Former House of Representatives member for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in Abia State, Rep.
Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, citing the President’s achievements over the past two years. Onuigbo spoke during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, following Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the PDP to the APC.
The lawmaker described Mbah’s move as a “right decision,” noting that it strengthens President Tinubu’s chances of winning the South-East in the 2027 elections. “Governor Peter Mbah’s defection is a good omen to both the South-East and APC because he is a performing governor joining the mainstream,” Onuigbo said.
Onuigbo highlighted that the defection positions the South-East geopolitical zone to negotiate from a point of strength, as three out of five states in the region are now under APC control. He also praised President Tinubu for policies such as forex unification, which he said are yielding positive economic results and complement the achievements of performing governors like Mbah.
The former lawmaker, who represents the South-East on the North East Development Commission (NEDC), also called for financial autonomy for local governments. He criticized the diversion of local government funds by some state governors, claiming that it hampers meaningful development at the grassroots level.
Onuigbo urged governors to stop appointing their allies as local government chairmen through manipulative council elections, arguing that such practices undermine the third tier of government. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Sections 197 and 124, requires State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to conduct free and credible elections in line with Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He commended Governor Mbah of Enugu State for giving local government chairmen access to funds for grassroots development and security. Onuigbo added that properly funded chairmen can identify potential threats early and ensure peace in their communities. He concluded that an efficient and viable local government system is key to building a developed and secure Nigeria.
