Enugu NNPP Candidate, Nnaji, Unveils 9-Point Agenda, Chairman Says Nothing Is Working in State

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Enugu State for the 2027 election, Prof. Jehu Nnaji, has unveiled a nine-point agenda focused on security, economic revival, job creation, education, healthcare and infrastructure, promising to begin implementing his programmes from his first day in office if elected.

However, the state chairman of the party, Chief Chuba Nwadiogbu, criticised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, declaring that “nothing is working” in the state and citing rising taxation, high rents and poorly executed roads among the challenges confronting residents.

Nnaji unveiled his agenda in his acceptance speech after emerging as the NNPP governorship candidate through a direct primary in Enugu, where he pledged to pursue what he described as the “total transformation” of the state.

He listed security as the top priority of his proposed administration, promising to secure communities, farms and streets across Enugu State.

The candidate also promised to industrialise the state and position Enugu as an investment hub of the Southeast, while providing single-digit loans and creating a more conducive business environment for traders, artisans and entrepreneurs.

On employment, Nnaji pledged to create 100,000 sustainable jobs within four years through agriculture, technology, the creative industry and industrial clusters in Emene, 9th Mile and Nsukka.

He promised free and compulsory quality primary education, renovation of public schools, free WAEC and NECO examinations for Enugu indigenes, as well as improved welfare for teachers.

In healthcare, Nnaji pledged free medical care for pregnant women, children under five and persons aged 65 and above, alongside the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres across the state’s 260 wards.

He also proposed an agricultural revolution aimed at increasing the production of Adani rice, Nsukka yams and palm produce through mechanisation, improved seedlings and guaranteed markets.

On infrastructure, the NNPP candidate promised quality urban and rural roads, rural electrification and clean, constant water supply in Enugu metropolis within six months of assuming office.

Nnaji further pledged regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities, with salaries paid on the 25th of every month, while promising stronger local government autonomy and balanced grassroots development across the state.

Nnaji, while declaring his readiness to serve if elected, said the agenda was not merely about the NNPP but about the future and development of Enugu State. "This is not just about NNPP. This is about Ndi Enugu."

Speaking with journalists after the party’s primary, the Party Chairman, Nwadiogbu said Nnaji emerged because no other aspirant declared interest in the ticket, adding that the party settled for him based on his academic record, experience and ability to listen to the people.

“As everybody can see, nothing is working here. We will change the state. Tax everywhere, rents are up everywhere. The roads are being poorly done and nothing is working. I believe NNPP has come to change Enugu State, and we believe in the candidacy of Professor J.O.J. Nnaji,” Nwadiogbu said.

The NNPP chairman expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election, saying its structures were already established across the 17 local government areas of the state.

“We are on ground in all the local governments. People have eyes. People's votes will count. We believe we will win the election,” he said.

Nwadiogbu also explained that the NNPP would not participate in the forthcoming Enugu State local government election because, according to him, the party did not believe the exercise would be fair if organised by the state government.

He rejected the description of the NNPP as a Northern party, noting that its founder, Chief Boniface Aniebonam, is from Anambra State.

According to him, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso merely used the NNPP platform to contest an election, while an earlier memorandum of understanding between him and the party had expired.

Nwadiogbu described Nnaji as an accomplished academic who, he said, had previously contested the vice-chancellorship of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

He also claimed that Nnaji had earlier been persuaded to step down for the incumbent governor during the previous political contest because he believed the governor would perform.

“Today, we all see it; nothing is working in the state,” he added.