By Petrus Obi
The build up to the Enugu Governoship election has long gathered momentum.
It has also continued to take different shapes at different turns as the D-Day approaches.
Among the top contenders are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate Barr. Peter Mbah, that of Labour Party- Hon Chijioke Edeoga, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr of APGA and Uchenna Nnaji of the APC.
Since the inception of the current Democratic dispensation, the PDP has dominated the Enugu politcial space, winning all elections and electoral positions till date.
2023, however, appear to be throwing up challenges with the emergence of Peter Obi and his Labour Party.
While the sympathy for Peter Obi and Labour Party continue to threaten the ruling parties in the South East, bookmakers believe that it may be a herculean task to upstage the PDP in Enugu, especially in the Governoship position.
For the APC, their chances of winning the Enugu guber election has been seriously injured by the internal party crisis which has seen major stakeholders declaring support for the ruling PDP.
That leaves the APGA candidate. The former Minister has worked hard in his campaigns and will definitely provide the expected challenge alongside the Labour Party. Whether their efforts will be enough to upstage the PDP is the big question.
Observers, thus, believe that it is a battle between the PDP candidate Dr. Peter Mbah on one side and the other aspirants on the other side.
Attacks against Mbah.
The PDP candidate is believed to be prepared for the task of governing Enugu State. His manifesto has been described as magnificent. His track record, challenging. And with the PDP structure and Government behind him, it is not surprising that the attacks have been directed at him.
While no party or candidate has come up to own up responsibility for the attacks directed at the PDP guber candidate, politcial watchers are pointing accusing fingers
From his Pinnacle Oil, to alleged plea bargain and most recently NYSC, Mbah has navigated through all these and in his character maintained his cool, describing all jabs thrown at him as distractions.
A top Enugu politicians who confided in EverydayNews said; “what do you expect. The opposition parties know full well that they cannot match the PDP in the guber elections, so they are looking for loopholes to bring him down or get him out of the contest.
“It’s a sign of victory for Mbah; fortunately he has weathered the storm and has provided convincing answers to all their questions.
“Have you asked yourself why he is the only one that is targeted. At the national level you see attacks getting to all the candidates including Peter Obi. Even in Ebonyi State, both the PDP and APGA candidates have had issues. Why is it only Peter Mbah in Enugu? Are the other candidates saints? No. There is only one reason, that’s why I tell you it’s a gang up. But he will put through. And, surely have the last laugh.
‘He shouldn’t bother himself or lose sleep; he should not also be distracted.”
Petrus Obi is the Publisher, Everydaynews and writes from Enugu
