The Achi Clan of Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State, on Sunday unanimously adopted Governor Peter Mbah as their consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his uncommon leadership style and remarkable performance in office.
The endorsement, which effectively shut out any opposition members as far as they are concerned, was made at a grand civic reception organised in honour of the governor at the St. Mary’s Field Court, Achi.
The event attracted thousands of supporters from the over nine electoral wards that make up the clan, which accounts for well over half of Oji River population.
Leaders of the clan, traditional rulers, political office holders, youth and women groups, took turns to applaud the governor for what they said were visible transformations across Enugu State within a short period. They declared that the decision to back him for a second term was already settled and irreversible.
Speaking, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, said the reception was organised to appreciate the governor for his “great work and uncommon leadership” which, according to him, had rapidly transformed Enugu State.
“There is nobody in this country today, who is not aware of your giant strides in Enugu State,” the monarch said.
“It will take the whole day to start listing your projects. This reception is to assure you that you will win your second tenure unopposed here. It has been ordained by God and accepted by us as a consensus.”
Igwe Achiekwelu declared that the entire Achi Clan had resolved to adopt Governor Mbah as its sole candidate for 2027, stressing that no vote meant for the governor would be lost to any opposition member.
He added that traditional rulers, as grassroots mobilisers, had closed ranks to ensure total support for the governor’s re-election.
In an address presented by Dr Okey Ibeabuchi, Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, on behalf of the Achi Clan, the people expressed deep gratitude to the governor for what they described as an epoch-making visit and for restoring purpose, clarity and direction to governance in the state.
They commended his administration’s investments in Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare, agriculture, security, tourism, the Enugu International Conference Centre and the launch of Enugu Air, noting that those initiatives had restored pride and confidence among the people of Enugu State.
The clan also acknowledged the governor’s recognition of traditional institutions and the inclusion of Achi sons and daughters in government, listing several appointees from the area serving in key capacities.
Achi clan also appealed for the full operationalisation of the four Development Centres created in Oji River Local Government Area, arguing that Achi’s population size and number of wards justified the allocation of two of the centres to the clan.
They further appealed for key infrastructure projects, including the Achi–Ehuhe–Udi Road and the Achi Court–Amankpunato–Amoli–Ihe Road, the establishment of a tertiary institution campus in Achi, and the rehabilitation of Achi Joint Hospital.
Earlier, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area, Engr. Greg Anyadike, praised Governor Mbah for what he described as people-oriented governance, thanking him for the Green Smart Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres sited across the wards in the council area.
He pledged the Council’s full support for the administration’s programmes and policies.
Responding, Governor Mbah said he was deeply honoured by the reception, describing Achi Clan as an integral part of Enugu’s history and identity.
He said the support and affection shown by the people would never be taken for granted.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration’s vision was anchored on inclusivity, equity and sustainable development, explaining that projects were deliberately designed to be ward-based and grassroots-focused, highlighting the presence of over nine smart green schools and multiple Type-2 primary healthcare centres in Achi, as well as extensive road projects tied to the administration’s commitment to deliver at least 10 kilometres of roads per ward.
He also announced that the Achi–Ehuhe–Udi Road and the Achi Court–Amankpunato–Amoli–Ihe Road had been captured in the budget estimates for 2026, assuring that mobilisation to site would commence before the next rainy season.
He further disclosed plans for massive agricultural estates across wards, aimed at moving farmers from subsistence to mechanised farming, alongside the upgrade of the veterinary school in Achi and the elevation of the School of Health Technology to a full nursing college to an OND and HND-awarding institution.
“I want to assure you that the trust and mandate you have given us, we hold sacred. We will further strengthen our public service, live by the social contract with you and continue to serve you with all our strength,” Governor Mbah added.
