027: “We Need Chuchu More Than He Needs Us” — Ogbaru Main Market Traders
By Eze Ikechukwu Eze
OGBARU, ANAMBRA — Traders and business owners at the Ogbaru Main Market have declared their firm support for Rt. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema (Chuchu), the APGA candidate for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, described his longstanding relationship with the market community as one built on service, accessibility, trust and tangible contributions.
The traders made the declaration while reflecting on the contributions of Ochendo Ogbaru during his tenure as Executive Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, when, according to the market leadership, he intervened decisively in a prolonged leadership crisis that had affected the administration and stability of the market.
Speaking on behalf of the market community, the President of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, recalled that Onyema’s intervention came at a critical period when the market was in need of effective leadership and direction.
According to him, the intervention helped restore peace and stability, creating an environment that enabled the market community to move forward.
“When Ochendo Ogbaru was the Executive Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government, he came to our aid at a very critical moment. He intervened and helped resolve the leadership crisis that had troubled this market for a long time. We have not forgotten what he did for us.”
Ochiogu explained that the relationship established between Chukwuka Onyema and the market community during that period has continued to yield benefits years after he left office.
He pointed to the development of modern restrooms, world-class gates, culvert projects and other infrastructural improvements within the Ogbaru Main Market community, describing them as evidence of a relationship that has remained enduring.
“The relationship Ochendo built with us years ago is what we are still enjoying till today. That relationship gave him the opportunity to contribute to the development of our market. We have seen modern restrooms, world-class gates, culverts and other magnificent projects within the Ogbaru Main Market community.”
HE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE
The market leader also described Chukwuka Onyema as an accessible and people-oriented leader, stressing that his relationship with the people has never been determined by social, economic or educational status.
Ochiogu said Ochendo Ogbaru interacts freely with people from different backgrounds and treats everyone with respect, irrespective of family background, financial status, academic qualification or social standing.
“Ochendo Ogbaru is accessible. He likes to interact with everybody. Whether you come from a wealthy family or an ordinary home, whether you are highly educated or not, whether you have money or you don’t, he gives you his attention. That is one of the qualities that has made him very close to the people.”
He said this accessibility has enabled Chuchu to build relationships that transcend politics, describing his connection with the market community as one founded on mutual respect, trust and years of personal engagement.
“This is not about somebody coming to us only because the election is approaching. We know Chuchu, we have interacted with him, and we know what he has done. That is why we are saying that we need him more than he needs.”
‘A GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER’
The traders maintained that their support for Chukwuka Onyema in 2027 is not merely a political decision, but a reflection of their confidence in his experience, accessibility and longstanding relationship with the people.
They said the 2027 election presents an opportunity to entrust the constituency’s representation to a candidate they believe understands the challenges facing Ogbaru and possesses the experience and capacity to provide effective representation.
For the traders, the principle is simple: a good turn deserves another.
They expressed confidence that Onyema’s election to the House of Representatives would attract greater attention to the needs of Ogbaru, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, commerce, economic empowerment and community development.
The market community also expressed optimism that his return to the National Assembly would create fresh opportunities for the transformation of the Ogbaru Main Market into a modern commercial hub capable of contributing even more significantly to the local economy.
“We know that if Rt. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema wins the 2027 election, our market will become a world-class market, and in extension, Ogbaru will become a reference point.”
The traders consequently called on residents across Ogbaru Federal Constituency to support what they described as experienced and tested leadership, insisting that the constituency deserves a representative who can combine legislative experience with a genuine understanding of the people.
As the 2027 election approaches, the declaration from the Ogbaru Main Market underscores the campaign narrative around Chukwuka Onyema’s grassroots connection, with the traders pointing to his previous intervention and continued relationship with the market as reasons for their confidence in his candidacy.
And their message was unequivocal:
“WE NEED CHUCHU MORE THAN HE NEEDS US”
For the Ogbaru Main Market community, the 2027 election is therefore not simply about choosing a candidate, but about renewing a relationship they say has been built over many years through service, accessibility, trust and commitment to the people.
OCHENDO OGBARU 2027
CHUCHU IS COMING!
Eze Ikechukwu Eze (Senator Iyke) is a political analyst and media practitioner
