The African Democratic Congress in Enugu State has criticised Governor Peter Mbah over the appointment of Chinedu Onyeagba, its candidate for the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, as a state government aide.
Onyeagba was among 101 aides appointed by Mbah in appointments announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. The appointments comprised seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants and took immediate effect.
The ADC Caretaker Secretary in the state, Adolphus Ude, said Onyeagba had rejected the appointment and questioned the timing of the latest appointments.
Ude said the appointments came about three weeks after another 23 aides were appointed, bringing the number of new aides announced within the period to 124.
He argued that the appointments could increase pressure on the state’s recurrent expenditure and reduce funds available for infrastructure.
The ADC official also alleged that the appointments were connected to Mbah’s political preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Ude criticised what he described as the creation of numerous advisory and communication roles while the administration was approaching the end of its current tenure.
He further raised concerns about the cost of salaries and allowances for the appointees, warning that increased recurrent spending could place additional pressure on the state treasury.
Ude also claimed that Enugu State’s debt had risen from N82.5 billion inherited by Mbah in May 2023 to N188.42 billion by early 2026, describing the increase as more than 128 per cent.
He warned that additional borrowing to meet the government’s obligations could further increase the state’s financial burden.
The ADC official also criticised Mbah’s taxation policies and other actions of the administration, while alleging that the governor was seeking to rebuild political support ahead of the 2027 election.
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