Onoh hails Mbah's Emergence as PGF Chair, brands Enugu Gov as Game-Changer for Southeast APC

The chairman of forum of former members of Enugu State House of Assembly and Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh has congratulated Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on his emergence as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

Mbah emerged on Thursday night, succeeding Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. 

The development came just hours after Governor Uzodinma spoke on behalf of APC governors during the submission of the presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

According to sources familiar with the issue, about 20 APC governors attended the closed-door meeting, including governors from Ogun, Bayelsa, and Enugu states.

Governor Mbah’s emergence is seen as a significant political development within the ruling party, especially ahead of ongoing consultations and strategic alignments within the APC.

In his congratulatory remarks, Onoh said: "I have observed governance across Nigeria with a commitment to truth, development, and the progress of our people in the Southeast. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and factual assessment that I state unequivocally: Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is the best thing that has happened to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast since 2015.

Since assuming office in 2023 as Governor of Enugu State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and following his strategic alignment with the APC in 2025, Dr. Peter Mbah has delivered transformative, measurable governance that has not only elevated Enugu but also provided the APC with a credible, high-impact footprint in a region where the party previously struggled for dominance and acceptance.

In just two years, the Mbah administration has constructed, rehabilitated, or initiated over 1,000 kilometres of roads (urban, rural, and intercity), including major projects like dual carriageways, flyovers, and bridges. Flagship initiatives such as the New Enugu Smart City project and the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme (delivering millions of litres daily) have addressed long-standing deficits in a manner rarely seen in the region.

The administration is constructing 260 Smart Green Schools (one per ward), alongside massive budgetary allocations exceeding 30% of the state budget to education. This is complemented by healthcare investments, including 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres and a 300-bed ultra-modern specialist hospital.

Governor Mbah’s manifesto targets growing Enugu’s economy significantly through industrial-scale agriculture, revenue reforms that have seen massive growth, attraction of investments, CNG buses, transport terminals, and youth empowerment programmes. The 2026 budget reflects disciplined fiscal prudence rooted in his private sector background.

Mbah’s move to the APC, along with his cabinet, local government chairmen, and significant structures, has strengthened the party’s presence in Enugu and the Southeast.

In the midst of these serious achievements, Governor Peter Mbah demonstrates his capacity by action and not words. He will oversee the transition of the APC in the Southeast to a more accommodating, rewarding, and all-inclusive government for Southeast party loyalists who work towards delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.

As the former southeast spokesman to the President, I commend this leadership and urge continued support for policies that prioritise the people. Enugu under Peter Mbah is proof that visionary governance works — and the APC is better positioned today in our region because of it."

Peter Mbah remains the only politician and Governor I know who keeps his words and promises.