By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Architect Peter Agada has formally informed the Paramount Ruler of Idoma land, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, of his intention to contest the Presidency of Nigeria in 2027, setting the Och’Idoma Palace agog during a historic visit.
Agada, a leading Labour Party presidential aspirant, arrived with a delegation of young professionals and political allies. He received a warm reception from palace chiefs, youth groups, and traditional aides who turned out in large numbers to welcome him.
Addressing the royal court, Agada, the immediate past Director of Finance of the Obedient Movement, presented his policy blueprint tagged “Labour Direct.” He identified insecurity, mass youth unemployment, the weakening naira, infrastructure decay, and broken trust in governance as “major problems befallen us as a nation.”
Under Labour Direct, he pledged a security plan that fuses community-led intelligence with tech-driven architecture to protect farms and cities. On jobs, he promised industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone focused on agro-processing and solid minerals, with direct links to youth employment.
For human capital, Agada outlined a national skills-to-industry program alongside what he called an urgent revamp of education and primary healthcare. He also committed to “competence without cronyism” under a unity in governance pillar, ensuring every region feels ownership in Nigeria.
“Nigeria needs execution, not excuses,” Agada told the gathering. “Labour Direct is about putting Nigerians to work, securing them, skilling them, and giving them a stake.”
The presidential hopeful currently serves in the Big Tent Shadow Government as Minister of Infrastructure, Energy, Works, Housing & Urban Development. He was also Chairman of the Big Tent Support Group Council. Agada is the Founder and Chairman of Cyrus Group Nigeria, described as the world’s largest acoustics organisation.
Responding, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John said he was “thrilled and excited” that young people are banding together and networking. The Och’Idoma praised Agada’s “boldness and demonstration of strength and capacity,” calling it a source of pride for Idoma land.
Still, the royal father issued a sobering charge on local cohesion. “Unity amongst the Idoma has been largely lacking. If we must present our best to Nigeria, we must first be one at home,” he told the court, urging sons and daughters of Idoma at home and abroad to close ranks.
The Och’Idoma offered royal blessings and prayed for the success of Agada’s project, calling on “all Idoma persons, at home and abroad, to join in support and prayers for their own.” As the prayers ended, the palace erupted in chants, with drummers and youth groups hailing the moment.
