AKPURUKA N'ORLU: THE MAN THAT WILL BECOME A SENATOR IN THE 10TH REPUBLIC.

On the eve of the submission of the expression of interest form to the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) for purposes of contesting the Imo West Senatorial District, the man who spent three decades propagating and protecting Ndigbo interests and serving the greater glory of Ndi Orlu as a founder of Obigbo, a social-political association attended an event in the Imo State capital of Owerri where he became the issue of profound admiration. Ever since his confirmation as the candidate of the Labour Party a few months ago, the Ihioma-born Chief Charles Ugochukwu Ahize ( Akpuruka N'Orlu ) has become the center of attention from the key players and watchers of Imo State politics.

Akpuruka N'Orlu is a delightful socialite and activist, and entrepreneur. A happy
grandfather, and a compassionate, dependable, humble, and God-fearing personality. Attending public events is his turf, therefore, not a difficult act for the camera, especially on the campaign trail.

In the early days of the campaign, not a few candidates in the race dismissed him as being a proxy distraction from Douglas House. But those in the know of Chief Ahize likened him to Tolstoy's "War and Peace" who drove Napoleon out of France and then beat him all the way back to Paris. Many of the voters believe that Chief Ahize has the capacity, contacts, and courage to restore Orlu Nation's dignity and pride.

The symbolism of the various endorsements by political, social, economic, and professional groups across Imo West senatorial district was not lost to anyone paying attention to Orlu zone politics. Orlu senatorial zone is once again in dire need of recovery. And in the past weeks, Chief Charles Ahize and almost certain successor to Owelle Ndigbo, Senator Rochas Okorocha after the February 25th, 2023 elections has been sending a not-so-subtle signal that he is the man for the job hence the
deliberate escalation of misinformation, disinformation, and mischievous propaganda against his candidacy.

Fortunately, there has been another installment of a quietly powerful image campaign that began when INEC lifted the restrictions on political campaigns. It has been crafted by a team of professionals now surrounding him. But it springs ultimately from Akpuruka N'Orlu himself—from who he is, friends, say, and what he believes. He is accessible, kindhearted, humble, and accepts advice.

Chief Ahize plucked the Labour Party ticket from the redeeming ecclesiastical beatitude for the national rebirth being propelled by the ObiDatti Movement at the time that notion seemed faintly comical. Until then, the candidate of the ruling APC was steamrollering to the red chambers for the second time. Akpuruka N'Orlu's popularity rating was 40% in October. The lanky wiry bald man with a hard face and piercing eyes seemed destined to be just another contestant in the making.

How wrong that was. As far as Ndi Orlu are concerned, Akpuruka N'Orlu has not set foot wrong since becoming the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party. His appeal is plain enough. He is tough, sociable, competent, and humble. Imo West Senatorial District has embraced his biography. The Oru axis of Orlu zone presently occupies the governorship position in the person of HE. Sen. Hope Uzodimma ( Onwa Oyoko ). Therefore, the senatorial seat should be zoned to Orlu or Nkwerre axis of Imo State for purposes of equity and fairness. Ideato Nation is occupying the current 9th Republic.

For better, Chief Ahize has become the man of the moment precisely because of who he is. Akpuruka N'Orlu is disciplined and meticulous, a back-slapping populist, and a consummate socialite. Akpuruka N'Orlu is gregarious and can be as icy as he looks. While some other candidates are notorious for their (put it mildly) unhealthy lifestyle, Chief Ahize is a health fanatic. He likes nothing better than to take a long open-air walk and he frequently squeezes in time to indulge in his passion for the gym.

Akpuruka N'Orlu is anti-establishment in an additional, politically important sense. During his rise as the founder of Obigbo, he committed himself to champion Igbo causes. He made a career in the entertainment and automotive industries when it was a very attractive proposition to run a nightclub in the then nation's capital Lagos. There are not many Igbos who hold that business choice against him. Chief Ahize was no star, either academically or professionally beyond a law degree from the University of Lagos. But hard work, unswerving loyalty, empathy for his friends, and a basic competence have served him well. Better, indeed, than anyone could have expected.

Chief Charles Ugochukwu Ahize has succinctly captured his legislative agenda tagged "Solemn Legislative Agenda With My People of Imo West Senatorial District" which addressed the fundamentals of representation in the red chambers. I recommend that you read it.

Vote Wisely, Vote for Labour Party.

It is POssible

Chidiebere Heavens Agwunobi Esq.