By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Not less than 8,000 constituents on Saturday thronged the Amike Izhia Playground in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) formally commenced its 2027 campaign in the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, rallying support for its House of Representatives candidate, Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu, popularly known as T-Man, and its Ebonyi North Senatorial District candidate, Chief Chikodili Ojimba.
The campaign rally attracted APGA leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, youths, women and supporters from across the constituency, with the gathering featuring solidarity marches, political speeches and renewed calls for issue-based campaigns, peaceful political participation and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Although Ojimba was not physically present at the event, speakers at the rally repeatedly canvassed support for his senatorial bid alongside Ogalagu’s House of Representatives aspiration.
The rally was reportedly preceded by an alleged attempt by the Ohaukwu Local Government Chairman, Paul Eze, to halt the programme, a development which organisers said created tension among supporters.
The organisers said the supporters nevertheless proceeded with the scheduled event at the Amike Izhia Playground, while speakers urged party members not to retaliate against any perceived provocation.
Representing the Traditional Ruler of Amike Izhia Kingdom, HRH Eze Michael Nwankwo, the Traditional Prime Minister, High Chief Emmanuel Edeh, described Ogalagu as a peaceful, industrious and humanitarian son of Amike Izhia Ngbo.
Edeh said the people needed responsible leadership and effective representation capable of addressing the developmental challenges confronting the constituency, while urging political actors to respect due process and shun actions capable of fomenting violence.
“All people vying for elections are our brothers. I am only holding my permanent voter card, and I know the candidates I will use it to vote for,” he said.
The traditional prime minister also urged political parties and candidates to prioritise voter education and issue-based campaigns over violence, cyberbullying and other forms of criminalised political engagement.
The APGA candidate for Ebonyi North-East State Constituency, Joe Obiya, said the party had established a strong grassroots presence in the constituency, expressing confidence in the capacity of its candidates to connect with voters.
Obiya said Ojimba and Ogalagu had distinguished themselves through private enterprise, commercial engagements and humanitarian interventions, which he argued demonstrated their commitment to community development.
APGA Chairman in Ohaukwu LGA, Chikezie Onwe, described the party’s growing presence in the area as providing voters with an alternative political platform and urged constituents to support its candidates across the various elective positions.
Campaign Director for Ogalagu, Engr Ejike Nwangbo, said the candidate’s antecedents in private enterprise and humanitarian interventions had facilitated grassroots mobilisation, citing scholarships, employment, empowerment programmes and free medical services as some of his reported interventions.
Nwangbo urged youths to remain committed to the campaign and act as “soldiers” of what he described as a political liberation movement, while cautioning them against violence.
Speaking on behalf of lawyers supporting the campaign, Barrister Chinedu Uwa condemned alleged attempts to obstruct political activities in the area and called for respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful political association and participation.
Other speakers, including Chief Sunday Amadi, Town Union President of Umu-Egara, Engr Emmanuel Oboh, President of Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly, Comrade Emmanuel Onah, women’s representative Blessing Obodo, Coordinator of the Ojimba Youth Movement, Shedrack Nwankwegu, APGA chieftain Charles Alieze, APGA candidate for Ohaukwu South State Constituency Onyeoma Kelechi, and Dr Victor Omeoha, among others also called for peaceful participation and support for the party’s candidates.
Onah described the campaign as “youth o’clock” for Ogalagu, saying youths expected representation that would prioritise employment, empowerment, healthcare, electricity, roads and potable water.
Addressing the gathering, Ogalagu thanked the constituents for what he described as overwhelming solidarity and urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
He specifically warned against retaliation over any alleged attack or provocation, directing supporters to report such incidents to the police and other relevant authorities.
“Always report every attack to the appropriate quarters, including me. It will be addressed properly. Please, don’t retaliate,” he appealed.
Ogalagu said political power should not be deployed to intimidate, molest or oppress citizens, stressing that elected representatives must use public office to improve the welfare of the people.
“We are not coming to kill anybody. We are not here for violence. Go and bring development to your people. Go and bring good governance to your people. Give your people social security. Give them water, electricity and good roads,” he said.
The candidate said the campaign was about development, effective representation and accountable leadership rather than violence or vengeance, urging constituents to exercise their franchise peacefully at the 2027 elections.
He described the turnout as overwhelming and pledged not to betray the confidence he said had been reposed in him by the electorate.
Meanwhile, the people of Amike Izhia presented Ogalagu with a car during the event and subsequently offered prayers for his success in the 2027 election.
The community elders attributed their gesture to what they described as Ogalagu’s contributions to the development of Amike Izhia and neighbouring communities, urging him to remain committed to the welfare and advancement of the people.
The campaign launch ended with renewed calls for peaceful political engagement, voter mobilisation and respect for the rule of law as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
