US-based accountant wins NDC ticket for Ebonyi Reps seat

A United States-based chartered accountant and entrepreneur, Agwu Ama Agwu, has emerged as the candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, pledging to make the restoration of stable electricity supply across the constituency his major priority if elected to the House of Representatives in 2027.

Speaking with journalists shortly after he was declared the winner on Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. Agwu said the persistent power challenge affecting Afikpo and Edda requires urgent political will and legislative action.

He described the non-supply of electricity to Afikpo for more than 15 years as embarrassing and highly disappointing.

According to him, the solution to the electricity problem already exists, citing the sub-power station built in Amasiri years ago but which has yet to be energised.

“The electricity issue is not only particular to Afikpo. It affects Edda and the entire Ebonyi South. If that sub-power station in Amasiri is energised, the whole of the zone can enjoy improved power supply. This is the kind of issue that should form part of a legislator’s constituency project,” he said.

He added that if government funding becomes a challenge, legislators from the state should work together to ensure the project is completed for the benefit of the people.

He described his emergence as both humbling and motivating, saying it has strengthened his commitment to serving the people and freeing them from what he called the grip of “recycled politicians.”

“I feel very happy and humbled. This has given me greater reason to remain committed to the cause of serving my people and bringing genuine representation to them,” he stated.

Reflecting on the primary election, he recounted the massive turnout of party members, including elderly persons, people living with disabilities and young voters, who waited for hours under the sun to participate in the process.

He said the determination shown by the people deeply touched him and reiterated his resolve to fight for their interests.

“What is coming to Afikpo/Edda is redemption, hope and true representation. I am going to Abuja because of the people. I have decided to dedicate the next four years of my life to serving them and bringing fair representation home,” he said.

On the issue of political zoning within the constituency, Agwu argued that equity demands that the seat rotate between Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas.

He noted that since the current occupant from Afikpo has already served two terms, it is only fair for Edda to produce the next representative.

“The constituency is made up of Afikpo and Edda. If one local government has held the position for eight years, fairness demands that the other local government should have the opportunity to serve,” he maintained.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of multiple candidates from Edda contesting the general election, Agwu expressed confidence in his chances, insisting that modern elections are increasingly determined by the character and credibility of candidates rather than party affiliation alone.

“People are no longer voting only for political parties; they are voting for individuals and their identities. Every candidate represents different values and different leadership qualities,” he said.

He added that regardless of how many candidates eventually emerge from Edda or Afikpo, he remains confident that his message and track record will distinguish him from the rest.