By Izunna Okafor, Awka
There was a surge of jubilation at the Nnewi North Local Government Headquarters over the weekend, as the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the 2026 August 29th Local Government Chairmanship Election.
Hon. Anazodo’s emergence was decided and declared at a primary election held at the Council Secretariat, which saw delegates and party stalwarts from the area announce their support for him in a loud and sustained voice vote. The exercise and the evidence-based victory also triggered off celebration across the council area shortly after it was officially announced that the incumbent Hon. Anazodo had secured the party’s ticket again.
The primary outcome also watered down the debate that had recently trended across political and community platforms regarding the rotational leadership within the Nnewi North. Arguments and debates had recently badgered on on social media over an informal rotation of the chairmanship position across the 4 major quarters of Nnewi — Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi — to promote fairness and inclusion.
Concerned individuals and groups, including the Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi, argued that the rotational agreement among the four quarters of Nnewi is not a mere political convenience but a binding social contract that has helped to preserve peace, mutual respect and inclusion within the community. Hence, it was declared that allowing Umudim (where the current Chairman and APGA flag bearer comes from) to complete its four-year tenure, as affirmed by the Nzukọ Ọra leadership, aligns with the principles of fairness and justice, warning that any attempt to truncate the tenure could set a dangerous precedent. According to them, after Umudim (in the next two years), Nnewichi will also take their own and serve for four years before another quarter takes over.
Reacting to his victory, Hon. Anazodo expressed gratitude to the APGA family for their support, describing the process as not only free of rancour but also a proof to the unity and shared vision that have shaped the party’s footprint in Nnewi North.
He thanked the national leader of APGA and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for overseeing a transparent electoral process that allowed all aspirants to participate in a democratic atmosphere. He also acknowledged the dedication of party executives at Ward and Local Government levels for their commitment to sustaining internal democracy and good governance. Anazodo said the goodwill and cooperation among party members had strengthened APGA’s position in the council and reinforced its appeal among the electorate.
He pledged to further consolidate developmental strides in Nnewi North by focusing on robust human capital development, mechanised agriculture, healthcare improvements, infrastructure renewal and, critically, the security of lives and property. He assured residents that the forthcoming term, if his mandate is renewed, would deepen empowerment efforts and deliver tangible benefits across all quarters of the local government.
The Nnewi North Mayor also clarified that the rotational understanding still holds and remains a guiding principle for future leadership transitions. They emphasised that after his tenure, it would naturally pass to Nnewichi in 2028, followed by Uruagu and then Otolo in subsequent cycles — a sequence aimed at ensuring equity and shared ownership of political leadership in the council area.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to his fellow aspirants for their sportsmanship, urging that differences be laid aside as the council moves toward the general election. He also acknowledged the Nnewi Council of Traditional Rulers, the Nnewi Town Union Council, numerous youth organisations and community stakeholders whose support, he said, reflected a shared belief in stability and progress for Nnewi North.
Hon. Anazodo reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership and community development; even as he called on all residents, irrespective of political affiliation, to work collectively toward a better future, stressing that development remains a shared responsibility.
“Your faith in me humbles me,” he said. “I am committed to accelerated development, empowerment and improved welfare for Ndi Nnewi North. Let us build on progress and deliver outcomes that make our communities proud,” he concluded.
