The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has urged voters to prioritise candidates’ records, competence and commitment to public service over political party affiliations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ekwunife made the call on Wednesday during her ongoing community engagement tour of Nimo, Abagana and Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area and other parts of Anambra Central Senatorial District.
Addressing community leaders, party stakeholders and residents, the senator said voters must scrutinise the achievements and capacity of those seeking public office rather than allow party loyalty or political sentiments to determine their choices.
She challenged political aspirants to provide verifiable evidence of their contributions to society and demonstrate how they intend to serve the people if elected.
“Let political office aspirants tell you what they have done. Assess their records, examine their capacity and determine who has genuinely stood with the people.
“Political party should not be your primary concern as a voter. The candidate who will remember you, work for you and remain committed to your welfare after election should be your priority. A political party is simply a vehicle that takes you to your destination,” she said.
During the engagements, Ekwunife highlighted several projects and interventions she attributed to her previous representation across the communities. Residents also recalled additional initiatives, turning the meetings into opportunities for community members to assess her record and acknowledge projects they said had benefited them.
Among the interventions mentioned were the construction of two houses for indigent families, installation of solar-powered streetlights, facilitation of employment for 26 people and distribution of tricycles across wards in Abagana.
She also recalled her role in attracting the Federal Government's Bioresources Development Centre (BIODEC) to Abagana. The research and development institution, located in Njikoka Local Government Area, was established to serve the South-East region.
At Abagana, community leaders, party stakeholders and supporters welcomed the senator and her entourage.
Speaking at the gathering, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba expressed confidence in the APC's prospects in the 2027 elections, predicting victory for the party across elective positions.
Onyeagba described Ekwunife as one of the most accomplished senators to represent Anambra State, citing her legislative experience, political standing and capacity. He added that her experience and credentials positioned her for greater responsibilities in the National Assembly.
He also expressed confidence in his own political ambition, saying his experience as Nigeria's former Ambassador to Burundi had provided him with the diplomatic exposure needed to offer effective representation at the Federal House of Representatives.
In her response, Ekwunife expressed confidence in Onyeagba's ability to deliver quality representation, noting that his international diplomatic experience would be an advantage to the constituency.
She acknowledged the presence of Chief Obieki and other political stakeholders, as well as APC local government chairmen accompanying her on the tour. She also recognised representatives of the traditional institution, BIODEC and other community leaders for their participation.
The senator thanked the people of Abagana for their support and prayed for continued blessings upon the community and its traditional institution.
Reiterating her position on electoral accountability, Ekwunife said democracy must reflect the interests and aspirations of the people, who ultimately determine the direction of governance.
“Without the people, there is no democracy. Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. Therefore, the people must always remain at the centre of every political decision,” she said.
At Nimo, Ekwunife continued her consultations with community leaders and prominent stakeholders, highlighting interventions she said had been facilitated during her previous engagements with the community.
A notable moment during the visit was the presentation of a sizeable ram to the senator by Nwachinemelu as a gesture of welcome and goodwill.
The tour also took Ekwunife to Enugwu-Ukwu, where residents and community stakeholders turned out in large numbers to receive her and express support for her political aspiration ahead of the 2027 elections.
The engagements brought together APC leaders, party candidates, traditional stakeholders, community representatives and members of the senator's campaign entourage, including the Njikoka APC chairman.
The visits form part of Ekwunife's ongoing grassroots consultations across Anambra Central, with a focus on reconnecting with communities, highlighting her record in public office and soliciting support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
