Enugu Youths Urge Governor Mbah to Focus on Governance, Decry Early Endorsements

Youths from the Nkanu Nation in Enugu State, under the aegis of the Nkanu Youths Organization (NYO), have cautioned political actors and groups against the early endorsement of political office holders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing a press conference in Enugu on Friday, the President of NYO, Comrade Dika David, said such endorsements are premature and counterproductive, warning that they often create division and distract leaders from delivering on their mandate.

He called on political stakeholders in the state to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the actual delivery of good governance, rather than engaging in early politicking.

“While our zone is blessed with many competent leaders, early endorsements send the wrong message and derail developmental focus,” David said. “Endorsements should not be based on opportunism but on a proven commitment to the people’s welfare.”

The group also expressed concerns over the economic policies in the state, particularly those affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The NYO President warned that multiple taxation and policies that diminish the purchasing power of residents could undermine Governor Peter Mbah’s ambition to grow Enugu’s economy to a $30 billion GDP.

“Ndi Enugu are suffering silently,” David stated. “You cannot grow the economy by stifling small businesses and reducing people’s ability to spend. The government must show empathy and address these issues urgently.”

While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to support political leaders, NYO emphasized that what the people of Enugu State need now is effective governance, not political distractions.

The group also highlighted some prominent figures from the Nkanu zone, including Chief Everest Nnaji, Chief Uche Nnaji, and Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani, describing them as capable leaders who could contribute meaningfully to the state’s future when the time comes.

Beyond politics, NYO advocated for stronger focus on youth empowerment and human capital development. The organization urged the state government to implement targeted capacity-building programmes that would enable young people to contribute meaningfully to state development.

“As the next generation of leaders, we are determined to shape the Enugu of tomorrow,” David said. “Anything done for us without us is against us. We are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are stakeholders of today.”

The group also called on youths across Enugu State to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that active civic participation is key to shaping a better future.

“The power to change the narrative lies in our hands,” David concluded.