Dr. Chris Obiajulu Onyekachukwu Nwokedi, JP, popularly known as Akaekpuchionwa, officially declared his interest in the House of Representatives seat for Ogbaru Federal Constituency on Tuesday, April 15, at Umudaike Village, Atani.
Addressing party members and supporters during the declaration, Nwokedi said his bid to represent Ogbaru at the National Assembly 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 stated.
Nwokedi commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as visible achievements funded through internally generated revenue. He argued that the governor’s performance is a key reason aspirants from other parties are now seeking APGA’s platform.
Making a direct appeal for support, the aspirant asked Ogbaru delegates to grant him one term to demonstrate effective representation. “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 said.
In an emotional plea, 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.” Nwokedi also asked party members to forgive any past shortcomings, noting that he was born on Christmas Day and wants everyone to “always be happy” with him.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, Nwokedi said his decision to run is driven by the perception 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 the perennial flooding in riverine communities, he argued that the Federal Government has the resources to end the problem. He promised to pursue a state–federal partnership to tackle the menace if elected.
He also linked poor access to quality healthcare and schools in Ogbaru to what he called “bad representation” by former lawmakers, pledging to address the gaps through 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,” noting that this is his third attempt at the House of Representatives 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 (Ituh), also declared support for Nwokedi. Enebeli, who hails from Ward 403, Odekpe Ohita Iyiowa, described as the “harvest ward” of Ogbaru, said his ward knows Nwokedi well and is ready to deliver him.
“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 stated. He added that his ward has “prepared well” for Nwokedi’s election.
The declaration drew party faithful from across Ogbaru as APGA’s primary election approaches.
