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ACNPN Applauds Esewezie’s Healthcare Drive, Says Okpanam Cottage Hospital Is Transforming Grassroots Healthcare

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ACNPN Applauds Esewezie’s Healthcare Drive, Says Okpanam Cottage Hospital Is Transforming Grassroots Healthcare

The Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Delta State Chapter, has commended the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Ifeanyi Esewezie, for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots through the construction of a Cottage Hospital in Okpanam, Delta State.

The association described the healthcare project as a people-oriented initiative capable of bringing essential medical services closer to residents of Oshimili North and neighbouring communities.

Speaking on behalf of ACNPN, the State Chairman, Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom, said the significance of the project became more evident following its official commissioning and the six-day free medical outreach sponsored by the council chairman to provide healthcare services to residents.

According to him, the outreach offered a range of medical interventions, including surgical procedures, eye care, general medical consultations, laboratory investigations and other healthcare services at no cost to beneficiaries.

Abiagom disclosed that at least four members of ACNPN benefited directly from the medical programme, describing the intervention as a practical demonstration of the impact government-sponsored healthcare initiatives can have on individuals and families.

“One of our members underwent successful cataract surgery during the outreach. Today, he has regained his sight and has returned to his journalism profession. This is a life-changing intervention that deserves commendation,” he said.

The ACNPN chairman noted that access to quality healthcare remains a major concern for many Nigerians, particularly amid rising medical expenses, stressing that initiatives that provide affordable or free medical services can significantly reduce the burden on vulnerable members of society.

He also commended Esewezie for linking the commissioning of the new healthcare facility with an immediate medical intervention for residents, describing the approach as responsive governance.

“Beyond constructing a modern healthcare facility, Olorogun Esewezie ensured that the people immediately benefited from it through a free medical outreach. This is governance with a human face,” Abiagom stated.

He added that the outreach provided an opportunity for residents, including journalists, artisans, traders and members of other professional groups, to access medical services that might otherwise have been financially difficult to obtain.

The ACNPN chairman urged other local government chairmen in Delta State and across Nigeria to prioritize projects and programmes that have direct and measurable benefits for residents, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare.

He said ACNPN would continue to recognize and report developmental initiatives that promote good governance and improve the quality of life of people at the grassroots.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that place the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance, while encouraging public officials to sustain investments in healthcare and other essential services.

New Delta CP Erale Declares War on Crime, Orders Tactical Teams to Step Up

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New Delta CP Erale Declares War on Crime, Orders Tactical Teams to Step Up

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has unveiled a fresh security agenda aimed at strengthening crime prevention and making the state safer for residents and visitors.

Erale, who assumed office as the 25th Commissioner of Police in Delta State, disclosed his plans on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during his inaugural press briefing at the Delta State Police Command headquarters in Asaba.

The new police boss identified the protection of lives and property as the command’s foremost priority, assuring Deltans that his administration would adopt proactive and intelligence-led strategies to tackle emerging security threats.

According to him, the command will intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crime, oil-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.

Erale said police personnel and resources would be deployed according to crime trends and identified security hotspots, while intelligence gathering would play a central role in the command’s crime-fighting strategy.

As part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, the Commissioner said existing crime-fighting methods would be reviewed and improved, with greater emphasis on technology, data analysis and intelligence assessment.

He also indicated that tactical teams would be given measurable performance targets and subjected to regular training to improve their effectiveness in responding to security threats.

The Commissioner outlined five major areas of focus for his administration: discipline, community policing, improved collaboration with other security agencies, intelligence-led crime fighting and rebuilding public confidence in the police.

On discipline, Erale declared zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct within the police force. He also promised to reward officers who demonstrate professionalism, integrity and exceptional commitment to duty.

He said the command would strengthen its partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, religious organisations and other stakeholders in order to improve intelligence gathering and early reporting of suspicious activities.

The CP further pledged stronger cooperation with sister security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response to emerging threats.

He also emphasised the need to restore public confidence in the police, promising that members of the public would be treated with dignity, fairness and professionalism.

Erale acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, and said his administration would build on the gains already recorded while confronting new and emerging security challenges.

He urged residents across Delta State to support the police by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities.

“If you see something, say something,” the Commissioner urged, stressing that effective policing requires the cooperation of members of the public.

The new CP’s agenda comes as the Delta State Police Command seeks to strengthen its operational capacity and respond more effectively to security challenges across the state.

Ebu: Delta’s Forgotten Community Still Trapped in Decades of Neglect

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Ebu: Delta’s Forgotten Community Still Trapped in Decades of Neglect

Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has renewed its call for urgent government intervention, lamenting what residents describe as decades of abandonment and infrastructural neglect.

