Ikeje Asogwa’s Formal Senatorial Ambition Declaration Turns Into A Grand Carnival
By Samson Ezea
Call it a grand occasion. Call it a carnival. Call it a fiesta. Call it an early electioneering spectacle even though campaigns have not officially commenced, any description fits perfectly. This is because the formal declaration of Hon. Chief Ikeje Asogwa’s senatorial ambition for Enugu North Senatorial Zone was nothing short of historic.
From the scale of preparations to the overwhelming attendance, the event was massive, electrifying and all-encompassing. The atmosphere radiated enthusiasm, unity and political momentum, while the crowd was organic, mammoth and emotionally connected to the aspiration.
From the entrance through Orie Igbo-Eze South to the Opi–Nsukka–Obollo-Afor–Makurdi Expressway axis, vehicles occupied both sides of the roads, creating heavy traffic in the area. Credit must be given to personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies who, despite the enormous pressure caused by the influx of guests, effectively managed and controlled the situation.
The epoch-making event was the formal declaration of Ikeje Asogwa’s senatorial ambition for the Enugu North Senatorial seat. It took place on May 17 at a secured open arena opposite his palatial residence in Likke Iheaka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
As early as 11:00am, dignitaries, party faithful, political leaders from the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, friends, associates, well-wishers and supporters from different walks of life had already begun arriving in large numbers.
Guests were lavishly entertained with assorted meals, drinks and melodious performances by the popular Ulaga Band Music Group, adding colour and excitement to the occasion.
Amid thunderous cheers and chants of support, Ikeje Asogwa sauntered into the arena and went round greeting the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered in their thousands.
The event officially commenced with the arrival of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and his entourage.
Following the presentation of kola nut and opening prayers, the Director-General of the Ikeje Asogwa Senatorial Campaign Organization and Special Adviser to the Governor on Enugu North Senatorial Zone Affairs, Barr. Peter Chigozie Okonkwo, formally set the ball rolling.
In his opening remarks, Barr. Okonkwo thanked Governor Peter Mbah and the APC leadership for ensuring that the principle of political rotation in the zone was respected. He took the audience down memory lane, recounting how the senatorial seat had rotated among the various federal constituencies in the zone since 1999.
According to him, the seat was first occupied by the late Distinguished Senator Fidelis Okoro from Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, followed by the late Senator Ayogu Eze from Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, and later Distinguished Senator Chuka Utazi from Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency. The seat subsequently returned to Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency through the late Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, whose tenure, unfortunately, was cut short by death.
Barr. Okonkwo stated that it was in recognition of this established political understanding and equity principle that the people of the zone unanimously resolved that Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency should complete its tenure through the emergence of Hon. Ikeje Asogwa.
Describing Ikeje as a grassroots politician and a man of proven capacity who needs no introduction, Okonkwo maintained that he remains the best choice for the position.
He further appealed to the people to turn out en masse for the APC senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18 and the June 20 senatorial by-election, emphasizing that Enugu North Zone must make a bold political statement through overwhelming support for the APC, a development he said would signal what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
Formally declaring his intention to contest for the Enugu North Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC, Ikeje Asogwa expressed profound gratitude to the people for the massive show of solidarity and support. He pledged to usher in a new era of purposeful representation and effective legislation for the zone.
According to him, if elected senator, his achievements within the first six months in office would speak louder than promises.
In his address, former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, described Ikeje as a humble and highly competent administrator who had demonstrated enormous capacity in all previous assignments entrusted to him. He urged the people of the zone to rally behind Ikeje during the primaries, the June 20 by-election and the 2027 general elections, assuring that he would provide quality representation.
Also speaking, a Lagos-based businessman and patron of the City Boys Movement, Chief Charles Mba, stated that Ikeje remains “their own” and deserves the support of everyone in Enugu North Senatorial Zone. According to him, there is no better option than Ikeje Asogwa, stressing that his personal knowledge of the aspirant gives him confidence that Ikeje will not disappoint the people.
In his speech, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, noted that Ikeje’s political profile, experience and capacity are already well known to the people, adding that he deserves the support of everyone in the zone before, during and after the elections.
He emphasized that the peace, unity and collective interest of Enugu North Senatorial Zone should take precedence over every other consideration. Ossai thanked the people for turning out massively in solidarity with Ikeje and urged them to translate the support into votes during the June 20 senatorial by-election and the 2027 general elections.
Speaker after speaker — including former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Daniel Shere; Engr. Simon Atigwe; Dr. Matthew Idu; Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta; Hon. Peter Andy Omeje; Hon. Favour Asogwa; Hon. Ngozi Ezeja; the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; among several others, echoed the same position that Ikeje Asogwa remains the best candidate for the senatorial seat.
They unanimously agreed that his ambition came at the right time and expressed confidence in his capacity to positively transform the political and leadership landscape of Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
The occasion also featured colourful displays by various cultural and political support groups, further giving the event the atmosphere of a grand political carnival.
Dignitaries who graced the event were numerous and too many to mention exhaustively. They included the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; former Deputy Governor, Chief Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi; former Speakers of the Enugu State House of Assembly from the zone; almost all serving and former members of the House of Representatives from the zone; members of the Enugu State House of Assembly; local government chairmen from across the zone; members of the State Executive Council; heads of government agencies and parastatals, as well as political stakeholders and supporters from within and outside the state.
Without doubt, the formal declaration of Ikeje Asogwa’s senatorial ambition was more than an ordinary political gathering; it was a powerful demonstration of acceptance, unity and grassroots connection.
The unprecedented turnout, the calibre of personalities in attendance and the overwhelming enthusiasm displayed by the people all combined to send a strong political message across Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
For many observers, the event was not merely a declaration ceremony, but the unveiling of a movement driven by hope, equity, continuity and the desire for quality representation.
As the June 20 senatorial by-election approaches, the declaration ceremony has undoubtedly positioned Ikeje Asogwa as a formidable force in the political landscape of Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
