By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections in Anambra State continued to gather pace on Wednesday, April 29, as a frontline aspirant for the Nnewi South Constituency II seat in the State House of Assembly, Amb. Peter Oluchukwu Ezenwa (popularly known as Opendo) formally obtained his Expression of Interest Form under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The development, which marks a significant progression in his political journey, signals not just his readiness for the contest but also a bold step to uphold the advocacy for equity, fairness, and inclusive representation within the constituency.
In a statement on his social media handle shortly after securing the form, Amb. Ezenwa, who was accompanied to the APGA office by some stakeholders stalwart of the party, described the step as more than a procedural requirement, emphasizing that it represents a deliberate commitment to service and accountability to the people of Ebenator, Ukpor, Ezinifite, and Akwaihedi.
According to him, the decision to formally join the race was driven by a strong conviction that the ideals upon which APGA was founded, especially the principle of “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya”, must go beyond rhetoric and find practical expression in political representation and governance.
Opendo reiterated that while Nnewi South Constituency II has witnessed measurable progress since the return of democracy in 1999, a critical gap remains in terms of equitable distribution of political spots and opportunities among the constituent communities.
Highlighting what he described as a longstanding imbalance, the aspirant pointed out that Ebenator Community has yet to produce a state legislator or benefit from key political appointments within the constituency, despite its patience over the decades and the capacity of its citizens.
This notwithstanding, he, however, clarified that his aspiration is not rooted in division or confrontation, but in the pursuit of justice and unity.
“Equity is not division. Fairness is not conflict. Justice strengthens unity,” he stated, further reiterating his campaign mantra of “Ka Ebenator Jekene.”
Amb. Ezenwa further expressed appreciation to the leadership of APGA and the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for fostering a governance philosophy that prioritizes balance, inclusion, and fairness. He noted that such leadership has created the enabling environment for credible individuals to step forward and contribute meaningfully to public service.
In what many describe as a strategic political narrative, the aspirant underscored his deep-rooted connection to all communities within the constituency. He explained that while he hails from Ebenator, his life experiences span across Ukpor, Ezinifite, and Akwaihedi, positioning him as a unifying figure with a shared identity across the four communities, in addition to the key and essential qualities that distinguish him as the best choice for the people of the constituency.
“I was born in Ebenator; I was trained in Ukpor; my maternal home is in Ezinifite; and my in-laws are in Akwaihedi. So when I speak, I do not speak as a man of one community; I speak as a son of all four, communities,” he stated.
“If given the mandate to serve in the State House of Assembly, I will represent every ward, every community, and every voice. And I will do so not just with words but through legislation, advocacy, and effective representation,” he added.
On his legislative agenda, Amb. Ezenwa pledged to prioritize people-oriented policies that will directly impact the lives of constituents. He assured that if elected, he would sponsor and support bills aimed at youth empowerment, job creation, and access to modern skills, particularly in technology and innovation.
He also outlined plans to strengthen support for small businesses and traders, recognizing their critical role in driving the local economy, while promising to advocate for structured welfare programs for the elderly to enhance their quality of life.
Agricultural development, he noted, would also form a key pillar of his legislative focus, with deliberate efforts to boost productivity and create sustainable opportunities across the wards.
Beyond policy formulation, Opendo further emphasized his intention to bridge the gap between government initiatives and grassroots communities. He assured that programs under the state’s broader vision for economic transformation, particularly in technology and skills development, would be effectively domesticated to benefit youths and local entrepreneurs in the constituency.
He further pledged to ensure fair and balanced distribution of infrastructural projects and opportunities across all communities, stressing that no ward would be sidelined under his representation.
Amb. Ezenwa also committed to serving as a strong link between the people and the government, ensuring that the voices, concerns, and aspirations of constituents are adequately represented in the legislative process.
Describing the moment as one that transcends individual ambition, he called on the people of Nnewi South Constituency II to embrace unity, fairness, and collective progress.
“This moment is not about one person,” he said, adding that “it is about restoring balance, strengthening unity, and giving every community a sense of belonging.”
While preparations for the 2027 elections continue to build momentum, the Opendo movement appears to be consolidating its message around justice, inclusion, more quality representation, and strategic development, which are a perfect combination of agenda that should resonate with the electorates in Nnewi South Constituency II, in the spirit of fairness, equity and progress.
More photos from the event:
