-Thanks Uzodinma for restoring security in his area

Hon Gozie Nwagba, a former Leader of the Orlu Legislative Council has declared his intention to contest for the Orlu State constituent seat on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

Nwagba made the declaration on Friday, April 17 2026,  at Obor community in Ohafor Okporo Ward in line with the governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma’s directive that all aspirants for elective positions should go and declare their interests in their respective communities.

It was gathered that Gozie Nwagba’s declaration which pulled a large crowd of supporters is the first time such declaration was made in the area since the problem of insecurity that made many people to flee erupted in the area.

A community source who spoke to Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper shortly after the declaration which attracted the presence of a large gathering of supporters, indigenes, party faithful and other political stakeholders from across the Local Government Area and the state at large said that Gozie Nwagba has broken the jinx by exbiting unparalled courage.

Speaking at the event Nwagba, said he was motivated to to join the race because of his desire to offer quality representation and attract meaningful development to the constituency.

He also stated that as a farmer, his key priorities include systematic youth agricultural  empowerment in conjunction with development banks, improved community development, and educational advancement. He noted that his experience as a former legislative council leader has equipped him with the capacity to effectively represent the people at the state level.

“I am stepping forward to serve the good people of Orlu with dedication, transparency, and accountability. I want to show how a working state constituency should be represnted for the benefit of all. Together,  we can build a more prosperous and inclusive Orlu state constituency” he said.

Going further, ” I am the only person contesting this election from my electoral ward or community and this seat should be micro-zoned to us by the Orlu APC critical leaders because  we are the only people who are yet to occupy the seat from Orsu clan. No one else is contesting except me from my area and I hope my ward chairman is here to attest to that”. He enthused.

Rt Hon Gozie Nwagba  is a long time serving Palace Secretary of HRH, Eze Obi Ralph Ekezie, the traditional ruler of Obor autonomous community in Orlu LGA. He has used his position in the palace to assist many downtrodden and helped the community in restoring security and normalcy in line with the directive of the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma. 

A stakeholder in the area who does not want his name in print said, “leaders of the APC in the area, indigenes of Obor community and supporters have expressed confidence in his candidacy, describing him as a seasoned grassroots politician with proven track record of service. He is a leader who has done a lot in the community and has worked with relevant community stakeholders to restore security in the community when others fled for safety”.

Also speaking, Prince Collins Opuruozo, Special Adviser to Gov Hope Uzodinma on Public Communication and Creative Media, commended Rt. Hon Gozie Nwagba for courageously coming to his community to declare his intention when others could not do that. He urged the people to register with the APC and also get their Permanent Voter’s Cards PVCs to enable them vote for their preferred candidates  in the upcoming general elections. He also stressed the need for them to  support Sen Hope Uzodinma for his good works in the state.

The deputy President General of Obor Town Union who stood in for the President General, Commander Marcel Amadi described Rt Hon Gozie Nwagba as a servant leader, a dedicated community leader and  who has integrity. He urged Orlu APC to grant him the ticket if they want to win the election before 4 pm on election day.

Observers believe that his entry into the race is likely to influence the political landscape in Orlu LGA, given his experience and established support base within the constituency as his community, Obor/Umutanze is the only  community in Orsu clan of Orlu LGA which according to rotational political formula in Orlu is yet to produce a member of the State House of Assembly.