By George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCFR, on Friday led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), where the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025 Anambra election, Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma Ndigbo), and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), received royal blessings.
The visit, held at the monarch’s palace in Onitsha, was part of activities marking the official inauguration and flag-off of the APC National Campaign Council for the Anambra governorship election.
In his remarks, the Senate President described himself as an in-law to Anambra State and a representative of the Presidency, noting that the visit was to pay homage to the revered traditional ruler before the commencement of political activities in the state. Akpabio praised Igwe Achebe as one of the foremost monarchs in the country, describing him as “one of the best and top three traditional rulers Nigeria has ever produced.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who was among Akpabio’s entourage, expressed gratitude to the Obi for receiving them and said he was representing the 24 APC governors across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, told the monarch that he was at the palace on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee to seek royal blessings for Ukachukwu and Ekwunife ahead of the polls.
According to the Director of Media and Strategic Communication for the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife Campaign, Chukwuma Ofaraka, the highlight of the visit was the administration of royal blessings and fervent prayers by Igwe Achebe for the APC candidates and the success of their campaign. The monarch also wished them well in their political journey and urged them to remain committed to the peace and progress of Anambra State.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, four Senators of the Federal Republic, members of the House of Representatives, the APC National Working Committee, and the Anambra State APC Chairman, Hon. Basil Ejidike (Nkwelle Nnabuenyi). Others were Mrs. Ugochi Mitchel Ukachukwu, wife of the APC governorship candidate, Hon. Paul Obu, member representing Orumba North in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Ambassador Onyeagba, Hon. Dr. Obinna Uzo, members of the Obi’s cabinet, and several women and youth groups.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, a businessman and philanthropist, is the APC governorship candidate for the November 2025 Anambra election, with Senator Uche Ekwunife as his running mate.
