The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has elected 17 candidates to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 26, 2026.
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) had earlier fixed the council elections for Sept. 26, 2026.
Twelve incumbent Local Government Chairmen secured return tickets during the party’s primary elections.
The returning chairmanship candidates include Jude Asogwa (Nsukka), Caleb Ani (Enugu South), Ugo Ukwueze (Igbo-Eze South), Ibenaku Onoh (Enugu North), Ugochukwu Nwanjoku (Aninri), Greg Anyaegbudike (Oji-River), Chijioke Ezugwu (Uzo-Uwani), Hyginus Agu (Udi), Uche Okoro (Awgu), Belove Dan Anike (Enugu East), John Ogbodo (Nkanu West), and Vitals Ndu (Ezeagu).
The Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Obiora Obeagu, and his Nkanu East counterpart, Sydney Edeh, who have completed their two-term tenures, did not participate in the primaries. They were replaced by Brendan Ani and Mike Ogbuekwe, respectively.
Three incumbent chairmen failed to secure return tickets during the primaries. They were replaced by Martin Ugwu (Igbo-Etiti), Ikechukwu Ezeoha (Udenu), and Dr. Chris Onyekachi (Igbo-Eze North).
Presenting Certificates of Return to the successful aspirants on Wednesday at the APC State Secretariat in Enugu, the State Chairman of the party, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, described the primaries as peaceful, transparent, and successful.
“We are happy that the process went seamlessly. Everything happened smoothly across all the local governments. We did not record any serious issues, and all the results have been duly returned,” he said.
Chukwunweike stated that the candidates emerged through direct primaries conducted at their respective council headquarters.
“What we are doing here today is presenting Certificates of Return to you, having emerged as APC candidates for the upcoming local government elections,” he added.
Expressing confidence ahead of the September polls, the APC chairman said the party remained optimistic of a sweeping victory across the state.
“I believe we will once again sweep the polls come September this year. I congratulate all those who have emerged to carry the party’s flag,” he stated.
He further urged both returning and first-time candidates to uphold quality leadership and consolidate on the achievements of their predecessors.
According to him, the candidates should replicate the developmental strides of Governor Peter Mbah at the grassroots level.
“What you need to do is go back and replicate what our governor is doing in the state. His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, has already done most of the campaign work for us,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the candidates, the Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state and Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, thanked Governor Peter Mbah and the party leadership for what he described as the transparent conduct of the primaries.
“We tender our unreserved gratitude to our performing governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his resilience and for finding us worthy to continue rendering service to our dear state,” Okolo said.
He also commended party faithful and supporters across the 17 local government areas for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
Okolo assured that the candidates would continue to align with the governor’s vision and development agenda for Enugu State.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area and APC chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming election, Engr. Jude Asogwa, commended Governor Mbah for ensuring financial autonomy for all the 17 local government areas and for initiating massive infrastructural projects at the grassroots.
“We will not only campaign with promises, but with visible proofs of good governance in Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership, alongside the efforts we have made at the local government level,” Asogwa stated.