For over three decades, the agrarian community, renowned for its agricultural potential and contribution to food production in Delta North Senatorial District, has continued to grapple with poor infrastructure, particularly the absence of a functional road network linking it to neighboring communities and major urban centres.

Residents say the deplorable condition of roads leading to the community has not only hindered economic activities but has also made transportation of farm produce difficult, thereby affecting the livelihoods of farmers and traders.

The most pressing challenge confronting the community, according to stakeholders, is the deteriorated state of the Ebu–Ezi-Ukala Road, which serves as the major gateway into the community. They noted that the road has remained in a deplorable condition for many years, making access to the area extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season.

Newsbreeze crew recalled that a few weeks ago, government officials and delegates visiting Ebu encountered serious difficulties accessing the community due to the collapsed sections of the Ogbolu–Illah Federal Road. As a result, the delegation was forced to use the neglected Ezi-Ukala–Ebu Road, a journey many described as harrowing.

The delegates visit to Ebu exposed the extent of the hardship faced daily by the people of Ebu.

Newsbreeze crew, who witnessed the visit, disclosed that some members of the delegation privately expressed concern over the state of infrastructure in the community and acknowledged the suffering of residents caused by the poor road network.

Ebu is one of the most isolated communities in Delta State despite its enormous agricultural potential. Farmers face huge challenges transporting their produce to markets, while residents struggle daily to move in and out of the community, a community stakeholder said.

The people of Ebu are therefore appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene by reconstructing the Ebu–Ezi-Ukala Road, which they described as the community’s only reliable access route.

They expressed confidence that the governor’s administration, under its MORE Agenda, would give attention to the plight of the community and bring lasting relief to residents.

The community maintained that rehabilitating the road would not only improve transportation and economic activities but would also open up Ebu for greater agricultural development, investment opportunities, and social progress.

As the cries of the people grow louder, stakeholders insist that the time has come for decisive action to end years of neglect and connect Ebu Community to the mainstream of development in Delta State.

 

Security Forces Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims, Including 15 NYSC Members, in Kogi Forest

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Security Forces Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims, Including 15 NYSC Members, in Kogi Forest

Security forces have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), from a forest in Kogi State.

The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the Egume–Ochaja forest stretch in Kogi State following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, confirmed the rescue on Monday during a briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.

According to Onoja, 15 of the 21 rescued victims were NYSC members who were among those abducted last week while travelling between Abuja and Bayelsa State.

He said the victims were rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in the 2 Division area of operation.

The development was also confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, who said the rescue operation was carried out by a combined team of military personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.

The President said all 21 abductees were safely rescued from the kidnappers’ den in Kogi State.

The rescue comes amid intensified security operations against criminal elements and kidnappers operating across parts of the country.

The successful operation has brought relief to the families and loved ones of the abducted NYSC members and other victims, who had been held captive for days.

Security authorities have continued to emphasise the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.

Federal Cooperative College Oji-River Empowers Igbuzo Cooperators as Pastor Idowu Okeze-Facilitated Programme Ends

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Federal Cooperative College Oji-River Empowers Igbuzo Cooperators as Pastor Idowu Okeze-Facilitated Programme Ends

The Federal Cooperative College, Oji-River, has empowered cooperators from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities as a major community empowerment programme facilitated by renowned philanthropist and community leader, Pastor Idowu Okeze, reached its grand finale today.

The programme, which provided beneficiaries with skills, support packages and opportunities for economic advancement, is part of Pastor Okeze’s continued efforts to promote self-reliance, reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of people in his community.

The initiative has benefited hundreds of people through various forms of empowerment and economic support, further highlighting Pastor Okeze’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service.

Over the years, Pastor Okeze’s interventions have extended across different segments of society, including youths, women, widows, elderly people and other vulnerable members of the community.

Community members who have worked closely with the philanthropist said his commitment to Igbuzo remains unwavering, noting that he has consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and economic wellbeing of the people.

According to them, his various empowerment initiatives have helped individuals establish businesses, acquire vocational skills and access resources capable of improving their economic circumstances.

Many widows and youths in Igbuzo have reportedly benefited from his interventions, with some recipients using the support to start or strengthen productive ventures.

Beyond providing immediate financial or material assistance, the initiatives have also created opportunities for beneficiaries to pursue sustainable livelihoods and become more economically independent.

At today’s grand finale, beneficiaries received empowerment packages reportedly worth millions of naira, marking what observers described as another significant milestone in efforts to tackle poverty and promote economic empowerment within the community.

