Ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency have called on former Labour Party (LP) deputy governorship candidate, Dr. John Nwokeabia, to contest for the House of Representatives seat.

The call was made during what supporters described as a historic gathering held at Nwokeabia’s residence, where members of the Enugu State National Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside community leaders, mobilisers and political stakeholders from the Awgu axis, converged to urge him to answer what they termed “a call to service.”

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the move was driven by growing dissatisfaction over the state of infrastructure and representation in the federal constituency, particularly the deplorable condition of the Oji River-Achi-Awgu Road, which residents now describe as a “death trap.”

One of the conveners of the movement, Prince Nixon Udoka Ahanonu (Aguiyijisos), described the gathering as a reflection of a new political awakening among the people.

“The event was truly historic. In a world where many assume everyone is only motivated by financial gain, this assembly proved that there are still citizens with genuine compassion for good leadership,” he said.

Ahanonu added that the people were searching for credible leadership capable of delivering real development.

“We are witnessing a shift where people truly want a ‘New Nigeria’ and believe that through Dr. Nwokeabia, it is finally possible,” he stated.

Also speaking, Chief Emma Obi (Obata Uno Adimna), a prominent leader from Oji River, stressed the urgent need for effective representation at the National Assembly.

“We need a leader with a God-fearing spirit who can represent us effectively in Abuja. With Dr. John Nwokeabia, our constituency can finally rest assured knowing our interests are in safe, capable hands,” he said.

“He is the bridge between our current struggles and the prosperity we deserve,” Obi added.

Meanwhile, the State Coordinator for Contact and Mobilisation, Chief Comrade Godwin Obasi, who led the delegation, said the decision to draft Nwokeabia followed extensive consultations across the constituency.

“We have searched through the length and breadth of our zone and found Dr. Nwokeabia to be the only one with the impeccable character and vision required to restore our pride,” Obasi declared.

“This is not just a political request; it is a mandate from the people who are tired of shadows and are ready for reality,” he stressed.

Observers at the meeting noted that Dr. Nwokeabia appeared visibly emotional and surprised by the size and enthusiasm of the delegation.

Although he stopped short of making a formal declaration, he expressed gratitude to the supporters and acknowledged the confidence reposed in him.

Political analysts said the development could significantly reshape the political equation within the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, especially as agitation for accountable leadership continues to grow across Enugu State.

For many at the gathering, however, the message was unmistakable: the people are no longer searching for conventional politicians, but for leadership they believe can restore hope and deliver meaningful governance.

Whether Nwokeabia eventually accepts the growing calls to contest remains uncertain, but supporters insist the movement has already begun.