As the September 26 local government elections in Enugu State draw near, the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on Thursday flagged off its campaign in Oji River Local Government Area.

Leading the campaign team were the State Chairman of the party, Dr. Johnpaul Anih; the State Secretary, Dr. Sebastian Okafor; the party’s leader in Enugu State, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia; and other members of the State Working Committee.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the Community Market Square, Egwu-Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Dr. Johnpaul Anih urged the people of Oji River to come out en masse on September 26 and vote for all NDC candidates, assuring them that the party would provide a responsive, people-oriented and accountable administration at the grassroots.

Dr. Anih said the NDC had presented credible candidates with the capacity and commitment to transform the local government and improve the welfare of its people, vowing to work tirelessly to dislodge the APC and establish a government driven by the interests of the people.

He urged voters not to be deceived by political rhetoric but to carefully assess the candidates based on their character, competence, track record and commitment to the development of Oji River.

The NDC State Chairman also called on the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIEC, and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all participating political parties, stressing that the September 26 election should be free, fair, transparent and credible.

He further urged NDC supporters and candidates to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electoral process, while charging them to take the party’s message of change and development to every ward and polling unit in the local government.

On his part, the State Secretary of the party, Dr. Sebastian Okafor, urged the people of Oji River to seize the opportunity presented by the election to elect leaders who would put the interests of the people above personal and political considerations.

Dr. Okafor said the NDC was determined to build strong grassroots structures and deliver effective representation across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The leader of the party in Enugu State, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, while addressing the gathering, called on the people of Oji River to support the NDC candidates, describing the party as a credible platform for political change and good governance.

Dr. Ogbonnia urged the electorate to reject politicians who only remember the people during elections, stressing the need for leaders who would remain accessible and accountable to the people after assuming office.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the NDC candidates to secure victory in the election, urging party supporters to remain united and committed to the campaign until the final votes are cast.

The Chairman of the NDC in Oji River Local Government Area, Hon. Anderson Emerole, thanked the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee for its commitment to strengthening the party and taking the campaign to the grassroots.

He said the people of Oji River were ready for a new political direction and assured the state leadership that the local government would deliver massive support for the party at the September 26 poll.

The party’s chairmanship candidate for Oji River Local Government Area, Bishop James Jideofor, assured the people of a responsive, inclusive and people-centred administration if elected.

Bishop Jideofor promised to prioritise grassroots development, improve the welfare of residents and work with relevant stakeholders to address the pressing needs of communities across the local government.

He appealed to the people of Oji River to entrust their mandate to the NDC, promising that the party’s administration would remain accountable to the electorate.

The campaign also featured addresses by other party leaders and candidates, who called on residents to support the NDC at the polls.

Highlight of the campaign was the official presentation of Bishop James Jideofor as the NDC chairmanship candidate, alongside his running mate, Hon. Alison Nwankwo, and the party’s 20 councillorship candidates to the enthusiastic crowd.

The gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has declared that he is one of the victims of the Ibadan Circular Road project.

Adekanmbi made the declaration while addressing journalists on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

DAILY POST reports that construction of the Ibadan Circular Road started during the tenure of the immediate past governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

Our correspondent reports that several properties, including houses and other structures, have been demolished as a result of the project.

The development prompted some of the affected residents to stage protests to express their grievances.

Adekanmbi, while addressing journalists, explained that he was also affected by the project.

He said his property in Ona Ara Local Government Area was among those affected by the project.

He described the situation as painful but said the project would be in the interest of the majority of the public.

Adekanmbi further explained that he would not be a stooge of Governor Seyi Makinde but would also not betray him.

Adekanmbi said: “I am a victim of the Ibadan Circular Road. I have a landed property in Ona Ara; it was consumed by the project.

“I just spoke with the affected victims. I am also one of the people affected by the Ibadan Circular Road. It is not easy. I am pained, but there is nothing I can do. If there will be development, it will affect some people, and I am one of them. I am also affected.

“I am not Fubara. I came from a good home. I cannot assassinate Seyi Makinde’s character. I will not be an ingrate. I am not like Fubara.

“I will do the right thing. If they tell me to put my hand in fire, will I do it? No. I will not do it. But I will not be an ingrate. I will not be a stooge of Makinde.”