…As Enugu East LGA Chairman, Party Stakeholders Laud Gov Mbah’s Impact
In what is being hailed as a political homecoming of significant proportions, renowned technocrat and community development advocate, Engr George Ndubeze Ugwu has officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s sterling leadership and performance in Enugu State as his key motivation.
Ugwu, a former Special Adviser (Projects) to a past Minister of Power and the immediate past CEO of GreenStratos WA Ltd had left the PDP before the 2023 general elections due to what he described as “impunity within the party ranks.” He later joined the Labour Party (LP) and served as the spokesperson for its gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga. Under his mobilization and strategic influence, the Labour Party delivered resounding victories across Enugu East Local Government Area (LGA) – from the presidential to state assembly elections.
Beloved-Dan Anike (middle), Ugwu on his right and others in a group picture at Ibagwa Nike (Photo credit: GMTNewsng)
However, at a strategic political gathering in Enugu East LGA over the weekend, Engr Ugwu rejoined the PDP, declaring that “the party has undergone a tremendous transformation under the bold, innovative, progressive and accommodating leadership of Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”
“I am convinced that what Enugu State needs is not just change but intelligent transformation, and I can say without fear of contradiction that Governor Mbah has restored faith in purposeful leadership. That’s why I am back — to be part of a movement that delivers results, not rhetoric,” Ugwu stated passionately.
Engr Ugwu addressing party members at the event at Ibegwa Nike, Enugu East LGA on Saturday, June 14.
He added that his decision was also influenced by the delivery of good governance that has become the new hallmark of the PDP in Enugu State.
“I am inspired by the direction the state is taking under Mbah. It is clear to me that the PDP today is not the PDP of yesterday. It is now a platform for development-minded individuals to serve with integrity,” he concluded.
Welcoming Ugwu back into the party, Enugu East LGA Chairman, Hon. Beloved Dan Anike, praised his decision and described it as “a validation of Governor Mbah’s people-centric leadership.”
Engr Greg Nnaji former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure addressing party members
“In Enugu East, we are not only aligning with Governor Mbah’s vision – we are replicating it,” Anike said. “Last week alone, we visited four wards – Amoji, Ibegwa, Trans-Ekulu, and Abakpa 2 – to inspect our projects under the One-Project-Per-Ward initiative.”
Anike revealed that the LGA is currently funding the education of over 1,700 students, and will soon launch a One-Youth-One-Skill empowerment programme targeting 1,600 youths.
R-L: E-L: Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Engr George Ugwu, Barr Chijioke Edeoga and Engr Beloved-Dan Anike
“The WHO recently recognized us and will be equipping three of our health centres because of the quality of work we are doing,” he added. “We’re also proud to be part of the RAMP project for the first time, with 40km of roads approved for construction within our LGA as part of the Governor’s statewide 180km rural roads initiative.”
He further announced that the council is preparing to launch a bursary scheme and has constructed “one of the most sophisticated drainage systems by any LGA in Enugu State.
Also speaking, Engr Greg Nnaji, former Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, commended George Ugwu’s return as a “return of integrity, value, and tested capacity.”
Leader of the Enugu Party monitoring team and his team member, Ernest Eneka Nweze Esq. and Sir Ani addressing party faithful at Ibagwa Nike on Saturday, June 14
“The PDP in Enugu East is stronger today because men of quality and vision like George are coming back. That’s the ripple effect of Gov. Mbah’s performance,” he said.
The return ceremony, which was marked by jubilation and solidarity, was graced by key stakeholders of the PDP including:
Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Water Resources (far in (middle)) and others at the event
Dr Felix Nnamani – Hon Commissioner for Water Resources
Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo – Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ESIDA)
Engr Greg Nnaji – immediate past Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure who was Commissioner for Science and Technology
Engr Kingsley Anike – Deputy Chairman, Enugu East LG Council
Hon Gab Onu, former Deputy Chairman of the LGA
Cross-section of party faithful at Ibagwa Nike on Saturday June 14
Hon Christopher Ugwu (Coach), a two-term member of the Enugu State House of Assembly
Hon Okey Igbokwe, Enugu East LGA Party Chairman among others.
The party chairman, Igbokwe, officially received Engr Ugwu and presented him to the Local Government Executive Council and the State Monitoring Team led by Hon. Barr. Ernest Nweze, Zonal Chairman of PDP Enugu West, and Hon. Sir Christopher Ani, Deputy State Youth Leader of the party.
In a surprise turn during the same event, the 2023 APC House of Assembly candidate in the LGA, Engr Oluchukwu Okwor, also announced his defection to the PDP, signaling a wave of renewed confidence in the party’s leadership both at the state and local levels.
This development is seen as further evidence that Governor Peter Mbah’s “Tomorrow is Here” mantra is not just a slogan but a working strategy that is realigning Enugu’s political landscape with tangible development and inclusive governance. GMTNewsng
