By Isaac Mission
Fifteen candidates will contest the Enugu State governorship election in 2027, with incumbent Governor Peter Mbah seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The Independent National Electoral Commission displayed the official list of governorship candidates at its Enugu office on Monday, confirming the participation of candidates from 15 political parties.
Mbah will face several challengers, including Uchenna Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chinyeaka Ohaa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and Obodoeze Ocho of the African Democratic Congress.
Other candidates on the list are Edwin Alor of Accord and Jehu Nnaji of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
The Labour Party is represented by Okwudilichukwu Ugwu, while Nnamdi Ugwu is contesting under the Democratic Leadership Alliance.
Also in the race are Anthony Udeani of the Young Progressives Party and Afamefuna Ani of the Action Peoples Party.
The remaining candidates include Elvis Ugwoke of the Zenith Labour Party, Friday Iloka of the Social Democratic Party, Nnamdi Omeje of the Action Democratic Party, Ken Ikeh of the Allied Peoples Movement, and Obioma Nnamani of the Because Of Our Tomorrow Party.
The publication of the list is expected to further intensify political activities in the state as the various candidates step up consultations and mobilisation ahead of the election.
Mbah banks on projects
Governor Mbah is expected to campaign on the achievements of his administration, particularly infrastructure projects and social programmes implemented across the state.
His supporters are expected to highlight what they describe as measurable and verifiable projects delivered by the administration as part of the governor’s case for a second term.
Meanwhile, opposition candidates are seeking to convince voters that they can offer a different direction for the state if elected.
With 15 candidates now officially listed, the 2027 Enugu governorship contest is shaping up to be a competitive multi-party race for control of the Government House.