ADC, opposition in Enugu face setback as Barth Nnaji endorses Gov Mbah
A fresh twist has emerged, further destabilising the already flattering ranks of opposition in Enugu state politics. Former Minister of Power and key pillar of opposition voices in the state, Professor Barth Nnaji, has made a surprising u-turn and endorsed Governor Peter Mbah.
Just weeks ago, Nnaji was leading the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and flirting with entering the gubernatorial race ahead of 2027 under the platform. A prominent Nigerian energy engineer and inventor, his presence had highlighted the party in Enugu and positioned it as a real force.
So the public was shocked when the former minister’s photos with Governor Mbah surface online yesterday. It wasn’t just the mischiefs of rumour-mongers. Nnaji actually visited the governor at the Government House, and endorsed his reelection bid.
While fielding questions from the Government House correspondents, Nnaji said “it should not be a surprise that I am in support of my younger brother (Peter Mbah).”
The former ADC leader said his sudden support for Mbah was born out of genuine interest in good governance which he said the governor is rated high. Particularly, he mentioned security, infrastructure, and healthcare system as key pillars. In all these areas and more the governor’s work is phenomenal, he said.
“I was talking with him (Peter Mbah) about the two major criteria for people to come back to Nigeria instead of the ‘Japa’ syndrome of running away. Those two would be security, and the second is high-quality healthcare. So, the development of the Enugu International Hospital, which will have the sort of equipment that people run elsewhere to access, is something that is quite innovative for Nigeria” Barth Nnaji continued.
Nnaji’s endorsement is coming just days after Nkanu clan came together in the mega rally to endorse their “son” for a second term. The event which held at Okpara Square on Saturday, featured prominently sons and daughters of Nkanu land, including elder statesman and former governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo.
Under the zoning arrangement that has become tradition in Enugu State, Enugu East should lead the state for another four years. So far, the only prominent candidate challenging Peter Mbah’s reelection is immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji. He is from Enugu East too.