2027: ‘Everything rises and falls on leadership’ – Apochi Owoicho picks NDC forms for Apa/Agatu Reps race

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Apochi Nelson Owoicho has obtained the interest and nomination forms of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, to contest for the Apa/Agatu Federal House of Representatives seat.

This follows his recent defection from the African Democratic Congress to the NDC.

Apochi, accompanied by his teeming supporters, obtained the forms at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking after obtaining the forms, the aspirant stressed the need for effective leadership capable of addressing insecurity, poverty, and other socio-economic challenges confronting the constituency.

He said his ambition is driven by the desire to provide quality representation, make people-oriented laws, and serve as a strong voice for the people of Apa/Agatu at the National Assembly.

Apochi described the NDC as a party built on the principle of service to the people, noting that leadership should focus on serving citizens rather than personal interests.

“Like I always say, everything rises and falls on leadership. I believe that, at this moment, we need the right kind of leadership in Apa/Agatu to steer the constituency in the right direction.

“Our people are facing serious challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and other socio-economic difficulties. We need good leadership, quality representation, and someone who will make the right laws at the House of Representatives.

“My aspiration is to be the voice of my people and to stand for them amid the current challenges confronting Nigeria, while providing leadership that brings people together to achieve a prosperous Apa/Agatu in our lifetime.
“For me, the Nigerian Democratic Congress represents something unique. The motto of the party is “Service to the People,” and leadership has always been about service.

“I have served as a citizen of this country through various initiatives, and running on this platform further strengthens my belief that service to the people must continue, even in public office.

“This is a departure from the kind of politics we are used to, where people serve leaders, to a system where leaders serve the people.
“The key areas I intend to focus on if elected into the House of Representatives in 2027 include security, leadership, representation, and legislation. 

“Within the first three months in office, we will establish a framework that will help us deliver on our mandate and also ensure that the people can hold us accountable.
“It is based on this framework that we will develop what we call the Apa/Agatu Development Plan. This plan will address issues ranging from insecurity and employment to education and infrastructure.

“The framework will also help us track progress and measure growth, because one of our current challenges is the inability to properly assess whether meaningful development has taken place.

“With contributions from all stakeholders, we will ensure that we provide the right leadership and quality representation for our people.
“To voters out there, always remember that people who fail to vote often allow others to decide the leadership they end up with.
“If you desire a better country and a new kind of leadership, I encourage you to first register to vote, then come out to vote, and finally protect your vote.

“This country will become exactly what we want it to be, but it starts with exercising our civic responsibility at the ballot box.
“I lead a movement called the “Future Is Now Movement,” where we encourage young people not only to vote but also to actively participate in the electoral process.

“It starts with voter registration, voting, and protecting your vote so that we can elect leaders who are accountable and ensure that we are truly part of the democratic process.”