Photo: Sen. Uche Ekwunife
By Mandy Park
A supporter of Senator Uche Ekwunife, Mrs Nkiruka Chioma Okoye, has congratulated the former lawmaker on her decision to contest the Anambra Central Senatorial District seat, describing her as a politician with experience, courage, capacity and a proven record of public service.
Okoye, who identified herself as a native of Nawfia and a beneficiary of one of the shops constructed by Ekwunife at Nkwo Enugukwu, said she was among the senator’s “strong but silent admirers.”
In a congratulatory message, she said Ekwunife’s decision to return to the senatorial contest was a demonstration of her resilience and continued commitment to serving the people.
According to her, Ekwunife’s years of political service and development interventions across communities have earned her the popular description, “Madam Project.”
She said the senator’s candidacy should be viewed beyond partisan politics, arguing that it represents an opportunity for experienced leadership and purposeful representation.
“Politics is ultimately about people—the mother who needs a better road to the market, the student who needs support to remain in school, the young graduate searching for an opportunity, the widow struggling to provide for her children, the trader whose business needs support, and communities waiting for meaningful development,” Okoye said.
She maintained that representation should not merely be about occupying a legislative seat but about possessing the knowledge and capacity to use the position effectively for the benefit of constituents.
Okoye further highlighted Ekwunife’s experience in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying her exposure had equipped her with knowledge of legislation, government institutions, constituency representation and policy processes.
She also praised Ekwunife for breaking barriers for women in Nigerian politics, noting that her career had demonstrated that women could lead, legislate, negotiate and represent their constituents effectively at the national level.
“As a woman, I am particularly inspired by your resilience and your determination to continue contributing to the development of our people,” she said.
Okoye also described Ekwunife as a compassionate and generous person, adding that those who had interacted with her could testify to her kindness.
While urging the senator not to be distracted by criticisms from political opponents, Okoye expressed optimism that Ekwunife would emerge victorious in her latest political pursuit.
She prayed for divine guidance and strength for the senator, describing her as “Iyom (Ifekaolaedo)” and reiterating her support for what she called a combination of experience, legacy, capacity, courage, compassion and a record of service.
“We are not supporting a name alone; we are supporting experience, legacies, capacity, courage, compassion and a record of service with distinction,” Okoye said.
The endorsement comes as political activities and alignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Anambra State, with aspirants and their supporters intensifying efforts to mobilise public support.
