KINSLEY EBERE
Umuchu community, the political heartbeat of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has become the centre of a fierce political battle between the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The contest is for the Aguata Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, a seat that has attracted strong interest from Umuchu sons flying different party flags.
Information gathered shows that Umuchu is currently divided as prominent sons of the community battle for the same federal seat, a development that has created tension among villages, blocks and political stakeholders in the town.
The incumbent Mayor of Aguata LGA, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, is flying the flag of APGA. Ofobuike, who hails from Umugama Village in Ihite Block, is enjoying the backing of Governor Charles Soludo’s political structure and the APGA machinery in the state.
On the other hand, the influence of the NDC, which is linked to the support base of former Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, is growing rapidly in Umuchu and other parts of Aguata. The NDC sentiment is said to be strong in urban centres and is now gaining momentum in Aguata, including Umuchu, Uga and Ekwulobia.
According to political observers, the battle in Umuchu is no longer just about individual candidates but about party ideology and national alignment. APGA recently endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, a move that has angered many supporters of Peter Obi in Anambra State who see the endorsement as going against their preferred leader.
Sources in Umuchu said APGA candidates are facing heat during town hall meetings and campaigns, as youths reportedly question them about why the Soludo-led administration is attacking Obi. In Umuchu and neighbouring communities, some voters were said to have told APGA aspirants that they would support NDC unless the party reconciles with Obi’s supporters.
The division has followed Umuchu’s traditional block structure. Okpu na Achalla Block is regarded as a stronghold of APC and other opposition parties due to years of philanthropic interventions, while Ihite Block remains the base of APGA. Amanasaa has now become the major battleground where NDC and APGA are testing their strength.
Stakeholders have expressed concern that with multiple candidates from Umuchu contesting the same seat, votes from the community may be split, giving advantage to candidates from neighbouring towns like Achina, Uga and Ekwulobia.
A community chieftain said, “The biggest beneficiaries of this crisis are waiting on the sidelines. NDC has a strong candidate from neighbouring Achina and ADC also has a candidate from Uga. If Umuchu continues to fight itself, those two will benefit.”
The leadership of Umuchu community, led by Hon. Ifeanyi Emegwa, has come under criticism for allegedly keeping mum over the escalating political contest. Insiders say the leadership is in a dilemma as key members have benefited from different contenders in the past.
Despite the division, some youth leaders view the development as an opportunity for Umuchu to secure more federal representation. They argue that if the community strategizes well, it could produce both a House of Representatives member and a Senator in 2027.
A youth leader urged elders to quickly convene a unity meeting to coordinate strategy and prevent rivalry that could damage long-standing relationships in the community.
As campaigns officially began on August 19, 2026, all eyes are now on Umuchu to see whether APGA will retain its dominance or whether the growing NDC wave will sweep the community in the January 16, 2027 National Assembly elections.
