Former Senate President Ken Nnamani has called for rigorous verification of the records of individuals aspiring to public office in the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need to strengthen transparency and credibility in governance. He argued that society benefits when only individuals with the right qualifications, character, and integrity are elected or appointed to public positions.
Rally in Enugu
Nnamani made the remarks in Enugu during a mega rally endorsing the second-term bids of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah, organized by stakeholders from the Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Referencing recent controversies over alleged certificate forgery involving a governorship aspirant in the state, Nnamani stressed that individuals with questionable academic or professional records should not be entrusted with leadership roles.
“People who engage in certificate forgery or are removed from federal appointments should have no business aspiring to govern a state,” he said. He added that anyone who cannot confidently occupy a federal position should not seek higher office at the state level.
Warning Against Emotional Politics
Nnamani also cautioned against emotional motivations in politics, warning that anger-driven ambition often leads to poor leadership. “Anybody aspiring to be governor out of anger because they feel the incumbent offended them will make a terrible governor. Such a person lacks vision and will act out of resentment,” he stated.
He declared that, in his view, Governor Peter Mbah remains the leading candidate for the Enugu governorship election. “As far as I am concerned, there is only one candidate for governor in Enugu State, and that is Governor Peter Mbah. We are not experimenting with the governorship seat. Period,” he said.
Support from Former Governors
Also speaking, former Governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, said Governor Mbah’s performance had earned him broad-based support across party lines, adding that other aspirants should reconsider their ambitions. He noted that political zoning arrangements in Enugu State had ensured equity and stability since 1999 and should be sustained.
“The rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It is important we maintain it for continued unity and stability,” Nwobodo said. He also praised Governor Mbah for his developmental projects across the state, which had strengthened public confidence in his administration.
Governor Mbah's Response
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the people for their support, saying their trust had enabled his administration to deliver key projects across various sectors. He highlighted achievements such as Smart Green Schools, improved healthcare access, road construction, water supply restoration, modern transport terminals, Enugu Air, and increased investor confidence in the state.
He also announced plans for the groundbreaking of a 660MW coal-fired power plant, describing it as part of efforts to end energy shortages in the state. Mbah commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying they had strengthened the fiscal capacity of states. He urged residents to remain patient and continue supporting government programmes, while warning against divisive politics and political opportunism.
Chairman of the planning committee, Okey Ogbodo, and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, also commended the turnout at the rally, describing it as a vote of confidence in the administration’s performance.
