The All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, High Chief Chikodili Ojimba, has canvassed the support of the Izhi Nnodo community in Lagos, pledging inclusive, accountable and people-oriented representation if elected.
Ojimba made the commitment on Saturday, when he led a delegation of APGA stakeholders, including the party’s candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Chief Tochukwu Ogalegu, popularly known as T-Man, to the general meeting of the Association of Izhi Nnodo Clan of Nigeria (AICON) at Ebonyi House, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a press statement issued by the Secretary of the AICON, Moses Onyibe, the visit formed part of the candidates’ consultations with Ebonyi indigenes outside the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing members of the association, Ojimba commended the Izhi community in Lagos and other parts of the country for its economic contributions and continued commitment to the development of Ebonyi State.
He said the community remained an important stakeholder in the political process, particularly because of the role its members play in commerce, investment and community development.
Ojimba, who described himself as a trader like many members of the association, pledged to maintain regular engagement with the community and ensure that the concerns and interests of constituents formed an integral part of his representation if given the mandate.
He also urged electorates to demand accountability from elected representatives rather than remain passive after handing them their mandate.
According to him, constituents have a responsibility to ask questions about the programmes, performance, relationships and responsibilities of those elected to represent them.
Ojimba further stated that APGA had adopted the candidacy of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, while stressing the need for voters to critically interrogate the records of politicians seeking their support.
He said political participation should extend beyond voting, as citizens must remain actively engaged with those entrusted with public office.
Speaking separately, Ogalegu said he and Ojimba had established records of community service before seeking elective positions, adding that their experience as private individuals would shape their approach to public office.
He urged voters to look beyond political party affiliations when assessing candidates.
“Public office should be about service and not personal enrichment,” Ogalegu said, stressing that elected representatives should prioritise the interests of the people who entrusted them with their mandate.
He said their decision to contest was driven by a desire to contribute more directly to the development of their constituents, rather than to pursue personal interests.
Responding, the President of AICON, Comrade Clement Nwego, commended the candidates for consulting the association and engaging its members directly.
Nwego, however, urged them to sustain the relationship beyond the election, recalling that some politicians supported by members of the association in previous elections had allegedly become inaccessible after assuming office.
He said such experiences had created concerns among members and urged political aspirants to see diaspora communities as partners in governance rather than merely electoral constituencies.
The AICON president disclosed that the association had commenced efforts to mobilise its members to register or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards to Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged members to participate actively in the electoral process and assess candidates based on their records, programmes and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The meeting also featured goodwill messages and prayers from AICON elders and traditional leaders, including HRH Eze Cyprian Nweke, Eze Izzi Gbirim, and Chief Boniface Okpete.
The engagement marked another stage in the political consultations surrounding the 2027 Ebonyi North senatorial contest, with the candidates seeking to strengthen their relationships with Ebonyi communities resident outside the state.
