KINGSLEY EBERE
The race for Aguata Federal Constituency in the January 2027 House of Representatives election is taking a new dimension as grassroots endorsements and community financial support for former Mayor, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike begin to determine the direction of the contest long before the January 2027 polls.
Unlike previous election cycles where aspirants were seen doling out cash to communities, the 2027 trend in Anambra State shows a reversal, with villages, youth groups, market associations and diaspora groups now contributing their own money and gifts to support preferred candidates.
The latest example is the massive endorsement of Mayor Dr Chibueze Ofobuike by Ozara-Akukwa Village in Umuchu, where the community not only declared him their sole candidate but also presented a Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) support fund for his campaign.
The event, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Mbarafor Primary School, Ozara-Akukwa, Umuchu, attracted notable stakeholders and highlighted how community-driven politics is gaining ground in Aguata.
According to political observers in Anambra, this new model signals a shift from money-bag politics to credibility-based support.
“When a village taxes itself to contribute N2 million for a candidate, it shows genuine acceptance. It is no longer about who shares the most money, but who the people trust to represent them,” said a political analyst based in Ekwulobia.
At the Ozara-Akukwa rally, the support went beyond the central village purse. Chief Ferdinand Okparaeke, Managing Director of Eagle Food Limited and an award-winning industrialist, donated One Million Naira, while Chief Mrs Suzzy Michael, MD of CC Goodness Hotel and Suites, Umuchu, supported with Five Hundred Thousand Naira. The total N3.5 million raised at a single village rally underscores the financial and moral weight now behind Dr Ofobuike’s candidacy.
The support did not stop in Umuchu. The momentum has moved across towns in Aguata Federal Constituency.
At Orie Uga Market, one of the biggest commercial hubs in Aguata, market traders openly endorsed Dr Chibueze Ofobuike and showered gifts on him as a sign of love and acceptance. The traders, drawn from Uga, Umuchu, Aguluezechukwu, Ekwulobia and other communities, described him as a grassroots leader who understands market people and will bring purposeful representation.
Similarly, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Aguata sons and daughters resident in Port Harcourt endorsed and supported Dr Chibueze Ofobuike . The endorsement brought together Aguata indigenes from all communities in Aguata Local Government Area living in Rivers State, who declared their total support and contributed financially to his House of Representatives project.
Political watchers say the Port Harcourt endorsement is strategic because Rivers State hosts one of the largest populations of Aguata indigenes outside Anambra, and their support often shapes home politics.
“The support is moving from towns in Aguata Federal Constituency and beyond. When you see village, market and diaspora endorsements lined up, it shows the people have decided,” a stakeholder in Aguata said.
Dr Ofobuike, who serves as Mayor and is widely regarded as one of the most effective grassroots administrators in Aguata, has continued to receive endorsements across the six communities that make up Aguata Local Government Area. From Aguluezechukwu to Ekwulobia, Uga to Umuchu, youth groups, women wings, market associations and professional associations have been holding similar mini-rallies in his favour.
Stakeholders attribute his growing popularity to his style of leadership, which they describe as youthful, energetic, intelligent, humble, politically-savvy and purposeful.
“Dr Chibueze Ofobuike has changed the narrative of leadership at the grassroots. He listens, he engages, and he intervenes where it matters. Aguata needs that kind of representation in Abuja,” said Comrade Okey Ezeanyagu, Chairman of Ozara-Akukwa Village.
The roll call of dignitaries at the Ozara-Akukwa event also reflected broad-based acceptance. Present were Mr Nzube Okparaeke, Youth Leader, Mr Samuel Ezeanyagu, Ajiego Umuchu, Chairman of Planning Committee, Mrs Ifeoma Obiora, Chairlady of Umuada Ozara Akukwa, Chief Ernest Nwajiaku (Chinechendo), Chief Valentine Okparaeke (Akuchikwadoro), Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu (Ohamadike), Chief SB Lazarus, Hon. Chijioke H. Nwajiaku, PhD, Envoy Emeka Iloabueke, Professor Stanley Mgbemena, Apostle Sylvester Azubuike, Mr Chijioke Okpalaugo (Ogodo Umuchu) and Nze Israel Ezenwanne (Nwanosike Umuchu).
For many in Aguata, the endorsement season is a pointer to where the pendulum will swing in January 2027. While other aspirants are still consulting, Dr Ofobuike’s camp is already harvesting open endorsements backed by community funds, market gifts and diaspora support.
Anambra State, known for its high political awareness, has always rewarded aspirants with strong grassroots structures. In the 2023 elections, candidates who secured early village and market endorsements went on to win with wide margins.
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the January 2027 House of Representatives election, the momentum in Aguata suggests that the ticket may be decided by the people long before the delegates vote.
The people of Ozara-Akukwa, Orie Uga Market traders and Aguata sons and daughters in Port Harcourt were clear in their declaration: Dr Chibueze Ofobuike is their sole candidate for Aguata Federal Constituency.
With more towns in Aguata Federal Constituency expected to follow the same path in the coming weeks, Aguata’s political morning appears to be here.