By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The Concerned Progressives of Arochukwu and Ohafia (CPAO), a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) support group in Abia State, has declared that more aspirants eyeing the 2027 House of Representatives seat for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency will shelve their ambitions and rally behind Hon. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, popularly known as Ignis.
The group made this known on Sunday during its stakeholders’ meeting in Ohafia, presided over by its General Secretary, Engr. Ifeanyi Iheaka, and later issued a statement made available to journalists in Umuahia.
According to Iheaka, even aspirants from opposition parties, including the ruling Labour Party in Abia State, have reached out to express their willingness to step aside in support of Ogbonna, whom they described as a unifier with unmatched popularity and grassroots appeal.
“Because Ifeanyi Ogbonna has done exceptionally well in mobilization for our party and even across party lines, especially at the grassroots, this alone has made him the most popular, most talked-about, and most widely accepted candidate in the constituency,” Iheaka said.
“Some aspirants have openly told us that they are ready to drop their ambitions and support him. This is not about personal interest; it is about putting the interest of our party and our dear constituency first. We must be united if we want to win in 2027.”
Iheaka further stressed that while other aspirants may be qualified, Ogbonna stands out as the most prepared for the task ahead.
> “That doesn’t mean others are not capable, but when you look closely, you will see that Ignis is the most prepared. Election is about grassroots mobilization and early strategic preparation. On both counts, he has proven that he is the most qualified,” he added.
The CPAO noted that it had long declared support for Ogbonna as well as for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, revealing that it had already commenced door-to-door campaigns across all wards in Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas.
The group warned the APC leadership that denying Ogbonna the party’s ticket in 2027 would be politically costly.
“Anybody telling you to bring another candidate apart from Ignis will spell doom for our party. The APC has never won Arochukwu/Ohafia before, but 2027 presents a golden opportunity. From our findings, the only name on the lips of the people is Ifeanyi Ogbonna. He is the consensus choice, and his candidacy goes beyond party lines,” Iheaka declared.
The statement emphasized that Ogbonna’s acceptance across the constituency makes him unbeatable, describing him as a bridge-builder with strong ties to stakeholders across political divides.
“Ignis is not just an APC candidate; he is the people’s candidate. He is a bridge between the old and the young, between the party and the people. That is why his movement is growing daily. His strength lies in his grassroots connection, his vision for development, and his credibility as a young entrepreneur and leader who has invested in our communities,” CPAO added.
