Akaekpuchionwa Enters Ogbaru Reps Race, Pledges One Term to Deliver Results
By Julie Sylvia Onitsha
Dr. Chris Obiajulu Onyekachukwu Nwokedi, JP, popularly known as (Akaekpuchionwa) declared his bid for the Ogbaru Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 15, at Umudaike Village, Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Addressing APGA members and supporters at the declaration, Nwokedi said his pursuit of the National Assembly seat has been consistent since 2010.
“I have been contesting for the House of Representatives seat, and I have remained in APGA because I am committed to the party until I achieve this goal,” he said.
He commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he called “visible achievements” funded through internally generated revenue, arguing that the governor’s performance has made APGA the choice platform for aspirants across party lines.
Nwokedi appealed directly to Ogbaru delegates to give him one term to prove his capacity. “No candidate wants to stay less than eight years, but I am asking for one tenure first to show Ndi Ogbaru what good governance is all about.
“If I do well, I can seek another term. If not, I will step aside,” he stated. He added: “Please support me. You are my first twelve, my first twenty-one. Allow me to go this time, and I will make each and every one of you proud.”
He also asked party members to forgive any past shortcomings, saying he was born on Christmas Day and wants everyone to “always be happy” with him.
Speaking with newsmen afterward, Nwokedi said his decision to run stems from the view that Ogbaru lacks effective representation and federal presence. “Ogbaru constituents look as if they don’t have a representative at the National Assembly. I want to go and bring home Ogbaru’s share,” he said.
On flooding in riverine communities, he argued that the Federal Government has the resources to end the problem and pledged to pursue a state-federal partnership if elected.
He also attributed poor access to quality healthcare and schools in Ogbaru to “bad representation” by former lawmakers, promising to address the gaps in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.
Ogbaru LGA APGA Chairman, Pastor Onochie Obiora, described Nwokedi as a “staunch party member for the past 20 years” now making his third run for the seat.
“He is one of us, and that is why we are all here to give him support. The party at the grassroots level values consistency, not moving from one party to another,” Obiora said.
Second Vice President of Anambra State Youth, Comrade Idowu Enebeli, alias Ituh, also backed the bid. Enebeli, from Ward 403, Odekpe Ohita Iyiowa which he called the “harvest ward” of Ogbaru said his ward is prepared to deliver Nwokedi.
“If Atani cannot deliver him, we will deliver him and work with him. Some have been there for eight years, some 12 years, with nothing to show. This time, Ogbaru needs fresh blood for representation,” Enebeli said.
The declaration attracted party faithful from across Ogbaru as APGA’s primary election approaches.
