By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, market leaders across Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have thrown their weight behind all the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates contesting in the area.

The unanimous endorsement came from leaders of all major markets in Ogbaru, including Ogbaru Main Market (Relief Market), Plastic Market, Ogbo-Efere Market, Old Motor Spare Parts Dealers Amazu, and Scrap Dealers Market.

Others include, International Textile Market (Ogbo-Abada), Solution Market Okpoko, Coca-Cola Market, and Fruits and Vegetable Market, among others.

Speaking during a strategic meeting in Ogbaru, the Coordinator of the Market Leaders, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, said the meeting was convened for traders to openly declare their support for APGA.

He described APGA as their favourite party and the only party that has consistently performed well in Anambra.

He said that market leaders have resolved to mount billboards of all APGA candidates in all the markets across Ogbaru as a symbol of their loyalty ahead of the election in January.

According to him, billboard had already been mounted at the entrance of his own market area and beautified the market fence with APGA logo and images of the candidates.

Ochiogu said: “All markets in Ogbaru are for APGA. No other political party will be allowed to campaign in our markets. We assure you of our support and you will win.”

Other market leaders who spoke at the event affirmed their total support for APGA, while also presenting demands peculiar to their various markets.

They gave assurance that each leader has the capacity to deliver his market for the party.

In his remarks, the local government Secretary of APGA and Director General (DG) for Senator Stella Oduah Campaign Organization in Okpoko, Hon. Chimezie Osigwe, described APGA as a movement and expressed delight that market leaders were already strategizing on how to deliver the party’s candidates.

Hon. Osigwe revealed that a 23-man executive committee has been constituted in all markets across Ogbaru to actualize victory for APGA, expressing confidence that with such structures, victory would be seamless.

He urged all market leaders to mount billboards in their respective markets as a clear statement that Ogbaru belongs to APGA, stressing that no room would be given for opposition parties to thrive.

On his part, the APGA Chairman of Ogbaru Council Area, Pastor Onochie Obiora, commended the market leaders for their initiative and declared that victory is sure for APGA in Ogbaru.

Responding on behalf of Senator Stella Oduah who was physically present, one of the candidates, Hon. Chukwuka Wilfred Onyema, appreciated the market leaders for their massive support.

Onyema, a one-time member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, assured traders that they would immediately address one of their most pressing demands, a condolence visit to the Amazu Old Motor Spare Parts Dealers Market over the gruesome killing of their former Chairman.

He maintained that they would only make promises they can keep adding that he would work closely with their zonal leader, Chief Ogbogu Nwanodi to systematically address their requests.

He added: "Remember, Rome was not built in a day. We will attend to your needs gradually.

“When I was in PDP, Chief Ochiogu and I were on opposing sides, but today, we have met, hugged and reconciled. That’s the beauty of politics. We have heard all your demands and we promise to address them to the best of our ability. Our core mandate is to serve you and represent you well.”

The event had in attendance APGA candidates, party stakeholders, youth leaders, women leaders, councillors, ward chairmen and secretaries from the six wards in Okpoko community.