Concerned Anambra youths have issued a strong warning to Peter Obi and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), rejecting the re-election bid of the current House of Representatives member for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe. The youths declared that if the NDC gives its ticket to Uzokwe, they will work against the party in the constituency during the 2027 general elections.
Background of the Dispute
In the 2023 House of Representatives election, Hon. Uchenna Elodimmuo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) initially defeated Uzokwe of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). However, the Court of Appeal nullified the result and ordered a rerun. On February 3, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the rerun, in which Uzokwe won with 25,580 votes against Elodimmuo's 25,412 votes. He was sworn in as a lawmaker in February 2024.
Youths Declare Uzokwe Has Failed
In a communique issued after an emergency meeting in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, on May 7, the youths, under the group Concerned Anambra Youths, insisted that Uzokwe has nothing to show for his nearly three years in office. The communique stated: "We have critically examined the performance of Hon. Peter Uzokwe and realized he represents his pocket, not the people. Since 2023, other lawmakers have distributed hundreds of vehicles, motorcycles, and empowerment tools, secured federal appointments, and attracted road projects. Uzokwe brought nothing home."
The youths criticized a recent medical outreach organized by Uzokwe in April 2026, where he distributed paracetamol and antimalarial drugs in three hospitals, calling it shameful. They also noted that Uzokwe recently posed with Peter Obi, claiming to have joined the NDC, in an attempt to ride on Obi's popularity to secure a second term.
Call for Rejection
The youths urged Peter Obi and the NDC leadership to disassociate from Uzokwe. "We shall work for Peter Obi under NDC but will withdraw support in the constituency if Uzokwe gets the ticket. There are credible alternatives like Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa, who has proven integrity, grassroots appeal, and commitment to democratic ideals," the communique added.
Demand for Stewardship Account
In an interview, the youths' spokesperson, Comrade Edwin Ikegwuonu, noted that Uzokwe supported APGA during the last governorship election and should seek an APGA ticket instead. He demanded that Uzokwe return home to account for his stewardship, including bills and motions sponsored. Ikegwuonu urged Amb. Lotanna Ikebunwa to purchase the NDC expression of interest form, describing him as a popular, development-focused aspirant with a track record of philanthropy, youth empowerment, and grassroots engagement. Ikebunwa, CEO of Palms Realty and Investment Limited, has supported young people through digital, vocational, and entrepreneurial training, and served as a Senior Legislative Aide, making him well-suited for legislative duties.
Previous Criticism of Peter Obi
Earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticized Peter Obi over his reported defection to the NDC, accusing him of failing to stabilize political parties and being politically inconsistent.
