By Jude Atupulazi
Ahead of the August 16 By-Election in Nnewi South State Constituency, in Anambra State, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Anambra Chapter, has officially kicked off its 2025 Anambra State Governorship Campaign with a lively road show in Awka, codenamed, “Joy Is Coming”.
The campaign launch, which took place on Saturday, August 9, and led by the party’s Guber and Deputy Guber Candidates, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Mr Uzu Okagbue, also doubled as a rally in support of the party’s candidate for the August 16 Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election, Princess Njideka Ndiwe.
The procession began at Amawbia Bridge near Awka and later ended up at Washington Grammar School Field, Onitsha, attracting hundreds of supporters, including tricycle and motorcycle operators, who chanted the campaign slogan all the way.
Over 500 Keke and Okada operators participated, each receiving ten litres of fuel from the campaign team.
Despite the heavy rain, a large crowd gathered at the rally venue to hear from YPP leaders, including Chukwuma, Okagbue, Ndiwe, and the State Chairman, Cletus Obi. The rally drew representatives from all ten wards of Onitsha North 1, with ward chairmen pledging full support for both the by-election and the November 8 Gubernatorial Poll.
Addressing the crowd, Sir Chukwuma described the event as both emotional and symbolic, lamenting what he called the poor state of governance in Anambra. He paid tribute to the late Justice Azuka, the former Onitsha North 1 Assembly representative, whose murder, he said, exposed the failure of the Anambra State Government to secure its people.
He charged the people of the state to rise to the occasion by coming out massively on election day to change the status quo and usher in a new era.
Chukwuma, remarking that the state had reached a point where the sanctity of life no longer mattered to those in power, however assured the people to hang on as better days were ahead.
‘Joy is coming. The August 16 by-election and the November 8 Governorship Poll are your opportunities to reject a failed leadership and embrace a government that cares, Chukwuma said, while endorsing Princess Njideka Ndiwe whom he described as the ideal candidate to complete the tenure of her late brother. He called on constituents to honour Azuka’s memory by electing his sister.
Princess Ndiwe, for her part, thanked supporters for braving the rain and reiterated her readiness to serve.
‘For years, you’ve asked me to run. Now I’ve answered your call. You know what I’ve done for our people; now it’s time to do more and with your mandate. Let’s get it right this time.
‘I will focus on security, empowerment, and inclusive governance, and my candidacy will be a continuation of my lifelong service to the people,’ Ndiwe assured.
The YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Uzu Okagbue, described the rally as a turning point in the state’s political journey.
‘We are waiting for the inauguration. They say they have no real opposition but we are here, and the die is cast. It’s not by rhetoric or intimidation. It’s by votes, and we are ready to win,’ he enthused.
Okagbue commended constituents for attending the rally despite the rain, describing Princess Ndigwe as a true daughter of Onitsha with a deep commitment to her people’s welfare.
The YPP State Chairman, Cletus Obi, and Princess Ndiwe’s elder sister, Nkoli Azikedobosi, also addressed the crowd. Obi thanked supporters for their resilience and called on them to not only vote but act as mobilizers for YPP’s success.
Azikedobosi emphasised the importance of correct voting procedures, educating supporters on how to properly mark the ballot in order not to void their votes.
