The APC candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has challenged voters to carefully assess the antecedents, capacity and demonstrated commitment of individuals seeking their mandate ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the quality of candidates, rather than political sentiments, should determine electoral choices.
Senator Ekwunife made the call on Wednesday during her ongoing community engagement tour, which took her to Nimo, Abagana and Enugwu-Ukwu communities in Njikoka and surrounding areas of Anambra Central Senatorial District.
Addressing enthusiastic residents and community stakeholders, Ekwunife urged the electorate to demand accountability from political aspirants by asking them to present verifiable evidence of their contributions to society and the communities they seek to represent.
According to her, political parties should not be the overriding consideration when choosing representatives, stressing that voters should prioritise individuals who have demonstrated the willingness and capacity to remember their people and deliver meaningful development after securing electoral mandates.
“Let political office aspirants tell you what they have done. Assess their records, examine their capacity and determine who has genuinely stood with the people.
“Political party should not be your primary concern as a voter. The candidate who will remember you, work for you and remain committed to your welfare after election should be your priority. A political party is simply a vehicle that takes you to your destination,” she stated.
The Senator took time to highlight some of her projects and interventions across the communities, with members of the various communities frequently reminding her of additional achievements she had not mentioned, making the engagements an opportunity for residents to recount the impact of her previous representation.
Among the interventions highlighted were the construction of two houses for indigent families, provision of solar-powered streetlights, facilitation of employment opportunities for 26 persons and distribution of tricycles across the wards in Abagana, among other community-based interventions.
She particularly recalled her role in attracting the Federal Government’s Bioresources Development Centre (BIODEC) to Abagana, a research and development institution established to serve the South-East region.
The facility, located in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, represents an important Federal Government presence in the community and an intervention with broader regional significance.
At Abagana, the atmosphere was charged as community leaders, party stakeholders and supporters welcomed Senator Ekwunife and her entourage.
Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba declared that the forthcoming 2027 elections would witness an overwhelming APC victory, insisting that the party must secure votes across all elective positions.
He described Senator Ekwunife as the best Senator in the history of Anambra State, citing her experience, ranking, political stature and legislative capacity as qualities that distinguish her.
According to him, Ekwunife possesses the requisite experience and credentials to aspire to any principal position in the National Assembly.
Onyeagba also expressed confidence in his own electoral prospects, noting that his experience as Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Burundi had equipped him with the requisite exposure and diplomatic experience to provide effective representation at the Federal House of Representatives.
In her remarks, Senator Ekwunife expressed confidence in Onyeagba’s capacity to deliver quality representation, stressing that his wealth of experience in international diplomacy would be an added advantage to the constituency.
She also acknowledged the presence of a renowned political figure in the area Chief Obieki and other prominent stakeholders, while welcoming the APC Local Government Area chairmen accompanying her on the tour.
The Senator equally recognised the Abagana traditional institution, BIODEC representatives and other community leaders for their solidarity and participation.
She commended the people for their support and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the traditional institution and the entire community.
Reinforcing her message on the importance of responsible electoral choices, Ekwunife noted that democracy derives its legitimacy from the people and must ultimately serve their collective interests.
“Without the people, there is no democracy. Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. Therefore, the people must always remain at the centre of every political decision,” she said.
Ekwunife’s visit to Nimo provided another opportunity for interaction with community leaders and prominent stakeholders. Once again she listed several interventions credited to her within the community. The highpoint of the senator’s visit to Nimo was when Nwachinemelu warmly welcomed the Senator to the community with the presentation of a sizable ram, an expression of goodwill and hospitality.
The Senator also continued her engagement with residents of Enugwu-Ukwu, where the people turned out in large numbers to receive her and reaffirm their support for her political aspiration. The community members
The community engagements were attended by party leaders, APC candidates, traditional stakeholders, community representatives and members of her campaign entourage, including the Njikoka APC Chairman.
The tour further underscored Senator Ekwunife’s emphasis on grassroots engagement, accountability and the need for voters to make informed choices based on the records and capacity of those seeking public office.
