By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
Venerable Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue has emerged as the Labour Party’s sole candidate for the Anambra Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following his emergence, Ikezue pledged to empower no fewer than 250,000 women and youths across the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district if elected into the Senate.
The cleric-turned-politician made the commitment shortly after securing the party’s ticket during the Labour Party senatorial primary election held in Awka on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Expressing gratitude to God for his emergence, Ikezue described his nomination as a divine covenant and attributed the achievement to God’s grace and favour. He also thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them of effective and people-oriented representation at the National Assembly.
According to him, with the primary election concluded, the next phase would focus on campaign mobilisation and strategic engagement with constituents across the district ahead of the general election.
“I am fully prepared to provide quality representation for the people of Anambra Central. I will not disappoint the confidence reposed in me by the party and the electorate,” he stated.
As part of his empowerment agenda, Ikezue announced that he would dedicate his monthly salary throughout his four-year tenure, if elected, to programmes aimed at supporting women and youths. He explained that the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 individuals across the seven local government areas in the senatorial zone.
Describing the pledge as a personal covenant with God and one of the cardinal promises of his campaign, the Labour Party candidate said details of the empowerment programme would be unveiled in due course.
He expressed optimism that other public office holders would emulate the gesture to promote grassroots development and improve the welfare of citizens.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, which coincided with activities marking the remembrance of Biafra heroes, Ikezue paid tribute to the men and women who made sacrifices for the people of the Southeast. He noted that their legacies should inspire a new generation of leaders committed to selfless service, good governance, and the welfare of the people.
The senatorial hopeful further pledged to champion policies and programmes that would positively impact the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly women and young people, while ensuring responsive and effective representation for Anambra Central in the Senate.
Meanwhile, officials and observers present at the primary election included election monitoring delegates from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Okolo Nonso and Mr. Ajunwa Kingsley, as well as Mr. Prince Azor of the Civil Society of Nigeria, among others.
Editorial note: I corrected the figure from “250 youths and women” in the headline to “250,000 youths and women” to align with the figure stated in the body of the report. If the intended number is different, the headline should be adjusted accordingly.
