Takeaways from Mbah-led Enugu delegation’s visit to Tinubu, By Samson Ezea

Recently, in an unprecedented and distinctive manner, the crème de la crème of Enugu State’s sectoral leaders, founding fathers, and political stakeholders, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah paid a thank-you and solidarity visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The visit, rich in symbolism and political undertones, has continued to generate discourse across political circles, highlighting both its strategic advantages and potential implications. President Tinubu, who was visibly overwhelmed by the visit, its significance and magnitude, especially considering the calibre of individuals in the delegation, could not hide his enthusiasm and euphoria.

This was evident in his body language, countenance, and the barrage of eulogies, accolades, and commendations he showered on the delegation, particularly on Governor Mbah, whom he described as a quintessential and transformative leader Nigeria needs to move forward.

Looking at the delegation, it was not only intimidating and unifying, but also all-encompassing and symbolic, as no part or sector of the state was left behind or missing in action. It was clear, unequivocal, and unquestionable that the people of Enugu State are not only strongly supportive of Governor Mbah’s administration and his well-deserved re-election bid, but also solidly behind President Tinubu’s government and his re-election.

This position was clearly communicated to the President by Governor Mbah during his remarks, where, like Oliver Twist, he made further requests for federal consideration and interventions, to which President Tinubu gave his assurance and word. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the success of the visit has sent shivers down the spines of the feeble and directionless opposition and their social media hirelings.

Little wonder they have been desperately and angrily belabouring efforts to vitiate or downplay the significance of the visit across social media platforms. Unfortunately for them, they are labouring in vain.

With the calibre of Enugu men and women in the delegation, one may rightly ask: who else among the leaders, stakeholders, and people of the state stands with the noisy opposition and their questionable, valueless leadership? None, except their hired social media agents who are rambling, wailing, and already mourning their impending defeat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

From President Tinubu’s speech and overall disposition, it is evident that he has deep respect and admiration for Governor Mbah.

This stems from the Governor’s outstanding leadership qualities and sterling performance in office. It can be recalled that President Tinubu had earlier demonstrated similar admiration during his presidential visit to Enugu State on 4 January 2025, where he described Governor Mbah as both the “tomorrow and today” of Enugu State after commissioning people-oriented and gargantuan infrastructural projects executed by the administration.

It is, therefore, not out of place to note that it was after this visit that Governor Mbah emerged as the most sought-after “bride” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which later culminated in his defection to the party.

As I had emphatically stated in my earlier series of articles titled “2027: Why Governor Mbah Remains the Most Beautiful Bride,” written prior to his defection, his eventual reception into the APC was marked with red carpets, to the surprise and disappointment of the now-ousted minister and his associates who had vowed to stop his move.

It is neither hyperbolic nor exaggerated to state that even before Governor Mbah’s defection to the APC, President Tinubu’s administration had already been undertaking major federal projects in Enugu State and its environs by consistently approving and releasing funds for their execution.

Such projects include the completed Eke Obinagu flyover, Emene; the ongoing dualisation of the 21.7km Abakaliki Road from Airport flyover to Ebonyi State border by Governor Mbah’s administration; the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission; the reconstruction of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway; and the approval and consistent release of funds for the continuation of the Enugu–Onitsha and Ninth Mile–Opi–Nsukka–Makurdi roads, among others.

When the New Artisan Bridge along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway suddenly collapsed, turning Enugu’s internal roads into overstretched highways with daily risks, the federal government promptly intervened and repaired it.

Thus, it can be conveniently and factually stated that even before Governor Mbah joined the APC, the Tinubu administration had demonstrated considerable interest in the state and maintained a constructive partnership despite political differences.

Given the cordial and symbiotic relationship between both administrations before and after the defection, it is evident that Enugu State stands to benefit even more after the 2027 general elections, especially if the electorate delivers overwhelming support for both Governor Mbah and President Tinubu.

With Governor Mbah effectively connecting Enugu State to the centre, the state will no longer merely receive a share of the national cake; rather, it will be among those baking and sharing it. In such a scenario, the state’s interests will be better protected and advanced.

As earlier argued in my article following the APC National Convention titled “2027: The APC National Convention, Presidency and the Southeast,” the most strategic option before the Southeast region ahead of the 2027 presidential election is to support the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is crucial for securing political relevance and influence ahead of the 2031 presidency, in line with the adage: he who plays the ball licks the orange.

If the Southeast delivers massive votes for President Tinubu in 2027 and he secures victory, the region can leverage that political capital to negotiate for the vice-presidential slot in 2031, thereby positioning itself for a credible shot at producing a president of Southeast extraction thereafter, especially following the expected rotation after the Northeast’s turn.

Admittedly, this position may not sit well with everyone and may attract criticism. However, politics is fundamentally about realism, strategy, and calculated engagement.

The dream of a Nigerian president of Southeast extraction cannot be realised without cross-regional collaboration, negotiation, bridge-building, and pragmatic alignment. The failure to achieve this within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), due to miscalculations, internal divisions, and excessive ambition, does not foreclose its possibility through another platform or approach.