The Awkunanaw Clan in Enugu State has endorsed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, declaring him their sole candidate for the contest.
The endorsement was made at a mega rally held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Awkunanaw Civic Centre, Akpasha, with a large turnout from communities across Enugu South and Nkanu West. Communities represented included Akegbe-Ugwu, Obuoffia, Umueze, Amodu, Amechi, Obeagu, Ugwuaji, and Akwuke.
Speaking on behalf of the clan, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the governor’s performance over the past three years.
“In a relatively short time, you have turned Enugu State into a shining model of purposeful, result-oriented, and people-focused leadership. You have redesigned the architecture of governance, injected unprecedented efficiency into the public service, and restored hope that good governance is indeed possible in our land.
“From infrastructure renaissance to security, from education to healthcare, from agriculture to youth empowerment, and from economic development to environmental transformation, your footprints are visible, measurable, and impactful,” he stated.
Onyia further reaffirmed the clan’s commitment to Mbah’s re-election.
“Your Excellency, as we look forward to the 2027 general elections, let it be known loud and clear from this historic rally that the Awkunanaw Clan is with you. We are ready to mobilize our people, resources, and voices to ensure that the good work you have started continues uninterrupted for the greater good of Enugu State.”
Former President of the Senate, Dr. Ken Nnamani, dismissed speculations about other aspirants and reaffirmed the clan’s support for the governor, describing the rally as a bold declaration of unity and resolve.
“Awkunanaw does not go to war in shame only to return home in tears; we go to war to return with victory. The journey of Peter Mbah will be one of victory,” he said.
He urged all sons of Awkunanaw to set aside any ambition to contest the governorship in the upcoming election and advised that grievances against the governor should be addressed within the clan, emphasizing full commitment to securing a second term for Mbah.
Former Governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, represented by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, described the rally as a demonstration of sincerity and renewed commitment to the governor.
“We gave Peter Ndubuisi Mbah an ofor before, and we will not take it back. We are here to renew it and stand as witnesses to our commitment,” he said.
He further urged any Awkunanaw son with governorship ambitions to defer such plans until it is the turn of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone again, assuring them of full support at that time.
Rt. Hon. U.S.A. Igwesi, former House of Representatives member and chairman of the planning committee, also reiterated the clan’s stance, stressing that Mbah remains its sole candidate. He added that no Awkunanaw person would associate with anyone contesting against the governor, noting that “proximity is not always accessibility.”
Responding, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support, describing the turnout as unprecedented and reflective of unity and a shared vision among the people of Awkunanaw and the wider Nkanu area.
“Three years ago, there were no Smart Schools or Type-2 Hospitals in our political wards. The International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, Enugu United Palm Products Limited, and several other assets were either skeletal or moribund.
“There was no Enugu Air, no state-of-the-art transport terminals, no CNG buses, and our capital city was not the conferencing hub it has become today,” he stated.
He assured the people of continued development and improved delivery of democratic dividends if re-elected.
Other speakers at the event included Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Rt. Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, Mr. Caleb Ani, and Hon. Amaka Ngene, among others.
The event also featured the presentation of the clan’s traditional ofo (a symbol of authority) to the governor by His Royal Highness, Igwe Barrister Igwe O. Igwesi, a gesture symbolizing the unity of the people in endorsing Mbah, as the ofo is traditionally held by one authority figure at a time. The ceremony also included vibrant cultural displays by masquerades from the Awkunanaw Clan.
