OVER 1,000 ATTEND INAUGURATION OF AGWA FOR OMEUDO (AFO) 2027 POLITICAL STRUCTURE
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
AGWA, OGUTA LGA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA- More than 1,000 people attended the inauguration of Agwa For Omeudo (AFO), a political mobilisation structure established to support Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju (Omeudo I of Niger Delta), the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate for the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The event, held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Central School Obudi-Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State, attracted people from across the three political wards of Agwa Clan, who gathered to express their commitment and support for Uju ahead of the 2027 elections. The gathering took place despite the usual Sunday church services and meetings, with proceedings commencing at about 2:30 p.m.
The inauguration was convened by Hon. John Mbonu Uchenwoke-Ekperechi, the former 2023 Oguta State Constituency candidate under the African Democratic Party (ADP) and Convener of Renaissance Oguta Constituency (ROC), to mobilise political and electoral support for Uju under the APP platform.
AFO operates across the three political wards of Agwa Clan, which is one of the strongest voting blocs in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, and the wider Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency in Imo West Senatorial District.
Addressing the crowd, Uchenwoke-Ekperechi commended the three ward coordinators of AFO for their efforts in mobilising residents for the inauguration. They are Chief Andrew Ohagim, Obudi/Aro Ward Coordinator; Comr. Loveday Ndubuisi Algbaaru, Mgbala/Ubah Ward Coordinator; and Mr. Anthony Obinna Abaleke, Owaorie Ward Coordinator.
He also appreciated the leadership of the APP in Agwa, led by the Oguta LGA Chairman, Hon. Canice Arubgu, for their support and presence at the event. He further acknowledged Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, the APP Oguta State Constituency Candidate for 2027 elections, Hon. Steven Oluwihe (Ten Ten) and Mr. Ogedi Oluwihe, who represented Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju, the APP flag bearer for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency.
"I want to appreciate Ndi-Agwa for coming out en mass to support our inauguration. It is a show of love for Hon. Kingsley Chima Uju, having known that the preparation of this inauguration was less than 72 hours.
"In a special way, I appreciate those who represented our amiable principal, Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju (Omeudo I of Niger Delta).
"Today is not a campaign day, but the Inauguration of AFO Executive, but has turned out to be a political love feat, it shows one thing, that Agwa is Omeudo.
"AFO is a political structure or best called it a coalition of both members of the ruling party and the opposition drawn from the three wards in Agwa for the election of Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju, because he is our man, son, and friend in who we are well- pleased, having recalled the first four years at the Green Chambers, that he defended the interest of Agwa with his physical presence and projects visibility.
"One of the things we go into politics is first collective and personal interests. Agwa as a clan, can't point at any tangible collective interest in the last four years, irrespective of their local and national contributions as an oil and gas producing clan in Imo State and Nigeria, this is the reason AFO is born to champion the election of Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju, who has showed us support in empowerments and physical projects from 2019-2023 he represented the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency", he concluded.
Speaking to the gathering by telephone, Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju thanked the organisers of AFO and the people of Agwa Clan for the support and show of affection, describing the turnout as encouraging despite his absence.
"Wow, this crowd is massive. I am highly grateful of this love and support even in my absence. This is what I won't take for granted.
"I just called to say thanks and remind us that we are going into this election together. I am the candidate of the Action Peoples Party for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency for the 2027 elections. We will win together, because of your support. You all can verify my records of service when I represented you. They are verifiable, and we will do more come 2027 as we take back our Constituency from poor representation", he said.
In his remarks, Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim expressed appreciation for what he described as the genuine support of Agwa people for Uju. He said the turnout had impressed him and emphasised the need for collaboration between the state and federal representatives to deliver democratic dividends to the community.
Ebirim, who is the APP candidate for the 2027 Oguta State Constituency election, said his interest was to ensure that Agwa received the benefits of effective representation at the state level, while Uju would represent the constituency's interests at the federal level.
