From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
In a rally in Onitsha on Saturday, August 9, Sir Paul Chukwuma, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) gubernatorial candidate for the November 8 election in Anambra State, has passionately urged constituents of Onitsha North 1 State Constituency to cast their votes for Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe in the upcoming August 16, 2025 State House of Assembly by-election.
During the rally aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing voters ahead of the critical August 16 by-election, Chukwuma emphasized that electing Ndiwe would ensure that the constituency receives the quality representation it deserves.
A vacuum has emerged in Onitsha North 1 State Constituency following the tragic death of Hon. Justice Azuka, a former lawmaker. Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and was later killed, leaving the constituency in shock and mourning. This loss has heightened the urgency for strong leadership and representation in the upcoming August 16 by-election.
The YPP governorship candidate emphasized the importance of continuity in representation for the Ogbeoza area of Onitsha, advocating for Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe to succeed the late Hon. Justice Azuka. He argued that electing someone from the same area is crucial to fulfilling the remaining tenure responsibilities before the position rotates to another locality.
Chukwuma encouraged the electorate to honor Justice Azuka’s legacy by voting for his sister, Princess Ndiwe; highlighting that Ndiwe possesses the capability to complete Justice Azuka’s unfinished business in the House of Assembly and bring additional benefits to the constituency.
He stated, “Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe has done so much for the people of Onitsha. Supporting her to represent this constituency will empower her further to do even more.”
Chukwuma called on constituents to not only support Ndiwe in the August 16 by-election, but also to rally behind him and YPP’s deputy governor candidate, Chief Uzuegbunam Okagbue, in the upcoming November 8 gubernatorial election.
“After the August 16 election, where you will elect your own sister, Princess Ndiwe, then, come out in your numbers to elect Sir Paul Chukwuma and Chief Uzuegbunam Okagbue as your governor and deputy governor,” he urged.
Chief Uzuegbunam Okagbue, the deputy governorship candidate of the party, reinforced the message in support of Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe during the rally. He asserted that Ndiwe is not competing with other candidates for the trust of the constituency, emphasizing that she is already a well-known figure in Onitsha. Okagbue highlighted Princess Ndiwe’s significant contributions to the constituency, having assisted many individuals and played a vital role in uplifting the local people, including youths, elderly people and widows.
He urged constituents to mobilize effectively for the party in the upcoming elections, stressing the importance of collective action for the August 16 State Assembly by-election and the gubernatorial election on November 8.
“Let us come together and show our strength by supporting Princess Ndiwe and electing Sir Paul Chukwuma as your lawmaker and next governor respectively. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed,” he declared, while calling for unity and active participation in the electoral process to secure a brighter future for the constituency.
Moses Obi, the Anambra State chairman of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), addressed the crowd with words of encouragement and appreciation for the constituency’s ongoing support for Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe. He praised the people for their mobilization efforts, highlighting the importance of unity and commitment in the lead-up to the August 16 House of Assembly by-election.
“Your dedication to Princess Ndiwe is commendable,” he said, urging constituents to remain firm and resolute in their support.
Obi emphasized the need for this enthusiasm to carry forward into the August 16 by-election and the November 8 gubernatorial election. “Let us replicate the same level of support for our candidates during these crucial elections,” he urged, stressing that a united front will ensure that their collective voice is powerful and effective in shaping the future of Onitsha North 1. He called for active engagement and outreach to secure a victorious outcome for the party and its candidates.
During her speech, Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe, the YPP candidate for the state assembly by-election, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the constituency for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the presence of key party figures, including the gubernatorial candidate, his deputy, and the state chairman, thanking them for prioritizing her campaign despite their busy schedules.
Ndiwe highlighted her numerous philanthropic efforts and the sacrifices she had made for the benefit of Onitsha people, emphasizing her commitment to further serving the people of Onitsha if elected.
“I have always been here for you, and I will continue to be,” she stated passionately.
As she urged her constituents to recognize her contributions, she declared that August 16, 2025, should be a day of reciprocity. “This is our opportunity to make a statement. Let this election be a payback day. I ask for your votes to take my dedication and service for our constituency to the next level in the state House of Assembly,” she concluded, while urging the people to come together and support her.
In interviews conducted by our correspondent, several members of the constituency expressed overwhelming support for Princess (Barr) Njideka Ndiwe, referring to her as a “rare gem” whose dedication and personal sacrifices for the welfare of the Onitsha and its people have not gone unnoticed. They highlighted her numerous contributions, emphasizing how she has always prioritized the needs of the people over her own.
Community members spoke passionately about their commitment to ensuring Princess Ndiwe’s election to the state House of Assembly, recognizing that, if elected, she would have greater resources and influence to make a more significant impact. “We see her hard work and the way she genuinely cares for us,” one resident said. “It’s time for us to show our appreciation and support her candidacy.”
Another constituency member noted, “Princess Ndiwe has always been there for us in times of need. We believe that with her in the assembly, she can do even more for us.”