, while the current framework may be legally sound, there is a palpable public appeal for relief. In the spirit of responsive governance, a compassionate review of the tax burden could be a magnanimous gesture.
CONCLUSION
The greatest room in the world, it is said, is the room for improvement. Establishing a dedicated monitoring and evaluation unit—if not already extant—would ensure proactive oversight and timely refinements to projects and programmes.
Credit must be given to Governor Mbah for fostering an environment where criticism is not stifled. This openness to scrutiny has, undoubtedly, contributed to the state’s visible progress. However, critics themselves should ensure their engagements remain constructive, aimed at bolstering rather than undermining developmental gains.
May Enugu State continue to ascend.
ONYEDIKACHI STANLEY ONOVO, Ph.D.
FCAI, ANIPR.
onyedikachionovo1@gmail.com
excellentdikachi@yahoo.com
24th March 2026