Newsbreeze Magazine commended Pastor Idowu Okeze for his continued dedication to community development and urged beneficiaries to make prudent and productive use of the opportunities provided.

The publication noted that the empowerment programme should be viewed not merely as assistance, but as an investment in the future of the beneficiaries and the wider community.

It encouraged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely, grow their businesses and, where possible, create employment opportunities for others.

As the programme concludes, beneficiaries and residents have continued to express appreciation to Pastor Okeze for his contribution to the development of Igbuzo and surrounding communities.

They also offered prayers for God Almighty to continue to bless, guide and protect him while rewarding his humanitarian efforts and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Federal Cooperative College Oji River to Empower 100 Igbuzo Youths Through Idowu Okeze’s Intervention

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Federal Cooperative College Oji River to Empower 100 Igbuzo Youths Through Idowu Okeze’s Intervention

 

No fewer than 100 cooperators from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities are set to benefit from a Federal Government-backed empowerment programme facilitated by philanthropist and community leader, Pastor Idowu Okeze, popularly known as Ukpe Igbuzo, in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.

The empowerment programme is scheduled to hold on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Augustine’s College, Igbuzo, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, job creation and sustainable economic development among the beneficiaries.

As part of the initiative, beneficiaries are expected to receive various vocational tools and equipment, including generator sets, washing machines, gas cylinders, industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens, cooking pots, standing fans and other essential starter packs to support small-scale businesses and skilled trades.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Empowerment Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, said the items were carefully selected to enable beneficiaries to establish or expand their businesses, increase their sources of income and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

According to him, the programme is designed to provide practical support to trained cooperators and skilled individuals, with the broader objective of promoting financial independence, reducing unemployment and encouraging the emergence of entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Investigations revealed that the 100 successful beneficiaries were selected from more than 700 applicants who participated in a screening and assessment exercise.

The selection process, according to the organisers, was structured to promote transparency and fairness, with qualified candidates from various vocational fields making the final list.

The beneficiaries were drawn from different trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, dry-cleaning, leatherwork, catering and baking, barbering, electrical installation and maintenance, and make-up artistry.

The screening committee was constituted by Pastor Okeze and chaired by the President-General of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) Worldwide, Chief Victor Uchunor, with the support of other community leaders and stakeholders.

The forthcoming empowerment programme has generated excitement across Igbuzo and neighbouring communities, with residents describing the initiative as a significant intervention that could help reduce unemployment, stimulate small-scale enterprises and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries and their families.

Community leaders have also commended Pastor Okeze for facilitating the initiative, describing it as a reflection of his commitment to youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and grassroots community development.

Observers believe the programme could have a positive impact on the local economy by creating opportunities for wealth generation, encouraging productive engagement among youths and skilled workers, and strengthening grassroots economic activities.

The initiative also highlights the potential impact of collaboration between community leaders and government institutions in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth at the grassroots level.

Delta at 35: AAC Guber Candidate Eshor Challenges Government Over Development, Demands Accountability

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Delta at 35: AAC Guber Candidate Eshor Challenges Government Over Development, Demands Accountability

ASABA, Delta State — As Delta State marks its 35th anniversary, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has congratulated Deltans while calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the state’s resources.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, Eshor said the milestone should go beyond celebrations and provide an opportunity for citizens to assess the state’s development record, infrastructure, economic growth and the welfare of its people.

He expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of development in some parts of the state despite its substantial financial and natural resources.

According to him, several communities across Delta State continue to face challenges including poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited access to potable water, unstable electricity, unemployment and deficiencies in the education sector.

“Delta State is 35 years old today, yet many residents are still asking the same painful question: Where is the development?” Eshor stated.

The AAC candidate said many rural communities still lack basic social amenities, while some public schools continue to operate in difficult conditions due to dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities.

“Our rural communities are still without roads, clean water and stable electricity. Many teachers work under unconducive conditions, and numerous schools are in urgent need of improvement,” he said.

Eshor further claimed that the state had received about ₦4.119 trillion in federal allocations since 2023, excluding internally generated revenue and the 13 per cent derivation fund.

He argued that the discussion on Delta’s development should transcend partisan politics and instead focus on transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.

“A state blessed with enormous natural and financial resources should not still be struggling with these challenges after 35 years. The issue is not the absence of funds; the bigger question is how those resources have been managed over the years,” he added.

According to him, the anniversary should prompt both government officials and citizens to examine the impact of public spending and ensure that government projects translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

“Deltans deserve more than political rhetoric, ceremonies and promises. They deserve visible evidence of their collective wealth through quality infrastructure, better schools, functional hospitals and sustainable economic opportunities,” Eshor said.

