By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The campaign of Barr. Kingsley Chukwudebem Ezekwelu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, has received a boost following a series of endorsements by traditional rulers, political leaders, women’s groups and community stakeholders across Idemili.
The endorsements came during a thank-you tour by Ezekwelu following his emergence as the APC candidate in the party’s primaries. More than 25 stakeholder groups reportedly expressed support for his ambition, describing his candidacy as an opportunity for improved representation and development in the constituency.
During a visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Nkpor, the monarch received Ezekwelu and offered prayers for the success of his political ambition. He reportedly commended the candidate for showing respect to the traditional institution and urged him not to forget the community if elected to the House of Representatives.
At Nkpor, the APC candidate for Idemili North State Constituency, Hon. Vincent Obi, also led the endorsement of Ezekwelu, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilisation and effective campaign organisation.
Obi, who described himself as a forerunner in Ezekwelu’s political journey, said electoral victories were determined at polling units rather than on social media.
He described Ezekwelu as a man of wisdom and argued that the constituency needed an educated and qualified representative capable of effectively articulating its interests at the National Assembly.
Addressing members of the Nkpor community, Obi said he had established his residence in the area and considered himself part of the community.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the South-East and urged party members to intensify their mobilisation efforts, particularly at the grassroots level.
Obi called on supporters to embark on house-to-house campaigns, monitor their polling units and work towards securing victory for the party in the forthcoming general election.
The APC Chairman in Nkpor and the party’s Zonal Chairman, Hon. Moumaife Anthony, also urged the people to support Ezekwelu, expressing optimism that his election would promote better governance and effective representation in Abuja.
Obi further commended Senator Uche Ekwunife, popularly referred to as Ife Kolaedo, describing her as a woman of dignity who had positively impacted many lives.
The APC Local Government Woman Leader and the party’s woman leader in Nkpor also expressed confidence in Ezekwelu’s candidacy.
They described him as a truthful and intellectually capable individual who could effectively represent the constituency, introduce beneficial legislative initiatives and demonstrate compassion for the people.
The women of Nkpor pledged their support for his aspiration, stressing the need for purposeful representation at the federal level.
Ezekwelu Unveils Youth, Women Empowerment Plans
Responding to the endorsements, Ezekwelu thanked the traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders for their support, describing the visit as an opportunity to appreciate them for their solidarity following his emergence from the party primaries.
He also called for forgiveness, love and unity, urging the people to embrace peaceful coexistence and strengthen their faith in God.
Outlining his proposed legislative agenda, the APC candidate said his programmes would focus substantially on youth development, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and social welfare.
According to him, approximately 80 per cent of his proposed interventions would be youth-focused, with plans for a six-month youth empowerment programme, skills acquisition opportunities and assistance in accessing Federal Government funding for education and entrepreneurship.
He emphasised the importance of investing in young people, maintaining that youth development was essential to the growth and sus
