…Say APC candidate embodies credibility, competence and youthful leadership
Youths from Osuama-Anara Ward in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, home to Oboh, the community of Mr Emmanuel Egejurum, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, have adopted Hon. Uchenna Emmanuel Agasu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency in the 2027 general election.
The youths, under the Owerri branch of the Osuama Youth Assembly(OYA), announced their position during their general meeting in Owerri, declaring that equity, fairness and inclusive representation informed their decision to support Agasu. They insisted that Onuimo Local Government Area should be given the opportunity to produce the next representative of Okigwe North in the House of Representatives.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting on behalf of the Assembly, its chairman, Engr. Sixtus Oparadim, said the principle of equity demands that political opportunities be shared fairly among the component local government areas of Okigwe North, stressing that the current political moment presents an opportunity to uphold the spirit of rotation and strengthen mutual trust among the people.
The youths further noted that the incumbent member representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency, Princess Miriam Onuoha, whom they described as their sister from Umunachi in Osuama-Anara ward, had enjoyed two uninterrupted terms in the House of Representatives. They argued that it would be contrary to the spirit of equity for another indigene of Osuama-Anara Ward to seek to succeed her in a position that represents the collective interests of the three local government areas that make up the constituency. According to them, the federal seat should not be treated as the preserve of any particular community, and fairness demands that other areas, particularly Onuimo, be given the opportunity to produce the next representative.
“Equity and fairness are not merely political slogans to be deployed when they serve our interests. They are principles that must guide our collective decisions, especially when the question concerns who gets the opportunity to represent us. Onuimo deserves a fair hearing and a fair chance, and we believe that supporting Agasu is consistent with that principle,” the youths declared.
The Assembly described Agasu as a credible, competent and youthful aspirant whose candidacy, in their assessment, offers the constituency an opportunity to combine the energy of a younger generation with the preparation and commitment required for effective legislative representation.
It noted that the choice of a representative should go beyond personal affiliations and narrow political calculations, arguing that the overriding consideration should be the ability of the candidate to articulate the needs of the people and attract meaningful development to the constituency.
The youths further maintained that Agasu’s candidacy presents an opportunity to promote a new generation of leadership in Okigwe North, one that appreciates the expectations of young people while recognising the importance of consultation and effective representation in the National Assembly.
They urged the people of Okigwe North, particularly young voters, to approach the 2027 election with a clear understanding of the issues at stake, insisting that political choices must reflect the long-term interests of the constituency rather than temporary sentiments.
The Assembly also distanced itself from what it described as attempts by a few individuals from the ward to work against the principles of fairness and equity, declaring that such positions should not be mistaken for the collective position of the ward’s younger generation.
“We will not be part of the insignificant few from our ward who are attempting to swim against the tide of fairness and equity. Our position is guided by what is just, what is fair and what will strengthen the bonds among our people. We believe that the progress of Okigwe North is better served when every community is treated with a sense of justice and mutual respect,” the youths stated.
They emphasised that their adoption of Agasu was a deliberate political choice informed by their assessment of his candidacy and the need to sustain a fair and inclusive political arrangement within the constituency.
The Assembly called on other youth organisations, community leaders and stakeholders across Okigwe North to support efforts aimed at strengthening political understanding among the constituent local government areas, warning that disregard for equity could weaken the trust required for lasting cooperation.
The Osuama-Anara Ward youths reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and issue-driven electoral process, expressing optimism that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for the constituency to pursue credible representation, inclusive development and a stronger political future.
