CHUKA UBAH
The battle for the Aguata Federal Constituency seat has taken a deep personal turn. As campaigns for the 2027 National Assembly elections officially began on August 19, 2026, two sons of Umuchu community have emerged as the biggest contenders for the House of Representatives seat — and their rivalry is now defining the entire race.
On one side is Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the APGA flag bearer. On the other is Hon. John Bosco Onunkwo (Onwa), carrying the APC ticket. Both men are from Umuchu and have big ambitions. Both have followership but only one can represent Aguata in Abuja.
THE APGA SON: CHIBUEZE OFOBUIKE
Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike is no stranger to Aguata politics. Known for his grassroots engagements and philanthropy across the 8 communities, Ofobuike is running on the APGA platform with the full backing of Governor Charles Soludo’s political structure.
His message is simple: “APGA is Anambra. Anambra is APGA.”
Supporters say Ofobuike understands local government, constituency projects, and the Igbo political identity. With APGA controlling the state and Soludo pushing for legislative alignment in 2027, Ofobuike’s camp believes the tide is in their favour.
For Ofobuike, this election is about continuity, local development, and ensuring that federal presence comes through APGA channels. He has spent years building structures in Ekwulobia, Isuofia, Uga, and other parts of Aguata, positioning himself as the man to sustain APGA’s hold on the federal seat.
THE APC SON: JOHN BOSCO ONUNKWO (ONWA)
Standing directly opposite him is Hon. John Bosco Onunkwo (Onwa). Also from Umuchu, Onunkwo is APC’s chosen man for Aguata. A businessman and party strategist, Onunkwo is running with the advantage of federal power — President Bola Tinubu and the APC are making a renewed push to gain legislative seats in the Southeast.
Onunkwo’s pitch to voters is about “connection to the center”. His team argues that with APC in control at the Presidency, Aguata stands to benefit more in terms of federal appointments, projects, and influence if represented by Onunkwo.
He is selling the idea that 2027 is the time for the Southeast to align with the ruling party at the center.
But a big question is now trailing Onunkwo’s candidacy:
Will APC sacrifice Onunkwo as Governor Soludo and APGA have eventually endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 Presidential election?
Political watchers say a Soludo-Tinubu understanding could lead to a soft landing for APGA candidates in Anambra, while APC may be asked to “stand down” in certain constituencies like Aguata as part of the bargain. If that happens, Onunkwo’s ambition could experience collateral damage in a bigger presidential deal.
The rivalry between Ofobuike and Onunkwo didn’t start today. For years, the two have competed in community leadership, party politics, and influence in Umuchu. From town union activities to political alignments, their paths have crossed repeatedly. Now, the competition has moved to the ballot, and Umuchu finds itself divided between two of its own.
THE WIDER FIELD AND NDC IMPACT
They are not alone in the race. Hon. Andy Azike of NDC from Achina is riding on the Peter Obi-led NDC wave that reshaped Southeast politics in 2023. The NDC factor means youths and first-time voters, who could swing the election away from the traditional parties.
Hon. Ikechukwu Umenwa (Iyke Russia) of ADC from Uga is also in the contest, hoping to pull votes from those seeking a “third force” alternative.
But political observers agree: the contest will likely be decided between the two Umuchu men and how their community, and indeed Aguata, navigate the APGA vs APC battle with the NDC wildcard in play.
With campaigns now on, one question dominates discussions in market squares and on WhatsApp groups across Aguata:
Will Umuchu votes be divided between Ofobuike and Onunkwo, or will Umuchu speak with one voice and deliver Aguata to Abuja?
