2027: OBINGWA WARD 5 YOUTHS CHALLENGE 20 YEARS OF REPRESENTATION, PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR IKONNE
In a dramatic display of political dissatisfaction and a call for improved representation, youths of Obingwa Ward 5 on Friday, 13th November, staged a symbolic welcome for their son, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, while expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as two decades of inadequate representation.
The youths composed and sang a “Welcome Home” song at Umuobasi Agwu Civic Hall as the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne, visited the ward as part of his ongoing grassroots consultations.
The song, which drew attention to Senator Abaribe’s 20 years in the Senate, featured the lyrics:
“WELCOME, WELCOME, WHAT DID YOU DO?
HAPPY TO SEE YOU, HAPPY TO SEE YOU AT HOME, AFTER SPENDING 20 YEARS IN THE SENATE.”
Speaking through Mr. Obioma Anyamele, Mr. Ekpendu Friday and Mr. Raphael Ogbonna, the youths lamented that despite producing a Senator who had represented the district for 20 years, their community still lacked motorable roads, meaningful federal projects and sustainable development.
They specifically decried the deplorable condition of Uhuru Road and other adjoining roads leading to Senator Abaribe’s village, describing them as largely impassable.
“For 20 years, we endured with hope, but nothing came. Today, we are happy he is finally coming home,” they chorused.
In another emotional moment, residents along Uhuru Road trooped out to express their frustration over the condition of the road, chanting:
“COME AND WORK ON OUR ROAD!
COME AND SAVE US!”
Addressing the gathering, Prince Paul Ikonne expressed concern over the condition of infrastructure in Obingwa Ward 5, describing it as a reflection of the need for more effective and result-oriented representation.
“My heart bleeds. This is the ward of a man who has been in the Senate since some of you were in primary school, yet there is no federal presence, not even a good road to his house. Good representation is not rhetoric on the Senate floor; it is about attracting development to your people,” Ikonne declared.
Ikonne also recalled his personal connection with the community, explaining that he had lived with their son, Rev. Father John Egbulefu, shortly after his ordination, from the age of six. He noted that the family compound is popularly known as “Holy Family.”
He promised a departure from what he described as the politics of excuses, assuring the people that his proposed representation would prioritise tangible development.
“My representation will be about performance. I will give Obingwa Ward 5 and Abia South what has been denied for 20 years: roads, federal jobs, infrastructure and sustainable youth empowerment,” he promised.
Demonstrating his concern for elderly and vulnerable residents, Prince Ikonne requested that the names of two respected elderly men in Umuobasi Agwu, Elder Ndueme Ekwurundu and Elder Achilihu Alozie, be forwarded for consideration under the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s ₦100 million empowerment scheme for 500 vulnerable persons across Abia South.
The empowerment programme is scheduled for 3rd and 17th December 2026.
A major highlight of the visit was a prayer session led by Chief Ulegwu Alozie, who prayed for Prince Ikonne’s success in the forthcoming senatorial election.
The campaign tour attracted Hon. Nnamdi Chidiebere Charles, Prince Adimchinobi Nwaigwe, Barr. Obinna Nwabiaraije, Hon. George Ubani, Prof. Solomon Iheonunekwu and other political stakeholders.
@Prince Paul Ikonne
Campaign Media Directorate
