2027: Edda Monarchs tip APC Reps Candidate, Nkama as Consensus

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

Traditional rulers from various communities in Edda Local Government Area of Ebony State have endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edda/Afikpo Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Joseph Ekuma Nkama, describing him as their preferred candidate.

The monarchs made their position known during the annual new yam festival, popularly known as “Iyi Akpa Oke Ikeji,” held at El Dorado Village, Ezzi-Edda Community, in Edda Local Government Area.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Chief Charles Azuenyim said the endorsement was based on their belief that Ekuma Nkama possesses the capacity and experience to attract meaningful development and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

According to him, the monarchs believe that the APC candidate has the character, integrity and leadership qualities required to effectively represent the people of Edda/Afikpo at the National Assembly.

Reacting to the endorsement, Ekuma Nkama, a former Minister of State for Health, described the gesture as a significant blessing from his traditional rulers and fathers.

He said the endorsement demonstrated that traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Edda were comfortable with his aspiration to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.

Nkama said: “There is nothing you need as a man when aspiring for a political position than to receive the blessing of your fathers and traditional leaders. These are our fathers and traditional leaders.

“For me to receive this blessing signifies a lot. It sends a message to everybody that my people and leaders are behind me and want me to represent Edda/Afikpo Federal Constituency.”

On the possibility of other aspirants stepping down to enable Edda to present a consensus candidate, Nkama said he would continue to engage the other contestants.

He, however, acknowledged that while he would welcome their decision to step down before the election, the ultimate decision would rest with the electorate if they chose to remain in the race.

Nkama also outlined his legislative agenda, saying his major objective would be to provide effective representation and ensure that the needs and priorities of his constituents remain at the centre of his activities at the National Assembly.

He said he would support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to deliver development across the country, while also working to attract relevant projects and opportunities to Edda/Afikpo Federal Constituency.

The former minister cited ongoing infrastructure projects in Ebony State, including road construction and the Afikpo-Abuja Legacy Trans-Saharan project, which he said would improve connectivity between the state and other parts of the country.

He further promised to regularly engage his constituents to identify projects and policies that would have the greatest impact on their communities, stressing that his representation would be driven by the collective interests of the people rather than personal considerations.

Nkama said his ambition was to ensure that the constituency received effective representation, appropriate federal projects and legislation that would contribute to the socio-economic development of the people.