The Member representing Nnewi North Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Okafor, who is well known as “Smart,” has declared his interest to contest the November 2021 Anambra state governorship election.
Hon. Nonso Okafor was elected to Anambra State House of Assembly in 2019, amid intense rivalry and contentious electioneering that very easily qualify as the most controversial and heated House of Assembly election in Anambra state. Born into a humble background, with a mother that once sold fried bean-cake (Akara) to feed her kids, what initially appeared as a disadvantage to Nonso Okafor later became a turning point in his political career and with a strength of character attested to by many, who knew him in his days as a student leader, his aspiration in 2019 quickly gained momentum and he emerged the winner.
In Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso has also distinguished himself, even as attested to, by his colleagues. He is the first member to have his private member bill passed by the current House. He has also made valuable contributions on the floor of the House. Barely two years in the Assembly has he declared his interest to run for the highest office in the state.
His declaration on Saturday, which took place at Anaedo Hall in Nnewi, was well attended by party leaders at the ward, local government, and zonal levels. His colleagues in the House were also in attendance. Hon. Ejike Okechukwu representing Anaocha 11 constituency spoke highly of the effectual representation Okafor has so far given his constituency. Hon. Ejike then stressed that “we are waiting for Nnewi people to show us the direction. Once they move, we will have no option than to move with them”.
Also in attendance was Hon. Barr. Uzoma Eli the member representing Onitsha South constituency I, spoke passionately about Hon. Okafor, while describing his aspiration as modest and courageous. For Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu, “Nonso is the reason why he completely aligns with the fact that age is just a number”. Hon. Lawrence also spoke highly of Hon. Nonso’s devotion to things that are important and focus on his job to get it done. Hon. John Nwokoye representing Awka North constituency was also in attendance.
In attendance were also supporters of Hon. Nonso Okafor, youth and students’ groups from across the state, the press, friends, and well-wishers. In his address, Hon. Nonso pledged to sustain the gains of the current administration in health, security, education, among others. “My government will sustain the efforts of the present government”…. Moving forward, for Hon. Nonso, the most challenging task before APGA leadership and Anambra political leaders are to put the state on the path of sustained progress.
“For our respected leaders, the greatest challenge is not if they have performed well…the greatest challenge is if they will look with pride on the next governor… with a sense of fulfillment…that they have …put the state on the path of sustained stability… for the next phase of transformative leadership and progress”, he said. According to Hon. Nonso, agriculture shall be one of the major thrusts of his government. “One of many critical areas of my concern will be agriculture”, he said.
With Nonso’s declaration, there are now four people contesting for the APGA ticket to be nominated by the party, to fly their flag. It is expected that the party will produce a candidate between June 10 and July 1, 2021, as stipulated by the INEC timetable for Anambra 2021 gubernatorial election.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
