By Tony Ezike
The political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered fresh energy on Friday as Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, APC candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, paid a courtesy visit to former Anambra State Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Sir Chikaodi Anara, popularly known as IGBAK’IGBA Amanuke, at his residence in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area.
The visit formed part of Senator Ekwunife’s ongoing consultations with key political stakeholders, influential leaders and grassroots mobilisers as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Chief Anara, who resigned his appointment as commissioner in March 2025, was recently appointed Deputy Zonal Coordinator, Civil Society Mobilisation, South-East II, of the APC Presidential Campaign Council; a recognition of his experience, political relevance and capacity to contribute to national political mobilisation.
Speaking during the meeting, Senator Ekwunife described Chief Anara as a formidable personality whose contributions to Anambra State’s security architecture and development efforts make him a force to be reckoned with. She commended his contributions to strengthening security in the state, noting that a secure environment remains fundamental to economic growth, investment and sustainable development.
The senator congratulated Chief Anara on his new national assignment, urging him to bring his wealth of experience, leadership capacity and political networks to bear on the task ahead. She expressed confidence that his appointment would provide another opportunity for him to demonstrate his commitment to public service and contribute meaningfully to the success of the APC in the forthcoming elections.
In his response, Chief Sir Chikaodi Anara expressed delight at the senator’s visit, commending her for making time out of her demanding schedule to engage with him. The respected political figure expressed confidence in Senator Ekwunife’s leadership capacity, pointing to her numerous interventions across Awka North, Anambra Central and other communities.
IGBAK’IGBA noted that Ekwunife’s record of service, commitment to human capital development and sustained engagement with the people would continue to speak for her in future political assignments. Senator Ekwunife was accompanied by the State Secretary of APC and Secretary to the SUE Campaign Council, Sir Obi Okpala, Director-General of her Campaign Council, Dr. Chidi Chidebe; Director of Women Affairs, Dr. Ify Chinwuko; and other prominent members of her entourage.
With consultations gathering pace and key stakeholders reaffirming confidence in her leadership, Senator Ekwunife continues to strengthen engagement across Anambra Central as the road to 2027 unfolds.