"Let me tell us that we have been defrauded politically and democratically. The leadership of the ruling party is like a left metal in the stomach of progress. Agwa has been pushed to the precipices, and we have seen a redeemer in Omeudo, it's natural we follow him."
He further criticised the current leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that Agwa had not benefited from tangible projects under the administration. He specifically questioned repeated claims of contract award about the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road project.
He said, "It is unfortunate that Agwa can't place their eyes on any projects done by this present leaders of the APC. All what they keep telling us every day is that 'Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road' has been awarded. Pure fraud."
Comparing the current situation with Uju's previous tenure in the House of Representatives, Ebirim said the former federal lawmaker facilitated the construction of a 12-classroom block from foundation to roofing and ensured that it was equipped.
"Uju's first four years gave us solid 12 classroom built from foundation to roofing and equipped. This is education empowerment and all over the ward, education is the bedrock of development, what can we talk about the present regime", he queried.
He added, "For me, Uju's entrance is a blessing to Agwa people and as a candidate, I will do things positively different as local who understands the political situation of Agwa and the entire Oguta", he concluded.
Also speaking, Hon. Canice Arubgu, the APP Oguta LGA Chairman, highlighted the infrastructure deficit in Agwa, which he blamed on the failure of the current government to address the community's needs.
Arubgu said he was one of the pioneer members and first councillor produced by the ruling party for Mgbala/Ubah Ward but later left the party after becoming dissatisfied with the government's approach to Agwa and other communities.
"I was a pioneer Member and first councillor of Mgbala/Ubah Ward produced by the ruling party, but when we saw the position of the government towards Agwa and generally, some of us left them. Today, that sheer neglect has doubled. But we thank God, we have our person who has shown the people of Agwa support before in the race. Please, let us support and vote Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju, the APP Candidate for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-Federal Constituency come 2027.
"He has done it before and he will do it again, Omeudo is a good man, let us support him to win irrespective of our parties", he concluded.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the AFO executive members across the three political wards of Agwa. The exercise was conducted by Hon. Steven Oluwihe, who urged the newly inaugurated executives and members to work collectively and remain committed to the group's political objective.
Oluwihe described Uju as a leader who rewards loyalty, commitment and hard work, citing appointments and empowerment initiatives during his previous four-year tenure.
"Omeudo is a leader to work with, he rewards followership and hardwork. During his tenure of four years, at least, he gave two Agwa people juice appointments, at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri and Immigration and other empowerments", he concluded.
The newly inaugurated executives are expected to coordinate grassroots mobilisation, strengthen the group's presence across the three wards, and galvanise political support for Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju (Omeudo I of Niger Delta), the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate for the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The executive members inaugurated across the three wards include:
1. Mgbala/Ubah Ward
Coordinator: Comr. Algbaaru Loveday
Secretary: Oluwuihe Colins
Woman Leader: Nwabueze Ngozi
Youth Leader: Nlemedim Ezekiel
Media Coordinator: Ndidiamaka
Transport Coordinator: Ashiegbu Ekene
Patron: Onyenweokwu Leonard
2. Obudi/Aro Ward
Coordinator: Chief Andrew Ohagim
Secretary: Nwagha Darlington
Youth Leader: Akachukwu Ohakwe
Woman Leader: Mrs. Obodo Loveth Akabueze
Media Coordinator: Comr. Uche Collins Eberechukwu
Transport Coordinator: Mr. Gregory Chibueze Onwuatuegwu
3. Owaorie Ward
Coordinator: Abaleke Obinna Anthony
Secretary: Sunday Abbashie
Woman Leader: Onyinyechi Onu
Youth Leader: Onyedikachi Onuebunwa
Media Coordinator: Ihemedu Chimakpa
Transport Coordinator: Ozoemena Hyacinth Achazie
Patron: Jude Okereke
The inauguration marked the formal commencement of AFO's coordinated political mobilisation across the three wards of Agwa Clan, with the newly inaugurated executives expected to work collectively towards advancing the group's objectives and securing grassroots support for Hon. Engr. Kingsley Chima Uju's 2027 federal constituency bid.
