By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Mayor and Chairperson of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi, has received another strong and unequivocal assurance of re-election and continuity in office, ahead of the 2025 Anambra State Local Government elections.
The re-assurance, which came over the weekend, was ratified in Oba by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, during a well-attended political gathering that brought together party leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups, women leaders, ward executives, and supporters from across Idemili South.
The event, which turned into a massive endorsement rally for the incumbent Mayor, was hosted by Chief Henry Ifediora, popularly known as Echichiri na-adụ Ogwu, Mbize Ọba, the Chairman of Uruoko Village and a former Labour Party stakeholder.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Obi-Okoye described Hon. Amaka Obi as one of the best-performing mayors in Anambra State, stressing that not every incumbent council chairman would automatically return after the elections, but that Amaka Obi’s case was different because of her record of performance, leadership style, and grassroots connection with the people. He told the crowd that Iyom, as she is fondly called, had distinguished herself among her peers, earning the trust and confidence of both the party and the people.
The APGA Chairman further assured that the party was prepared not only to return her as Mayor, but also to project her to higher levels of leadership in the future, describing her as a dependable and loyal product of the party who has consistently aligned with the ideals of the Solution Government. He expressed confidence that APGA would record sweeping victories in the next elections, declaring that the party was poised to retire many politicians from opposition parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the political scene in Anambra State.
Chief Obi-Okoye also hinted that Idemili axis would continue to play a central role in the political leadership of the state, adding that the party was strategic about rewarding performance, loyalty, and competence; even as he further urged party members to remain united and focused, noting that APGA’s strength lies in its grassroots structure and the visible impacts of its elected officials.
Earlier in his remarks, the host of the event, Chief Henry Ifediora, said he personally convened and financed the gathering on behalf of the people of Oba to publicly declare total support for Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi’s re-election bid. He said his decision was not driven by partisan sentiments but by his conviction that the Mayor had performed creditably and deserved another opportunity to consolidate on her achievements.
Chief Ifediora, who described himself as a supporter of good governance rather than a career politician, noted that despite his past association with the Labour Party, he did not hesitate to reach out to the Mayor when Oba community faced serious infrastructural challenges. He recalled how Hon. Amaka Obi promptly intervened in issues surrounding the poor state of roads and infrastructure around Nkwọ Oba Market, demonstrating her responsiveness and commitment to the welfare of the people.
While emphasizing that he supports a politician primarily because on his ability and credibility, rather than because of political party the person belongs to; he further attested that Iyom’s leadership had reinforced his belief that women can excel at the highest levels of governance, even at the level of the presidency.
Also speaking, the President General of Oba Development Union, Chief Engr. Uzor Ejiofor, beamed more lights on the Mayor’s achievements, highlighting visible projects executed under her administration, both in Oba and Idemili South in general. He cited the construction and rehabilitation of about 700 metres of internal Estate roads, the installation of numerous solar-powered streetlights across various communities in Idemili South, and sustained interventions in security and infrastructure.
Recalling the incident at Nkwọ Oba Market on September 3, 2024, Chief Ejiofor said the Mayor stood firmly with the community before, during, and after the incident, helping to restore calm and stability. He further described Hon. Obi as a pillar of peace and security in Oba, adding that her leadership truly reflects the spirit and values of the Solution Government.
Continuing, the PG declared that Oba is a community of strategic importance and that the people would not forget those who stood with them at critical moments, publicly affirming the community’s support to her.
On his own part, the Oba Youth President, Hon. Ebuka Chibueze, described the Mayor’s re-election as a project of special interest to the youths of Oba. According to him, the coming election presents an opportunity for the youths to reciprocate the numerous youth-friendly initiatives and inclusive policies of her administration. He declared the youths were fully mobilised to support her return as Mayor, stressing that her tenure has given young people a sense of belonging in governance.
Also speaking, the APGA Youth Leader in Idemili South, Hon. Nze Austine, revealed that he once nursed an ambition to contest for the chairmanship position but decided to step aside after assessing the quality of work being done by the incumbent. He said Hon. Amaka Obi’s performance convinced him that continuity was in the best interest of Idemili South at this time. He further re-assured her of his total support to and those of the APGA youths in Idemili South towards her re-election.
Contributing, another stakeholder and state officer, Hon. Igwe Uche Mmaduekwe, pointed out that Oba, with an estimated 40,000 registered voters, recorded one of the highest vote tallies during the November 8 governorship election, as well as in previous elections that brought the Mayor to power in this concluding term. He assured that the community would once again deliver massively for the party and its candidates.
Further remarks were also made by representatives from neighbouring communities, including Akwukwu and Ojoto, who pledged their support and solidarity with the Mayor, describing her administration as inclusive and responsive.
Responding to the overwhelming endorsements, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi expressed hearty gratitude to the organiser of the event, Chief Ifediora, and the people of Oba for the massive show of love and confidence in her leadership. She assured them that her administration would continue to deliver democratic dividends across Idemili South, stressing that she remains committed to making the local government more livable, secure, and prosperous.
The Mayor appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the leadership of APGA for their support, noting that the encouragement from the party and the people had further strengthened her resolve to serve diligently. The Mayor expressed optimism that her track record and the widespread support she enjoys would translate into a landslide victory at the polls.
She also advised those nursing ambitions to contest against her to consider channeling their energy towards supporting the emergence of more national lawmakers of Idemili origin, stressing that collective progress should take precedence over personal ambition.
The climax of the event was the presentation of a cheque of five million naira to Hon. Amaka Obi by the host, Chief Ifediora, as support for her re-election campaign — a gesture that ignited the atmosphere with excitement from supporters and party faithfuls, who described it as unprecedented in the political history of Idemili South.
More photos from the event:
