By Emeka Chiaghanam
There was an atmosphere of expectancy and renewed political
energy across Nise and Mbaukwu communities in Awka South Local Government Area
as businessman, philanthropist and House of Representatives aspirant under the
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekwezor,
continued his consultation tour ahead of Saturday’s party primary election.
Moving from the Nise Civic Centre to strategic meetings in
Mbaukwu, the APGA stalwart delivered a message centred on what he described as
“true representation”, insisting that the people of Awka North and South
Federal Constituency deserve leadership that listens, responds and uplifts
ordinary citizens.
Speaking before party faithful, youth groups, women leaders
and stakeholders at the Nise Civic Centre, Dr. Ekwezor said his decision to
seek elective office was driven not by personal ambition but by a desire to
restore dignity and purposeful representation to the constituency.
“I do not like being called a politician,” he told
supporters.
“I see myself as a service provider and a progressive-minded
person. Politics, for me, is about touching lives and creating opportunities
for others.”
The aspirant, popularly known by his childhood nickname
“Majesty”, said his life had always been defined by integrity, excellence and
commitment to truth.
“Everything around me from childhood has carried the mark of
greatness and responsibility,” he said.
“I have always stood on the side of truth, and politics will
not change that.”
Dr. Ekwezor said the federal constituency currently lacks
effective representation despite having an elected lawmaker occupying the seat.
According to him, many communities in the constituency still
feel abandoned and disconnected from the benefits of democratic governance.
“The seat is occupied physically, but in reality it remains
vacant because the people have not felt genuine representation,” he declared.
“That narrative must change.”
He promised an inclusive style of leadership anchored on
what he described as a “social contract” with the people.
“What I promise is what I will deliver. I believe leadership
should be accountable and visible,” he added.
The APGA chieftain also reminded party members that he had
remained loyal to the party since joining in 2004, despite never contesting for
elective office until now.
“This struggle is not about me alone,” he said.
“It is about your children, your future and generations yet
unborn.”
At Nise, influential party leaders openly identified with
his ambition, describing him as a bridge-builder with the capacity to unite the
constituency.
Ward 1 APGA Chairman in Nise, Hon. Izuchukwu Okafor,
described Dr. Ekwezor as “a dependable grassroots mobiliser whose
contributions to community growth speak louder than campaign promises”.
Also speaking, Ward 11 APGA Party Leader, Hon. Uche Nwocha,
praised the aspirant’s consistency within the party and urged delegates to
support “a man whose humility and achievements have earned him respect beyond
political circles”.
The campaign train later moved to Mbaukwu where the
reception grew even more emotional, with many residents describing the moment
as an opportunity for the long-overlooked Ebetete axis to finally produce a
strong voice at the National Assembly.
Addressing supporters there, Dr. Ekwezor stressed that
competence, experience and compassion must define representation.
“What this constituency needs now is capacity, sincerity and
courage,” he said.
“We cannot continue recycling leadership that leaves the
people behind.”
One of the strongest endorsements came from former Public
Relations Officer of the UPU Mbaukwu Progressive Union, Mr Obadiah Okpala, who
said the Ebetete people — comprising Mbaukwu and Umuawulu — had suffered years
of political marginalisation.
“We have waited for a credible son of the soil with the
right exposure, character and competence,” he said.
“Dr. Ekwezor represents the hope of our people. He is
qualified, accessible and respected. We are ready to stand with him not only
for the House of Representatives but beyond.”
In another show of growing support, Chairman of the
Non-Indigenes Association in Mbaukwu, Mr Peter Okoye, pledged total backing
from residents who are not originally from the community.
“We have seen what he has done for people over the years,”
he said.
“The non-indigenes living here will support him massively
because leadership should be about performance, not tribe.”
As Saturday’s APGA primary approaches, Dr. Ekwezor’s
campaign appears to be gaining momentum across communities eager for what many
supporters describe as a fresh chapter in the politics of Awka North and South
Federal Constituency.
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