ADC Criticises Mbah over Appointment of Enugu Reps Candidate as Aide

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State has criticised Governor Peter Mbah over the appointment of one of its House of Representatives candidates, Chinedu Onyeagba, as a government aide.

Onyeagba, who is the ADC candidate for the Aninri, Awgu and Oji River Federal Constituency, was among 101 individuals recently appointed to various positions by the state government.

The appointments were announced in a public service notice signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. The list comprises seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants, with the appointments taking effect immediately.

The ADC Caretaker Secretary in Enugu State, Adolphus Ude, said Onyeagba had rejected the appointment. He also questioned the timing and scale of the latest appointments, particularly their possible effect on the state’s finances.

Ude linked the appointments to preparations for the 2027 election and alleged that the government was seeking to strengthen its political support across the state. He also criticised some of the policies of the Mbah administration and claimed that the governor was facing declining support.

The ADC official further argued that the latest appointments had increased the number of aides appointed by the governor within a short period. According to him, the 101 appointments came about three weeks after another batch of 23 aides was announced, bringing the number to 124 appointments within less than a month.

He questioned the need for such a large number of appointments at a time when the current administration was approaching the end of its first term. He also raised concerns about the number of positions with communication, media and advisory responsibilities.

Ude said the salaries, allowances and other benefits attached to the positions could increase the state’s recurrent expenditure and reduce the funds available for infrastructure and other development projects.

He also raised concerns about the state’s debt position, claiming that Enugu’s debt had increased from about N82.5 billion inherited by the administration in May 2023 to N188.42 billion by early 2026.

The ADC official warned that additional borrowing to meet increased personnel and administrative costs could place further pressure on the state’s finances, particularly if federal allocations decline.

The state government’s position on the ADC’s criticism and the financial implications raised by the opposition party were not contained in the report.

The controversy comes as political parties and candidates in Enugu intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.