Prominent community leader, Prince Dr. Emeka Eze (Ojikpeletiaku), has endorsed Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, declaring that her return to the Senate would offer greater benefits to the district.
Eze made the declaration on Wednesday when Ekwunife visited Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area as part of her engagement with communities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the gathering, the community leader cited Ekwunife's legislative experience, leadership capacity and record of constituency projects as reasons she should return to the National Assembly.
He said her previous interventions in Ukpo and other parts of the senatorial district demonstrated her commitment to grassroots development and improved living conditions.
According to him, her established relationships, legislative experience and ability to attract federal projects would place Anambra Central in a stronger position to access development opportunities.
Eze urged residents to assess political candidates based on their competence, achievements and capacity to deliver, rather than political sentiments.
In her response, Ekwunife thanked the traditional ruler of Ukpo, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze (Okofia VI), Eze Umudunukofia and Clan Head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom, as well as other community leaders and residents for their reception and support.
She also acknowledged the traditional ruler's absence from the meeting, recalling that he had conferred on her the title of *Ifekaolaedo*, which she described as particularly meaningful to her.
The senator commended Prince Dr. Emeka Eze for his support, describing him as intelligent, determined and well-mannered.
During the visit, Ekwunife outlined several projects and interventions she said she facilitated in Ukpo, covering education, infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment and social welfare.
In the education sector, she listed the distribution of textbooks and stationery to Central School Ukpo and Walter Eze Memorial Secondary School. She also cited the provision of four classroom blocks, an office and toilet facilities at St. Mary's Primary School, Ukpo.
Other projects included the construction of classroom blocks at Community Girls Secondary School, Ukpo, the rebuilding of damaged and burnt classrooms at Girls Secondary School, Ukpo, and the reconstruction of the school's collapsed perimeter fence.
On infrastructure and environmental protection, she identified erosion control projects across communities in Dunukofia Local Government Area, the provision of six tricycles to Ukpo and the supply of generators to support local businesses.
She also stated that she facilitated the installation of the community's first solar-powered streetlights to improve nighttime visibility and security.
In healthcare, Ekwunife listed three free medical outreach programmes held at Ekwueme Hall, Ukpo, where residents received medical attention and free drugs.
She further disclosed that seven residents benefited from Federal Government grants of ₦703,000 each. The beneficiaries were Roseline Chinyere Chukwuma, Ezeatu Chinyere B., Esther Oluchukwu, Okafor Chuka Moses, Agu Chenna P., Cyril Charles and Sunday Okoye.
The senator also said she facilitated employment opportunities for 57 people from the community, among other interventions.
Addressing the political future of the district, Ekwunife said the 11th National Assembly would provide an important opportunity for Anambra Central to secure effective representation and attract more development.
She urged voters to support the APC at all levels, arguing that the party's policies and programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda could bring further benefits to Anambra State and the South-East.
She cited federal infrastructure projects, social intervention programmes, political appointments and resource allocation as areas in which the region could benefit from continued engagement with the ruling party.
The visit attracted several political leaders, community stakeholders and other dignitaries, including Prince Dr. Emeka Eze, Hon. Ossy Egwuatu, Arc. Okey Chukwuogo, Chief Augustine Muomife, Chief Arthur Mbuba, Hon. Vin Onyeka, Dr. Chidi Chidebe, Dr. Kene Chinedu, Dr. Ify Chinwuko, Hon. Nneka Nwankwo and Dr. Oby Obiagboso.
The engagement formed part of Ekwunife's ongoing consultations with communities in Anambra Central ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
