Mbah, others describe Enugu Local govt poll peaceful, urge incoming leaders on people – centered policies

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah,and some electorates have described the Saturday, September 26, 2026 local government elections in the state as peaceful and orderly, urging the incoming council leaders to make people-centred policies and remain accountable to the electorates.

He spoke in an interview with newsmen after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Achichi Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area. He said reports from across the state indicated that voters conducted themselves peacefully.

The Governor described the exercise as “democracy in action,” saying the election was a reminder that political power and mandates come from the people and should be used to serve them.

Gov Mbah going for accreditation

According to him, citizens have a responsibility to participate actively in elections by voting for candidates of their choice and holding elected officials accountable after assuming office.
“This exercise reminds us that the power we seek is the power that belongs to the people. It is also for them to realise that this is their show; it is their business to come out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice,” Mbah said.

He added that the mandate given by the people was a mandate to serve them and urged citizens to hold elected officials accountable because they were part of those who gave them the mandate to serve.

The governor expressed hope that the peaceful conduct recorded during the local government election would be replicated in the 2027 general elections.
“Here in Enugu, we are always a model in almost everything. So, what you are seeing here is also a signpost of what you will see in a general election,” Mbah said, expressing hope that the exercise would remain peaceful across the state.

Voters at 007 polling unit Achichi Owo queued up for accreditation

He urged the incoming local government leaders to make policies that are centred on the needs of the people.

At Amaechi-Idodo, Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Ekene Nnamani, a voter and Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), also commended voters for turning out in large numbers, saying the election was conducted calmly.
Nnamani urged the incoming local government executives to prioritise access to potable water, noting that bringing water closer to the people should be among their key responsibilities.

Ekene Nnamani commended ENSIEC , urges incoming local government leaders on consolidation works already done, women empowerment.

He also called for greater empowerment of women, particularly women farmers, including support in accessing appropriate seedlings and agricultural inputs.
Nnamani commended the state government for its interventions in road infrastructure, urging the incoming councils to complement such efforts at the grassroots.

In an interview, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze, who voted in Nkanu East Local Government Area, said voters were turned out in large numbers to perform their civic duties.

He said the incoming council leadership should build on the achievements of the outgoing administration while improving areas that require attention.
“There is always room for improvement. No matter how good a performance is, you can always improve on it,” he said

Gov Mbah speaking with newsmen after casting his vote

Nnajieze specifically called for stronger support for youth empowerment and economic opportunities, as well as a more even distribution of projects and infrastructure across communities.

Also speaking on the election, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Paul Nnajiofor, commended ENSIEC for the successful conduct of the exercise, describing it as peaceful and orderly.

Nnajiofor noted the turnout of voters and commended the electoral process, saying the exercise provided an opportunity for citizens to participate in choosing their local government representatives.

At Ngwo in Enugu North Local Government Area, the current chairman of the council and chairmanship candidate Dr Ibenaku Onoh, who was also participating in the election, commended the conduct of the exercise.
Onoh said he came out early to vote and that electoral materials arrived early at his polling unit. He said he was able to cast his vote without difficulty and commended ENSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said the peaceful conduct of the election was encouraging and urged the electorate to continue to participate in the democratic process.
The 2026 Enugu State local government elections were conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state to elect council chairmen and councillors.