L-R: Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, Enugu State Chairman of PDP; Hon. John C. Ogbodo, Executive Chairman, Nkanu West LG Council and others inspecting the empowerment items at Agbani (Photo credit: Pascal Chibuzo |GMTNewsng)
ENUGU, September 18, 2025 – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has stepped up its sensitisation drive on Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in line with its mandate to mobilise the electorate towards active participation in the democratic process. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the party’s state leadership, led by Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, stormed the Nkanu West Local Government headquarters in Agbani for an outreach programme that attracted stakeholders, party faithful, and traditional leaders.
The well-attended sensitisation campaign, hosted by the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, witnessed a massive turnout from across the 14 electoral wards of the local government. Community leaders, youths, women groups, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Nkanu West chapter, and party stalwarts gathered in their numbers, underscoring the PDP’s grassroots mobilisation strength in Enugu.
Dr. Chukwunwike, while addressing the crowd, emphasised that the PDP’s core responsibility goes beyond winning elections. According to him, the mandate of the party includes deepening democratic culture by ensuring that citizens register to vote, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and exercise their civic rights. “Democracy thrives only when the people take ownership of the process,” he said. “Our governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has set the pace with transformative policies in infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture. For these gains to be sustained, our people must be empowered to register, vote, and defend their mandate.”
The PDP state chairman praised Governor Mbah for driving an ambitious development agenda that has already changed the narrative in Enugu State. He said projects such as smart schools, the acceleration of agricultural mechanisation, and the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure align with the party’s pledge to deliver dividends of democracy. “The governor is redefining leadership by creating opportunities for youths, women, and rural dwellers. That is why this sensitisation is very important – so that more people can participate in shaping their future,” Dr. Chukwunwike added.
Welcoming the crowd, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, described the turnout as overwhelming proof that the PDP remains the people’s choice in the area. He said the council headquarters in Agbani had not witnessed such massive political convergence in recent times, reflecting the renewed enthusiasm among the electorate. “Our people are responding positively because they have seen Governor Mbah’s hand in development across Enugu,” Ogbodo said. “From education reforms to infrastructure expansion, the governor is laying foundations that will benefit both the present and future generations. That is why we must continue to mobilise our wards to register and vote – so that we secure these gains.”
Deputy Chairman of PDP Enugu State, Steve Oruruo (in black (middle), Hon. John C. Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu West (in white), State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Patrick (right); and other stakeholders addressing the gathering at Agbani. (Photo credit: Pascal Chibuzo |GMTNewsng)
A cross-section of women attendees at the sensitisation. (Photo credit: Pascal Chibuzo |GMTNewsng)
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of empowerment packages facilitated by Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, the member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. Represented by his aide, Mr. Okey Okolo, the lawmaker distributed 14 grinding machines and cash support to PDP women leaders across the 14 wards. Nnaji said the initiative was part of his constituency support programme, aimed at helping women sustain small-scale businesses and improve household incomes. “Our mothers are the backbone of families and community development,” he said. “By supporting them, we are directly improving the well-being of our people.”
Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, the PDP State Women Leader, Mrs. Peace Patrick, commended Hon. Nnaji for remembering the women of Nkanu West at a time economic challenges are biting hard. She said the gesture would go a long way in supporting petty trading and cooperative societies in the wards. “This empowerment is not just symbolic; it is a lifeline for many households,” Mrs. Patrick said. “As women, we will continue to support the party, mobilise our fellow women, and stand firm with Governor Mbah as he delivers his promises to Enugu people.”
Traditional rulers also lent their voices during the programme. HRH Igwe Raymond C. Agwa, the Ezediri Oha III of Akegbe Ugwu, commended the Party leadership for prioritising voter education and community empowerment. He urged political leaders to continue reaching out to the grass-roots communities, saying it strengthens trust between the government and the people. “When you engage directly with the people, you earn their loyalty,” he said. “Our communities want development, and Governor Peter Mbah and Hon. John Ogbodo administrations have shown it they are serious about delivering. We the traditional leaders will continue to support initiatives that bring progress.”
Youth leaders present at the event stressed the importance of active youth participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise. One of them, Mr. Chidi Nnamani, described the youth as “the engine room of political mobilisation.” He urged his peers not only to register but also to remain vigilant in defending the electoral process. “The future belongs to us, and we cannot afford to be spectators,” Nnamani declared. “Governor Mbah has opened doors of opportunity for young people through digital innovation programmes, agriculture, and education reforms. It is our duty to support him with our votes.”
The programme was further enriched by the presence of other state party leaders, including Deputy Chairman, Steve Oruruo Esq.; State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; Zonal Leader for Enugu East, Nnamdi Nwafor; and the Nkanu West PDP Chairman, Sunday Emmanuel Onovo. They all reiterated the call for continuous mobilisation, stressing that the people remain the lubricant in the state’s wheel for delivering good governance in Enugu State.
A cross-section of women attendees the event
Sitting (front row): HRH Igwe Raymond Agwa of Akegbe Ugwu, and other traditional rulers.
Former Chairman of Uzo Uwani LG Council, Cornell Onwubuya, was also in attendance alongside women’s associations, and numerous community-based groups. Their participation signalled broad-based support for the sensitisation drive.
The event closed with a renewed commitment by the PDP leadership to sustain voter education programmes across the state, ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised ahead of the next election cycle. The gathering at Agbani thus became not only a rallying point for political mobilisation but also a reaffirmation of the PDP’s central role in deepening democracy and supporting Governor Mbah’s development vision in Enugu State. GMTNewsng
