By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
A frontline aspirant for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency seat, Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalegu, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogalegu, Chairman of Zelus Group of Companies and Chief Executive Officer of Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, announced his defection on Monday during the unveiling of his new political platform at his Amike Izhia residence in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.
He said his decision to join APGA followed extensive consultations and his determination to secure a viable platform to actualise his ambition of representing the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The aspirant disclosed that he joined the party alongside an Ebonyi philanthropist and President of Izzi Elite, Chief Chikadoli Ojimba, who is reportedly eyeing the Ebonyi North Senatorial seat.
Explaining the rationale behind his defection, Ogalegu said he foresaw challenges in securing the APC ticket, prompting his decision to leave the party.
“Just like the time I took the bold step to leave APC, I couldn’t find the platform or get the ticket. When I saw that I might not get the ticket, I gently decamped. I went into consultations, searching for a platform that will take me to where I am going,” he said.
Despite joining APGA, Ogalegu declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, both of the APC, noting that his new party does not have presidential and governorship candidates in the state.
He expressed confidence that his supporters would clearly distinguish between party lines during elections.
“APGA has its own symbol, the fowl, and it is different from APC. Our people are enlightened. Even village women understand the difference. We will continue to sensitise our supporters,” he stated.
Ogalegu said his entry into the race was driven by his passion for service and commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the grassroots.
According to him, his emergence in 2027 would translate into increased human capital development, empowerment programmes and impactful projects across the constituency.
“I have done a lot even without holding political office. If given the opportunity, I will do more. What my people should expect is beyond human comprehension,” he added.
He urged his supporters to sustain their mobilisation efforts, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and resist what he described as “political opportunists who rely on entitlement mentality to gain power.”
On party structure and preparedness, Ogalegu said his support base remained strong at the grassroots, adding that his team would integrate supporters into the APGA structure.
“We have a strong support group across the wards. We will convert them into APGA members and continue building from there,” he said.
He also dismissed concerns about internal party disputes, insisting that APGA remains stable and free from litigation.
“Our party has no litigation. We have one national chairman and one state chairman. The party is not in crisis,” he said.
On funding his campaign and party activities, Ogalegu expressed confidence in his financial capacity. "I am a farmer. This is harvest period. I will go to my farm, sell my cows and fund the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, supporters of the aspirant who spoke with journalists expressed optimism over his chances in the 2027 election.
One of them, Mr Michael Onwe, described Ogalegu as a grassroots politician with a track record of philanthropy. "This is a welcome development. He is a man of the people. We are proud to have him as a candidate. He has done a lot, and we believe he will do more when elected,” Onwe said.
Also speaking, Comrade Christopher Kelechukwu, Chairman of Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, highlighted Ogalegu’s contributions to education and employment.
“For over three years, he has paid WAEC fees for thousands of students. This year alone, about 1,900 benefited. He has also facilitated over 500 federal jobs for our people and empowered over 3,000 widows,” Kelechukwu said.
He added that over 120 graduates from the constituency recently secured jobs in the Federal Road Safety Corps through Ogalegu’s intervention.
“We are not here because of party, but because of what he has done and what he can do,” he added.
Similarly, the Women Leader of the T-Man Support Group in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mrs Mary-Jane Onwe, said the aspirant enjoys widespread support among women and youths.
“We are feeling his impact. He has given jobs to many people, including my daughter. Women and youths love him, and we are mobilising voters across wards to support him,” she said.
On his part, the Coordinator of the T-Man Support Group in Ebonyi LGA, Dr Emmanuel Nwulegu, said the group had put in place strong grassroots structures to ensure victory.
“From the local government to ward level, we have functional executives and representatives. The structure is already on ground, and we are confident of victory,” he said.
Our correspondent reports the 2027 race for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency seat is shaping up to be highly competitive, as aspirants commence early mobilisation efforts across the constituency.
This heightened political activity is further influenced by the fact that the incumbent, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, hails from the same local government area as Barrister Tochukwu Ogalegu, a development widely seen as a critical factor in the emerging contest.
