BY UCHE ANEKE
As the political pendulum begins its deliberate swing toward the 2027 general elections, the atmosphere in Enugu State is charged with a renewed sense of purpose. The recent release of the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dictated by the landmark Electoral Act of 2026 has set a clear, high-stakes deadline. With primaries for elective positions scheduled to commence on April 23 and conclude by May 30, 2026, the window for strategic consolidation is narrowing.
For the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu, this is not merely a bureaucratic countdown; it is a golden opportunity to redefine the state’s political landscape. As the legendary American statesman James Freeman Clarke once said: “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation.”
The recent political realignment in our state, led by Governor Peter Mbah has provided the APC with a structural advantage that was previously unimaginable. The Governor’s entry into the party has brought a stabilizing force that must now be harnessed. The successful conduct of state congresses, which saw the emergence of seasoned leaders like Dr. Martins Chukwunwike as State Chairman, proves that the party is no longer a fractured opposition but a unified governing force.
To maintain this momentum, the party must approach the upcoming primaries with the same spirit of “Consensus and Cohesion” that defined the congresses. Governor Mbah, as the leader of the party in the state, should champion a process that prioritizes unity over individual ambition. The consensus arrangement is not just a pragmatic shortcut; it is a shield against the internal rancor that often leaves parties vulnerable before the first general election ballot is even cast.
The business of legislation and governance is far too serious to be treated as a playground for political novices or “boys” seeking a quick rise. We must field “men” in the truest sense, individuals of proven integrity, vision, and the political sagacity to withstand the rigors of high-office competition.
Recall the 2023 elections, where the “Obidient” wave swept across the nation like a harmattan fire. Even in that storm, candidates who possessed deep-rooted local credibility and popular appeal held their ground. This teaches us a vital lesson: Popularity is the only currency that does not devalue. The APC must avoid the temptation of “political opportunism” and instead present candidates who are household names for the right reasons.
I speak not as an interested party for the Igbo-Etiti East constituency in the State House of Assembly, but as a concerned stakeholder who understands that political credibility should never be sacrificed at the altar of selfish or pecuniary interests.
The Electoral Act of 2026 offers two main paths: consensus or direct primaries. While consensus is the ideal for harmony, we must ensure it is used to select the most electable candidates, not just the most compliant. We need candidates who can “stick their heads out” and win on their own merit, bolstered by the party’s machinery.
We are reminded of the words of Winston Churchill “Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” In Enugu, we must choose to be on the right side of that foresight today so we aren’t making excuses tomorrow.
With the visionary leadership demonstrated by Governor Mbah and the newly inaugurated party executives, the path to a clean sweep in 2027 is clear. However, victory is not a gift; it is a harvest. To reap it, the APC must sow seeds of transparency, meritocracy, and grassroots engagement during this primary season.
If we field credible, popular, and “tried and tested” individuals, the APC will not just struggle-free through the elections, it will command a mandate that reflects the true will of the people of Enugu. Let us move beyond “delinquent dances” and “kiddies clubs” and embrace the serious business of state-building. The 2027 winning strategy starts now, and it starts with the quality of those we choose to lead.
*Uche Aneke, a political commentator and Public Affairs analyst from Ukehe, Enugu State. ucheaneke5@gmail.com 08033481569.
