By Michael Agbaji
Frontline aspirant, Victor Ebubechukwu Anyaogu, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bende South State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 Abia State House of Assembly election, following a dramatic collapse of rival camps and widespread endorsements across the constituency.
His emergence followed intense consultations among party stakeholders, ward executives, youth leaders, and supporters from different communities in Bende South, culminating in a massive unity rally held ahead of the APC primaries.
The development signaled a major political shift within the constituency as several loyalists and supporters of rival aspirants openly declared support for the youthful entrepreneur and APC chieftain.
The rally, attended by party faithful from Uzuakoli, Umuhu-Ezechi, Umu-Imenyi, Nkpa, and Ntalakwu districts, was described by APC stakeholders as a strategic move to foster unity and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Notable defections were also recorded from opposing camps, including key supporters of the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu Ndubuisi.
Among those who publicly aligned with Anyaogu was a prominent campaign figure previously associated with the incumbent lawmaker.
The defectors cited alleged underperformance, poor grassroots engagement, and growing dissatisfaction among constituents as reasons for backing the APC consensus candidate.
Supporters at the rally described Anyaogu as a tested grassroots mobiliser with a longstanding record of humanitarian interventions and community support across Bende South.
Speaking during the event, APC stalwart Paul Nwachukwu said the people unanimously resolved to support Anyaogu because of his accessibility, philanthropy, and longstanding relationship with rural communities.
“He has always stood by our people. If given the opportunity, he will definitely do more. There is hardly any household in Bende South today that does not speak positively about Victor Anyaogu. He has consistently supported our communities without attaching politics to it,” he said.
“You can see people who previously worked for his opponents publicly declaring support for him today. That shows the level of acceptance he enjoys. He has become our consensus candidate because the people believe in his capacity to deliver,” Nwachukwu added.
Responding after his emergence, Victor Ebubechukwu Anyaogu said his decision to contest for the Abia State House of Assembly was inspired by growing calls from youths and residents seeking more responsive and people-oriented representation.
The APC consensus candidate, who hails from Amaedukwu Nkpa Autonomous Community in Bende South, stated that his ambition was driven by a desire to reposition the constituency through effective grassroots representation and innovative leadership.
According to him, the time had come for young people to actively participate in governance and contribute meaningfully to community development.
“Well, I’m vying for the State Assembly because I want to represent my people from Bende South constituency. As a youth, I believe this is the right time for young people to step up and take their rightful place in leadership,” he said.
In what appeared to be a veiled criticism of the incumbent lawmaker, Anyaogu argued that the constituency had not received the quality of representation expected by the people.
“The person currently there is not doing enough. Our people have continued to express concerns, but their voices have not been adequately heard. I am stepping forward not just for myself, but on behalf of my people, so we can begin to correct things and move Bende South forward,” he stated.
The youthful APC chieftain also highlighted his business and legislative background, which he said had equipped him with the practical experience needed to effectively represent the constituency.
According to him, his entrepreneurial interests span real estate, land banking, solar importation, and commercial trading, with business operations in Aba and other parts of the country.
Anyaogu further disclosed that he previously served at the National Assembly under the Official Report Department of the Senate, an experience he said exposed him to legislative procedures and governance processes.
“I gained valuable experience serving in the Senate at the National Assembly. I witnessed legislative activities firsthand and learned a lot about governance and representation. That experience has prepared me for the responsibility of representing my people at the state level,” he added.
He also appealed to APC stakeholders and delegates to support younger, energetic, and technology-driven leaders capable of responding to the rapidly changing realities of governance and development.
According to him, innovation, inclusiveness, and modern thinking must become central to grassroots representation if communities are to experience meaningful progress.
