By Emeka Chiaghanam
The race for the Awka North and
South Federal Constituency seat gathered fresh momentum at the weekend as
businessman and philanthropist, Dr Augustine Azubuike Ekwezor, formally stepped
into the contest with a fierce promise to reshape representation in the area
and reconnect leadership with ordinary people.
Speaking before members of the
grassroots political movement, Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), in Awka, the
longtime member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, painted a picture
of a constituency yearning for stronger leadership, practical development and
closer ties between elected officials and the people they claim to serve.
The atmosphere at the gathering
reflected more than a routine political declaration. It became a meeting of
party loyalists, community mobilisers and supporters who repeatedly echoed the
need for a new direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ekwezor, who is seeking the
APGA ticket for the House of Representatives, said his ambition was born out of
conviction and responsibility rather than personal gain, insisting that the
people of Awka North and South could no longer afford ineffective
representation at the National Assembly.
Without hiding his
disappointment with the current situation, the APGA hopeful argued that the
constituency had remained stagnant because those entrusted with leadership
failed to deliver meaningful impact.
According to him, the coming
election cycle would determine whether APGA retains its political strength and
public trust in Anambra State, stressing that the party must present candidates
with grassroots acceptance and proven credibility.
He said, “This is not the time
for experiments. Our people want leaders they can reach, leaders who understand
their struggles and leaders who can attract development. I believe I have
prepared myself for that responsibility.”
Ekwezor told the gathering that
his focus would revolve around four key sectors which he described as urgent
priorities for the constituency — agriculture, security, housing and
infrastructure.
He explained that boosting
agriculture would not only improve food production but also create jobs for
young people across rural communities. On security, he pledged to support
initiatives that would protect lives and restore confidence in local
communities battling fear and uncertainty.
The aspirant also promised to
pursue low-cost housing programmes and push for infrastructure projects capable
of improving economic activities and easing movement within the constituency.
Beyond campaign promises,
Ekwezor attempted to build his case around what supporters described as his
long-standing relationship with grassroots communities. He pointed to his past
acts of empowerment, including assistance to youths and housing support for
struggling families, saying public office should be used to uplift people
rather than enrich politicians.
“My doors have always remained
open,” he declared. “Accessibility matters in leadership. The people must not
struggle before they can reach their representative.”
He further maintained that his
political experience and national connections would help him attract federal
presence and opportunities to Awka North and South if elected into the Green
Chamber.
The APGA chieftain equally
reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party in the state, noting that he had
remained committed to APGA since joining the platform more than two decades
ago.
He praised Governor Chukwuma
Charles Soludo for what he described as transformational projects across
Anambra, promising to complement the administration’s development drive through
effective legislative representation.
Ekwezor also reserved warm
words for Anambra Patriots, the influential grassroots support structure known
for political mobilisation and advocacy for accountability in governance.
The group, which boasts
hundreds of coordinators across wards in the state, has become increasingly visible
in political engagement and voter sensitisation activities.
In a move that drew loud
applause from members, the aspirant pledged to build a befitting secretariat
for the organisation if given the mandate to represent the constituency.
Leaders of the group openly
praised his ambition during the interaction.
Chairman of the organisation,
Chief Damian Elekwechi, described APS as a platform committed to promoting
responsible leadership and encouraging competent individuals to participate in
governance.
According to him, the group
places emphasis on discipline, accountability and legislative excellence,
especially among leaders expected to work alongside the state government in
delivering democratic dividends.
He said Ekwezor’s experience,
accessibility and grassroots connection positioned him as a strong contender in
the race.
Also speaking at the event, the
National Convener of the group and Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Okey
Ezeobi, stressed the importance of holding political office holders accountable
to campaign promises.
He noted that support groups
like APS were created not merely for political celebrations but to sustain
public engagement and ensure elected leaders remain answerable to the people
after elections.
The meeting attracted a large
turnout of party faithful, coordinators and supporters from different
communities within the constituency, signalling what observers described as an
early build-up to a potentially intense contest ahead of the APGA primaries
scheduled for May 23, 2026.
For Ekwezor, however, the
battle ahead appears larger than securing a party ticket. His message
throughout the gathering remained centred on rebuilding trust between the
electorate and those seeking power, a message his supporters believe could
resonate strongly across Awka North and South in the months ahead.
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