By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The political landscape of Nnewi South Constituency II in Anambra State witnessed a significant momentum on Monday, April 13, as a frontline aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Amb. Peter Oluchukwu Ezenwa (popularly known as Opendo), formally declared his intention to contest for the Constituency’s seat in the State House of Assembly come 2027 general elections.
The declaration, which took place at the Ebenator Civic Center, drew a large turnout of party faithful, stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters from across the constituency, reflecting what has been described as a growing momentum around the aspirant’s ambition.
Addressing the gathering, Amb. Ezenwa described his declaration as more than a political formality, but a defining moment of purpose and collective resolve to reposition the constituency for greater development and inclusiveness. He emphasized that while Nnewi South Constituency II comprising Ebenator, Ukpor, Ezinifite, and Akwaihedi has recorded steady growth over the years, such progress must be deliberate, equitable, and all-encompassing.
In what appeared to be the central thrust of his message, the aspirant, who hails from Ebenator Community, raised concerns over what he termed a longstanding imbalance in representation within the constituency. He noted that since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, all communities in Nnewi South Constituency II have had the opportunity to produce state representatives and leaders at various levels of government, except Ebenator.
This, he stressed, calls for urgent redress to the imbalance, in the spirit of fairness, justice, and unity, encapsulated in the Igbo and APGA philosophy of “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya.” Opendo maintained that his aspiration is anchored not on division, but on equity, insisting that no community should be marginalized in the political arrangement and slots of the constituency.
Officially declaring his aspiration and giving a highlight of his vision, Amb. Ezenwa pledged to offer purposeful and impactful representation if elected, further assuring the constituents that he would actively sponsor and support legislation that addresses critical sectors such as education, healthcare, job creation, and overall human capital development.
He aligned his vision with the broader developmental agenda of the Anambra State Government under Chukwuma Charles Soludo, noting that there is a strong push for innovation and economic transformation at the state level. According to him, one of the responsibilities of representatives at the constituency level is to bridge the gap between government opportunities and the grassroots; and which he assured to uphold.
Speaking further, the aspirant also unveiled key components of his manifesto, including plans to establish vocational training centres and technology innovation hubs across the wards to empower youths with relevant skills for the modern economy. He noted that youth empowerment remains a critical pathway to reducing crime and fostering safer communities.
He also outlined plans to introduce support systems for the elderly, including monthly stipends to enhance their welfare and dignity, while promising to strengthen primary healthcare delivery to ensure accessible and quality medical services for residents.
On education and economic growth, Amb. Ezenwa assured that his legislative agenda would prioritize improved learning infrastructure, agricultural development, and the promotion of trade and small-scale enterprises. He further emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, particularly roads and connectivity, to stimulate development across all communities in the constituency.
The declaration event also attracted the presence of top party officials and stakeholders, including the National Vice Chairman (South-East Zone) of APGA, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere; the National Youth Leader of the party, Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu; and the Nnewi South APGA Chairman, Hon. Azubuike Osuchukwu, represented by the Local Government Secretary of the party, Nze Nnaemeka Ijezie.
Also in attendance included the APGA Woman Leader in Nnewi South, Mrs. Nkoli Okafor, alongside members of the Local Government Working Committee, ward executives, and key stakeholders from all eleven wards that make up the constituency.
The event also attracted leadership and stakeholders of Ebenator community, including the President-General, Amb. Henry Chigozie Anadi, who was also represented, by the Secretary General, Mr. Uzo Felix Ndianefo, APGA stalwart and Vice President of the Community, Hon. Amaechi Anyika, as well as notable figures in the community, including the President of Ebenator Ambassadors, Amb. Amaobi Okafor; and business mogul from the community, Amb. Obinna Offor; who all declared their full support for the aspirant.
In their separate remarks, the stakeholders and party officials unanimously expressed confidence in the aspirant’s capacity to deliver inclusive and people-oriented representation. They commended his grassroots engagement and urged him to sustain his consultations across the constituency.
The event, described as apt, auspicious, and impactful, ended with a massive endorsement of Amb. Ezenwa’s aspiration, renewed call for equity, declaration of commitment to strengthen unity and APGA’s foothold in Nnewi South Constituency II.
Meanwhile, historical checks by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, reveal that since 1999, the Constituency has been represented by notable lawmakers and has also produced local government chairmen among other occupants of political office slots zoned to the Constituency in the state, with none of them being an Ebenator person.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, many anticipate that the time and the call for equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and strategic development, as echoed by the Opendo campaign, has come to be actualized, under the mantra of “Ka Ebenator Jekene.”
More photos from the event:
