2027: Stakeholders Urge NDC To Respect Abia Zoning Formula, Back Ogadinma

A coalition of stakeholders, party supporters, youths, women, and community leaders in the Obingwa, Osisioma, and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency has called on the national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold the zoning principle and respect the wishes of party members in the selection of its candidate for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general election.

In an open letter addressed to the National Leadership of the NDC, the National Election Committee, and the Abia State Election Committee, the group appealed for fairness, justice, and respect for grassroots support in the emergence of the party’s flag bearer.

The letter, signed by the group’s chairman, Sir Obinna Ekeji, and secretary, Elder Amadi Success, urged the party to consider Hafuruchi Ogadinma as its preferred candidate for the Obingwa, Osisioma, and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency seat.

According to the stakeholders, the zoning arrangement within the constituency supports the emergence of a candidate from Agalaba in Obingwa Local Government Area.

“The zoning principle has remained a respected mechanism for ensuring equity, justice, and inclusiveness within our party and our nation. Supporting Hafuruchi Ogadinma would demonstrate the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, and balanced representation,” the letter stated.

The group also cited what it described as overwhelming grassroots support for Ogadinma across the three local government areas, claiming he enjoyed significant backing during consultations and the party’s primary election process.

“Across communities, wards, youth groups, women’s organisations, market associations, professionals, and traditional stakeholders, the message has remained consistent: the people desire a candidate who is accessible, compassionate, competent, and connected to the grassroots,” the stakeholders said.

They further alleged that Ogadinma received substantial support during the May 29, 2026, primary election exercises in Ugwunagbo, Osisioma, and Obingwa local government areas.

The letter particularly referenced events at Ukpakiri Primary School in Obingwa, where the group claimed thousands of party members gathered to demonstrate support for Ogadinma.

“Many stakeholders believe that the overwhelming show of support witnessed at Ukpakiri Primary School represented the genuine aspirations of grassroots members in Obingwa. They therefore respectfully appeal to the National Leadership, National Election Committee, and Abia State Election Committee to carefully examine the events of that day and ensure that the final decision reflects the true wishes of party members,” the statement added.

The stakeholders expressed concerns over the conduct and outcome of the exercise, calling on party leaders to review all reports and testimonies relating to the primary election.

“The credibility and strength of our great party depend on the confidence of its members that every vote, every voice, and every expression of democratic choice will be respected and protected,” they stated.

Highlighting Ogadinma’s qualifications, the group described him as a technocrat, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, and community development advocate with capacity to attract broad support and strengthen the party’s chances in 2027.

They also pointed to his record in youth empowerment, education, job creation, sports development, and community advancement as factors behind his growing popularity.

The stakeholders urged residents of Agalaba, Obingwa, Osisioma, and Ugwunagbo to remain peaceful and law-abiding while engaging party structures on what they described as a fair and transparent process.

“The NDC has always been at its strongest when it stands with the people. We therefore respectfully appeal to the party leadership to carefully consider the overwhelming grassroots support, zoning considerations, demonstrated leadership capacity, and broad acceptability of Hafuruchi Ogadinma,” the letter concluded.

The appeal comes as political activities intensify across Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and aspirants stepping up consultations and mobilisation.