Eshor Advocates Blue Economy Investment

The AAC governorship candidate also questioned why successive administrations had not fully harnessed Delta State’s maritime and coastal advantages through strategic investment in the blue economy.

He said the sector could create employment opportunities, attract investment and contribute significantly to the state’s economic diversification.

“For 35 years, Delta State has remained richly endowed with aquatic and maritime resources, yet we have not maximized the opportunities available in the blue economy. This is an area that can create jobs, attract investment and transform our economy,” he noted.

While acknowledging that some progress had been recorded since the creation of Delta State in 1991, Eshor maintained that more needed to be done to meet the aspirations of residents.

“Deltans want to feel the impact of government policies in their daily lives. The true measure of development is not the number of projects announced but the extent to which those projects improve living conditions for ordinary citizens,” he stated.

Eshor expressed confidence in Delta State’s potential, saying the state possesses the human and natural resources required to become one of Nigeria’s most prosperous states if properly managed.

He therefore called for greater transparency, accountability and people-centred governance, urging Deltans to use the 35th anniversary to reflect on the state’s achievements and the challenges ahead.

“As we celebrate Delta at 35, let this also be a moment of serious reflection. The people deserve answers on how public resources have been utilized and how future investments will translate into meaningful development. The ultimate goal should be to build a Delta where every community feels the impact of governance,” he said.

The anniversary has continued to generate discussions around infrastructure, economic opportunities, governance and the need for inclusive development across Delta State’s three senatorial districts.

For many residents, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the state’s journey since its creation while also reflecting on the need for sustainable development, accountability and improved living standards.

Governors, Traditional Rulers, Business Titans Storm Asaba for Oborevwori’s Son’s Wedding

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Governors, Traditional Rulers, Business Titans Storm Asaba for Oborevwori’s Son’s Wedding

ASABA, Delta State — Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Saturday witnessed a gathering of political heavyweights, traditional rulers, business leaders and other dignitaries as Innocent Oborevwori, son of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, married his heartthrob, Tobore Arigbodi.

Tobore is the daughter of prominent businessman and Managing Director of Librod Energy Limited, Chief Brodericks Arigbodi.

The wedding attracted governors from across the country, alongside first ladies, deputy governors, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry and other prominent Nigerians.

Among the governors reported to have attended the ceremony were Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.

First Ladies from several states were also present, while Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other senior government officials joined the celebration.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was among the political leaders who graced the occasion.

Also in attendance were Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo; former Delta State Governors, Chief James Ibori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Senator Ede Dafinone; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The ceremony also attracted prominent traditional rulers, including the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.); the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III; and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Keagborekuzi II.

Business leaders, including Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Zenith Bank Managing Director, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, and UBA Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, were also among the dignitaries at the celebration.

The solemnisation of the marriage was held at Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Ibusa Road, Asaba, where the couple received prayers and words of counsel for their marital journey.

At the reception, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the couple and their families, describing marriage as a union that brings together two families, histories and destinies.

The wedding follows the couple’s traditional marriage held on Wednesday, August 26, at the Arigbodi family’s residence in Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area, where the union was celebrated according to Urhobo customs and traditions.

The colourful celebrations brought together political leaders across party lines, traditional institutions, business circles and religious communities, further turning Asaba into a major gathering point for prominent Nigerians.

Guests at the ceremony prayed for Innocent and Tobore, wishing the newlyweds a peaceful, fruitful and enduring marriage.

‘ENOUGH OF BUSINESS AS USUAL’ — Okeze Takes AAC Message of Change to Delta Grassroots

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‘ENOUGH OF BUSINESS AS USUAL’ — Okeze Takes AAC Message of Change to Delta Grassroots

DELTA STATE, NIGERIA — The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Ms. Tessy Ngozi Okeze, has taken her campaign message of political change and grassroots development to communities across Delta State, calling on Deltans to reject what she described as “business as usual” and demand a new approach to governance.

Okeze, while speaking with community newspaper publishers, described the AAC governorship candidate, Engr. Isaac O. Eshor, as “a new wind blowing across the political landscape of Delta State,” urging residents to give him an opportunity to provide what she described as transparent, accountable and development-focused leadership.

According to her, the 2027 elections provide Deltans with an opportunity to embrace a new leadership philosophy centred on transparency, accountability, economic diversification and responsible management of public resources.

“Give him a chance and he will transform Delta State. He will show transparency and accountability, diversify the state economy and move the state from excessive dependence on oil and FAAC to a more robust and productive economy,” she said.

