Peter Obi Backs Orogbu for Second Term, Says ‘First Tenure Is Retrogression’

By Polycarp Onwubiko

Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the House of Representatives member representing Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, describing her constituency empowerment programme as one of the most impressive in Anambra State.

Obi made the declaration at Finotel Hotel, Awka, during Orogbu’s constituency empowerment programme, where he commended her performance in the National Assembly and urged constituents to return her for a second term.

According to Obi, Orogbu’s return to the National Assembly would enable her to become a ranking member and occupy strategic positions from which she could attract greater benefits to her constituency and Anambra State.

He also appealed to voters in Awka North and Awka South to support Orogbu and other NDC candidates in the 2027 general elections, arguing that those who have demonstrated competence and commitment deserve the opportunity to consolidate their achievements.

Speaking on his own presidential ambition, the former Anambra State governor said his aspiration was driven by a desire to rebuild Nigeria, strengthen the rule of law and restore unity among Nigerians.

“I am the best presidential candidate for 2027 in terms of competence, character and integrity,” Obi declared, stressing that his ambition was not merely about occupying office but about “reinventing Nigeria and entrenching the rule of law.”

He expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the country, saying that anyone who claimed that Nigeria was in good condition was either unaware of the reality or deliberately ignoring it.

Obi likened the country’s current situation to “food with excess salt,” citing insecurity, food inflation, corruption, hunger and dangerous roads as some of the major challenges confronting Nigerians.

He promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritize security, education and healthcare, while tackling the conditions that have forced communities to abandon their ancestral homes.

On the 2027 elections, Obi appealed to university lecturers and other election officials to protect the integrity of the electoral process and resist pressure from politicians seeking to manipulate elections.

He said his administration would also prioritize the welfare and economic security of young Nigerians, stressing that youths should be able to earn dignified incomes without having to depend on powerful political connections.

Recalling his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi said he had supported traditional rulers with official vehicles and established offices for them and presidents-general of town unions. He also recalled the provision of vehicles and monthly support for community vigilante groups as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and security.

Umeh: ‘First Tenure Is Retrogression’

In his goodwill message, Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Victor Umeh, described Obi as “Okwute Nigeria” and praised Prof. Orogbu for what he called her outstanding representation of Awka North and Awka South.

Umeh recalled that he had encouraged Obi and Orogbu to join the political movement that has now evolved into the NDC, saying Orogbu had proved to be “a special gift to the Awka South and Awka North Federal Constituency.”

He appealed to the electorate to give Orogbu another term, arguing that her first tenure had laid the foundation for greater accomplishments.

“First tenure is retrogression,” Umeh said, urging constituents to support her re-election so that she could become a principal officer of the House of Representatives and occupy a position capable of attracting greater dividends of democracy to the constituency and the state.

The senator also commended the Anambra State Chairman of the NDC and former two-term member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, for his efforts in mobilizing the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Umeh further expressed confidence in the emerging political alignment around Obi, while commending NDC leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson.

He said he would hold his own constituency empowerment programme in November, noting that his interventions had included educational projects, construction and renovation of classroom blocks and road rehabilitation.

NDC Chairman Applauds Orogbu

The NDC State Chairman, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, described Orogbu as an “indefatigable” member of the House of Representatives and commended her legislative performance and constituency empowerment initiatives.

Uzoezie urged the people of Anambra State to support NDC candidates in the 2027 general elections, saying the party was positioned to provide a new direction for the country.

Orogbu: ‘Peter Obi Brought Me to Abuja’

In her remarks, Prof. Lilian Orogbu expressed appreciation to Peter Obi for attending the event despite his demanding political schedule.

She described Obi as the person who “brought me to Abuja,” recalling his support for her political journey and his commitment to the occasion.

Orogbu also praised Senator Victor Umeh for what she described as their harmonious working relationship and his efforts to carry her along politically.

The lawmaker commended traditional rulers for their moral support and thanked women, youths and men who, according to her, had remained steadfast in their support through her political journey.

She promised to organize another empowerment programme in October to reach constituents who were not covered by the current exercise.

In a lighter moment, Orogbu, who deliberately appeared in faded jeans, jokingly declared that she had joined the “Gen Z” and was fully prepared for the battle ahead of the 2027 National Assembly election.

She also called for a free, fair and credible election.

Cars, Buses, Tricycles, Equipment, Cash Distributed

The highlight of the event was the presentation of scholarships to beneficiaries by Peter Obi after he inspected the empowerment materials provided by Orogbu.

Items distributed included Camry cars, shuttle buses—including one designated for students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University—tricycles manufactured by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, deep freezers, refrigerators, sewing machines, generators, grinding machines, bags of rice and cash awards.

The programme attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, youths, women and other constituents from Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency.

The event effectively turned the constituency empowerment exercise into both a celebration of Orogbu’s first-term record and an early political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.