By Samson Ezea
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Today, at the historic Nsukka Township Stadium, the leaders and resilient people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone rise in unity, purpose, and conviction to take a defining political stand. In a grand mega endorsement rally they organized, they will categorically and unequivocally declare their support for the reelection of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This moment is not merely symbolic, it is a strategic affirmation of tested leadership, visible progress, and a shared vision for sustained development.
The endorsement becomes both necessary and strategic, considering that Enugu State, particularly Enugu North Senatorial Zone, has experienced unusual attention and benefits under the current administrations.
Regardless of differing opinions or attempts to downplay these achievements, there are verifiable facts and tangible evidence that speak louder than conjecture.
Recently, while traveling to my hometown, Aku in Igbo-Etiti LGA, I was advised to use the ongoing dualized Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka–Makurdi road. Remarkably, the journey from Enugu to Ogbede Junction, which usually took over an hour before, before it became impassable for years, took just 30 minutes. This is a testament to the quality and pace of work being done on the road so far.
The same transformation is evident and ongoing on the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, the ongoing dualization of the Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway, and the Old Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka road. Not long ago, these federal roads were nearly impassable, with slow and frustrating construction progress on them.
Today, they have been significantly improved, making transportation faster, safer, and more efficient. Such rapid infrastructural development deserves commendation. It reflects deliberate and strategic collaboration among key stakeholders, including Governor Mbah, the Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other political leaders from Enugu State. This partnership is delivering results like never before.
Historically, Enugu State has not enjoyed this level of federal presence and infrastructural investment, not even during periods of economic surplus. The current administration has changed that narrative. Eventhough some may argue that Old Ninth mile-Udi-
Opi Nsukka Junction and the New Ninth mile- Opi- Nsukka- Markurdi Expressway are being financed by MTN and Chinese Company, that doesn’t take away the fact which remains that the financiers of these two key projects have never as serious and committed as they been under President Tinubu’s administration.
At the state level, Governor Mbah’s administration has also initiated and executed people-oriented and strategic projects across Enugu North Senatorial Zone. Notably, the ongoing dualization of the Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka road, an essential gateway between Enugu and Nsukka, will significantly enhance economic activities, increase property values, and ease commuter stress. It will also encourage urban expansion, allowing workers to comfortably reside in Nsukka, while working in Enugu.
In addition, the administration has constructed and is stll constructing 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centres across wards in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. The completion and equipping of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Teaching Hospital in Igbo-Eno by Governor Mbah is another milestone of repute and recognition.
With the teaching hospital operational, residents of Enugu North no longer need to travel to distant institutions like ESUT Parklane or UNTH for quality medical care.
In the education sector, a long-standing aspiration was realized when, after over six decades, an Nsukka indigene was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka—Professor Simon Ortuanya, through the combined efforts of Governor Mbah, President Tinubu, and other leaders. This achievement stands as a symbol of inclusion and recognition.
Addressing urban challenges, the reconstruction of Ogige Nsukka Market into a modern transport terminal has brought lasting relief from the perennial gridlock that once plagued Nsukka.
Similar terminals have been developed in Abakpa, Holy Ghost, and Gariki, equipped with CNG buses offering affordable and efficient transportation.
While the development process required the removal of certain structures, affected individuals have largely embraced the broader benefits and moved on.
Development inevitably comes with adjustments, but when the greater good outweighs individual inconvenience, such policies remain justified, altruistic and progressive.
Attempts by some individuals to politicize these developments, especially by portraying them as targeted against Nsukka, are misleading and opportunistic. The reality is that these transformations are statewide and inclusive.
The people of Nsukka are discerning and will not be swayed by divisive narratives.
As the 2027 elections approach, the people of Enugu North must remain strategic, courageous, and forward-thinking in their decisions. The consequences of political choices extend far beyond the ballot box.
President Tinubu and Governor Mbah have demonstrated capacity, commitment, and effective partnership. Their leadership has brought measurable progress, renewed hope, and a clear pathway to sustainable development. As the saying goes, “a bird in hand is worth more than a thousand in the bush.”
The experiences of the 2023 elections offer valuable lessons.
Repeating past missteps would be counterproductive and could reverse the gains already made. The people must act with wisdom, unity, and clarity of purpose.
The endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah is not merely a political gesture, it is a decisive investment in continuity, stability, and progress.
The future political relevance and development trajectory of Enugu North Senatorial Zone beyond 2027 will largely depend on the strength of support given to these leaders.
Now is the time to stand firm, remain united, and choose the path that guarantees sustained growth and shared prosperity.
Ezea writes from Independence Layout, Enugu State