OBIARUKU/Nigeria: The push for the House of Representatives seat for Ukwuani/Ndokwa Federal Constituency gained fresh momentum as Councillor representing Ezhionum Ward 7, Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor, secured the backing of his colleagues in the Ukwuani Legislative Council and key ward leaders, marking a decisive step in his unfolding political consultations.
At a strategic meeting with members of the Ukwuani Legislative Council (8th Assembly) in Akoku community, the councillor formally presented his nomination form to the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Durell Ossai, in what observers described as a calculated move to consolidate grassroots political support ahead of the 2027 race.
Receiving the aspirant, Ossai commended his courage in joining the contest, describing the ambition as a bold but necessary intervention in the constituency’s political evolution. He urged unity among political actors and advised the aspirant to sustain inclusive engagement across party structures.
Other councillors who spoke at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, with Hon. Marvin Ogbuta of Umutu Ward 1 describing Chukwuemeke as “vocal, intelligent and courageous,” adding that the Councillors’ Forum was fully aligned with the growing call for youth participation in leadership.
The meeting, attended by Deputy Leader, Hon. Princess Olise (Umutu Ward 2), Hon. Ilugo, Hon. Ikechukwu Oji (Ebedei Ward 3A and 3B), Hon. Christian Odalonu, and Hon. Shiteje Dickson, among others, ended with a show of solidarity for the aspirant’s ambition.
Earlier, the councillor had formally made his intention known to the constituency on Friday, May 1, 2026, setting the stage for a series of consultations and engagements across the federal constituency.
In his ward, he subsequently received a rousing endorsement from party leaders and stakeholders in Ezhionum, where his declaration attracted a large turnout of All Progressives Congress (APC) members from across Ukwuani, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas.
Addressing party faithful, Hon. Chukwuemeke described his aspiration as a response to what he termed the need for “vibrant, people-driven and result-oriented representation,” pledging to prioritise consultation and inclusive governance if elected.
A chieftain of the APC in the community, High Chief Isaac Anowa, JP, affirmed the ward’s support, noting that the aspirant had demonstrated capacity and grassroots connection deserving of wider backing.
Similarly, the Ward 7 APC Chairman, Engr. Lucky Ojumah, described the development as historic, pointing out that it marked the first time Ezhionum would be producing a House of Representatives aspirant. He urged party members to unite behind what he called a collective project.
As part of his outreach, the aspirant also visited Umudike community in Ossisa, where he engaged stakeholders and sought their endorsement. Speaking on behalf of the community, APC stalwart, Mr. Sylvester Obiandu, welcomed the initiative and assured him of their support, describing the ambition as timely.
Another stakeholder, Mr. Azuka Uwafili, stressed the need for generational change in representation, noting that the people were ready for a departure from what he characterised as underwhelming past leadership.
Responding, Hon. Chukwuemeke assured the community of sustained engagement, promising to return for a full consultation and formal unveiling of his manifesto.
Speaking with journalists, the aspirant acknowledged the presence of established contenders in the race, including Hon. Nicholas Ossai Ossai and incumbent Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, but maintained that his candidacy represents a new direction anchored on fresh ideas and a renewed vision for the constituency.
“We are coming with a new mantra—New Era, New Order. Our focus is on consultation-driven representation that reflects the will of the people,” he said.
He also addressed concerns surrounding the Independent Power Project (IPP) step-down in Ndokwa, describing the situation as overly politicised and pledging to pursue practical solutions through fact-finding and legislative intervention if elected.
Highlighting his record at the grassroots, Chukwuemeke pointed to empowerment initiatives and provision of social amenities in his ward, assuring that he would expand such efforts at the national level through effective lawmaking, motions and constituency-driven projects.
The series of engagements, punctuated by symbolic presentations and endorsements, signposts an early but strategic consolidation of support as the councillor positions himself for a competitive contest in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
