Enugu guber: Ugwu emerges as Nnaji’s running mate

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu Strate, Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie), has chosen Chief Chijioke Ugwu, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Ugwu’s choice, observers say, is a clear message that the era of endlessly recycling the same political figures must give way to competence, enterprise and freshness in the political leadership of the state.

Chief Ugwu, according to a statement from the Uche Nnaji Media Team, is an entrepreneur, employer, philanthropist and community leader with practical experience in building businesses, creating jobs and supporting young people.

According to the statement, he represents the hardworking people of Enugu, who have succeeded through determination and are ready to bring their knowledge and experience into public service.

Born in 1977, Ugwu hails from the Umuezediko kindred of Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. He attended Community Primary School, Nguru and St Teresa’s College, Nsukka, before earning a degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

After his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, he entered the logistics industry and founded Windemol Maritime and Logistics Limited, a freight forwarding company that created jobs for graduates and helped young people acquire valuable professional skills.

He later expanded his business interests by establishing Sokabell Nigeria Limited, which operates in contracting and consultancy, and Magik Stars Hospitality Nigeria Limited, with interests in tourism and hospitality.

Commenting on his choice of Ugwu as his running mate, Nnaji said he intends to work towards the emergence of a fresh crop of political leaders for the future of Enugu State.

“We want fresh faces to emerge in the leadership configuration of Enugu State. Having journeyed from Nsukka to the highly competitive Lagos business environment, Ugwu has demonstrated courage, discipline and the capacity to identify opportunities, manage people and build sustainable enterprises.

“These are the practical leadership qualities Enugu State needs to stimulate businesses, create jobs and expand opportunities for its young population.

“He did not wait for the government to give him a livelihood, he built businesses, created jobs and opened doors for others,” Nnaji stated.

Nnaji’s decision to place an emerging leader on the PDP ticket is deliberate and strategic. It brings together public leadership and private sector competence, while strengthening cooperation between Enugu East and Enugu North.

He said although Ugwu might be relatively new to partisan politics, he is experienced in leadership, responsibility, enterprise and community service. He added that his emergence demonstrates his belief that public office should be accessible to people of character and competence from business, academia and community life.

He stated that Ugwu represents the entrepreneur struggling to keep a business alive, the graduate searching for an opportunity, the apprentice working to master a trade and every citizen, who believes that credible public service remains possible.

“The Uche Nnaji–Chijioke Ugwu ticket offers Ndi Enugu a decisive break from the politics of recycled names and exhausted ideas. It is a ticket that combines experience with fresh energy, vision with practical enterprise and political leadership with a proven understanding of the real economy,” Nnaji concluded.

Ugwu’s background shows that he is also generous beyond the business world. He is a director and co-founder of the Felistas Foundation, established with his brothers and sisters, in memory of his late mother. The Foundation has supported educational development by donating exercise books to pupils in primary schools across his council ward, Nkpunano Ward. He has also provided scholarships and financial assistance to brilliant students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In recognition of his contributions to community development, the traditional ruler of Nguru town, Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, honoured him with the chieftaincy title of Eweluchi Bube Uzo I of Nguru Nsukka.

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