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OKIGWE NORTH 2027: A TICKET TO ESILE IS A TICKET FOR INCLUSIVITY, PERFORMANCE, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
Written by Bernard Chizitere Olekamma
The political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gradually entering the primary stage, and aspirants across political parties are beginning to position themselves for campaigns and consultations. However, political ambition can only become a reality when such ambition secures the confidence of the political party through the primary election process and subsequently earns the acceptance of the electorate during the general elections. In every democracy, especially in contests involving the National Assembly, victory is largely determined by popularity, grassroots connection, credibility, and the confidence the people repose in both the candidate and the political party.
There is no doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, have continued to raise the standard of governance in ways that resonate with Nigerians and the good people of Imo State. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 3R administration has remained deliberate in ensuring fairness in the distribution of democratic dividends across the three geopolitical zones of Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe.
It is within this spirit of equity, fairness, and justice that Hon. (Chief) James Uba Esile, member representing Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly and one of the leading aspirants for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, has continued to gain increasing support under the popular “Esilification of Okigwe North” movement.
Beyond being an aspirant with proven capacity and credibility, many stakeholders believe that the equity arrangement within the constituency strongly favours Onuimo Local Government Area to produce the next representative after the tenure currently occupied by Hon. (Princess) Miriam Onuoha of Isiala Mbano.
Against this backdrop, my last publication, titled “WHEN PERSONAL AMBITION THREATENS EQUITY: THE DANGEROUS FOURTH AND THIRD TERM BIDS OF CHIKE OKAFOR AND MIRIAM ONUOHA IN OKIGWE ZONE,” focused primarily on the urgent need for leaders to become agents of unity by promoting political understanding, peace, and mutual respect instead of allowing excessive personal ambition to create division within the polity.
That article equally called on the leadership of the APC in Imo State and Okigwe Zone to intervene in the growing political tensions surrounding Okigwe North and Okigwe South Federal Constituencies, where the alleged moves by Deacon Chike Okafor and Hon. Miriam Onuoha toward prolonged occupancy of their respective seats are already generating concerns and dissatisfaction among many stakeholders who believe in the principle of political rotation and inclusion.
This present article therefore carefully appeals to the leadership of the APC in Okigwe North Federal Constituency to painstakingly study the mood and expectations of the people before deciding who eventually secures the party’s ticket. The conversation should no longer be limited to arguments about which bloc should produce the candidate. Rather, attention should focus on identifying an aspirant who possesses the spirit of inclusivity, connects naturally with the grassroots, relates effectively with both the young and the old, empowers the people meaningfully from available resources, and demonstrates the capacity to provide quality representation and good governance.
In this regard, Hon. (Chief) James Uba Esile appears to be ahead of many of his contemporaries.
Political leaders must always look out for aspirants who are bridge-builders, unifiers, courageous voices, and proven performers based on their current records in public office. Judging from performance, accessibility, and relationship with the grassroots, Esile continues to stand tall.
As a first-time lawmaker in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. James Uba Esile has simplified representation through a straightforward and people-focused leadership style. Since his emergence into the 10th Imo Assembly, he has remained a visible voice for Onuimo people, a committed supporter of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, and a legislator with bills and motions already credited to his name. Most importantly, he has remained highly accessible to the people.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Tourism, and Creative Arts, Hon. Esile has equally contributed toward promoting sectors capable of creating economic and cultural opportunities for Ndi Imo. His efforts in encouraging harmony and institutional cooperation within the sector remain visible and commendable.
Beyond legislative responsibilities, Esile’s influence has also continued to grow through the Fresh Air Movement, a socio-political structure he founded and presently coordinates across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State. Through this platform, he has consistently promoted the policies and programmes of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially at the grassroots level.
Through the annual empowerment programmes of the Fresh Air Movement, many individuals across Imo State have benefited from different empowerment schemes and support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and encouraging self-reliance.
To the people of Onuimo especially, Esile’s performance is better seen than explained. From infrastructure interventions to educational support, healthcare assistance, solar electrification projects, youth empowerment, sports development, cultural promotion, and collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions toward restoring peace in communities, his record continues to speak loudly.
Indeed, describing Hon. James Uba Esile as youth-friendly may even be an understatement. His daily interactions with young people across Onuimo, Okigwe North, and Imo State have created a unique political bond that resonates strongly among the youth population. Little wonder the popular chant of “Fresh Air! Fresh Air!” continues to echo wherever he appears.
As a resourceful and development-driven leader, Esile has also facilitated heavy-duty driving training programmes for many youths within Onuimo and Okigwe North Federal Constituency, equipping them with employable and globally relevant skills for economic advancement.
As the 2027 political process gradually gathers momentum through party primaries and consultations, many observers believe that Hon. (Chief) James Uba Esile’s aspiration represents a broader opportunity for inclusivity, youth empowerment, equity, and quality representation in Okigwe North Federal Constituency.
The central appeal of this article, therefore, is for the leadership of the APC in Okigwe North to critically consider Hon. James Uba Esile for the party’s ticket, given his growing grassroots acceptance, inclusive leadership style, youth-driven vision, and verifiable achievements as a first-time lawmaker. He has the capacity to win the elections and deliver quality representation and ink the name of Okigwe North Federal Constituency on the global map through steady, resilient, egghead legislation and oversight.