Okeze argued that Delta State possesses enormous human, agricultural and economic potential which, if properly harnessed, could create jobs, expand opportunities for businesses and reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations.

She said an Eshor administration would, as she presented it, have the opportunity to develop sectors including maritime, agriculture, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and technology, among other productive areas capable of generating sustainable revenue and employment.

The AAC candidate maintained that Delta requires a leadership approach that places economic production and human capital development at the centre of governance rather than relying predominantly on oil revenues and monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

‘We Cannot Allow Delta to Sink Because of Rotation’

Speaking on the rotational arrangement of the governorship in Delta State, Okeze cautioned that political rotation should not become a reason to sacrifice the future and development of the state.

She said Deltans must be willing to look beyond zoning and political sentiments when the welfare and development of the state are at stake.

“We cannot, because of rotation, allow Delta State to sink. You do not preserve a tradition by watching your house burn down simply because it is your turn to sit in the living room. When the roof is on fire, you put out the fire first; you do not argue over who is next in line to hold the bucket,” she said.

Okeze urged Deltans to place competence, accountability and the collective interest of the state above political calculations when making their choices at the polls.

Campaign to Reach More Communities

Okeze further urged residents to participate actively in the 2027 political process, saying the election should focus on choosing leaders capable of providing measurable solutions to the challenges confronting the state and its people.

She outlined improved roads and infrastructure, better access to healthcare and education, youth empowerment, agricultural development and support for local entrepreneurs among the areas she intends to advocate for if elected.

She also pledged to strengthen the connection between the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and federal institutions, saying this would help residents gain better access to government programmes, employment opportunities, skills-acquisition initiatives and development projects.

According to her, political representation should be measured by what elected officials are able to deliver to their constituents and not merely by political positions or titles.

She therefore urged voters to demand accountability from those entrusted with public office, stressing that elected positions should be regarded as responsibilities to serve the people rather than inheritances to be possessed.

As the 2027 elections approach, Okeze said she would continue taking her campaign to communities across Aniocha/Oshimili, engaging directly with residents and building what she described as a grassroots-driven movement for political change.

She called on voters to carefully examine the records, competence, vision and programmes of candidates before casting their ballots, insisting that the future of Delta State should take precedence over political calculations.

2027: Tessy-Ngozi Okeze Challenges Status Quo, Unveils New Political Direction for Aniocha/Oshimili

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2027: Tessy-Ngozi Okeze Challenges Status Quo, Unveils New Political Direction for Aniocha/Oshimili

DELTA, NIGERIA — Political activities are beginning to gather momentum in the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election, with African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Ms Tessy Ngozi Okeze, positioning her campaign as an alternative to what she describes as the politics of business as usual.

Okeze is campaigning on a message centred on accountability, inclusion, development and purposeful representation, insisting that the people of Aniocha/Oshimili deserve a representative who listens to their concerns, remains accessible and is accountable to the electorate.

Her campaign is presenting the 2027 House of Representatives election as more than a contest for political office, but as an opportunity for constituents to decide the kind of representation they want over the next four years.

The constituency has witnessed significant political changes in recent election cycles. In the 2023 House of Representatives election, Labour Party candidate Ngozi Okolie defeated the then-incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, Ndudi Elumelu, polling 53,879 votes against Elumelu’s 33,466 votes.

The outcome demonstrated the competitiveness of the constituency and the willingness of voters to support political alternatives.

Against this backdrop, Okeze is seeking to build a grassroots movement under the AAC, with her campaign promoting what it describes as “a new face” and a different approach to political representation.

Her campaign materials place emphasis on accountability, empowerment, development and closer engagement with constituents, arguing that elected representatives should remain connected to the people beyond election periods.

Issues expected to feature prominently in the campaign include youth empowerment, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation and increased opportunities for women and young people.

“Aniocha/Oshimili deserves more than representation in name. The people deserve representation they can see, feel and measure,” is the message at the heart of the Okeze campaign.

Supporters of the AAC candidate are also urging voters to assess candidates based on their ideas, capacity and proposed programmes rather than relying solely on established political structures, party pedigrees or familiar names.

The political contest is already taking shape as major parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 election. Former Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency following the party’s May 2026 primary.

For Okeze, however, the emerging contest presents an opportunity to turn the election into a grassroots conversation about the quality, accessibility and impact of political representation.

Her campaign is taking its message across Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South, with a call for leadership that is accountable, purposeful and people-oriented.

As the 2027 election draws closer, Tessy Ngozi Okeze is betting on the electorate’s appetite for political alternatives, seeking to convince voters that the constituency can chart a new course at the ballot box.

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