Senate President, entourage pay homage to Obi of Onitsha as Ukachukwu, Ekwunife receive royal blessings

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By Sunny A. David, Onitsha

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra State election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, (Ikukuoma Ndigbo), alongside his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), has received royal blessings from the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Dr. Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi).

The event, which took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Obi’s Palace in Onitsha, was graced by the President of the Senate, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, who also serves as Chairman of the National Assembly. The visit symbolized a mark of respect for traditional institutions and underscored the importance of royal endorsement in political and community engagement.

In his address, Senator Akpabio introduced himself as an in-law to Anambra State and a representative of the Presidency. He described Igwe Achebe as not only a revered first-class Monarch in Anambra and the South-East but also one of Nigeria’s most distinguished traditional rulers, ranking among the top three in the country.

The Senate President explained that his visit, along with his entourage, was to pay homage and to officially inaugurate and flag off the APC/Ukachukwu–Ekwunife 2025 Anambra State Gubernatorial Campaign Council.

Also speaking, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (Onwa), who accompanied the Senate President, expressed gratitude to the Obi for receiving the delegation. He stated that he was present on behalf of the 24 APC Governors across the country.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, thanked the Obi for his warm reception, noting that he represented the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. He appealed to the Monarch to bestow his blessings on the APC governorship and deputy governorship candidates.

The highlight of the visit was the administration of royal blessings and prayers by Igwe Achebe, who prayed for the success of Prince Ukachukwu, Senator Ekwunife, and the APC throughout their campaign and electioneering activities.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, four Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Members of the House of Representatives, members of the APC National Working Committee, the APC Anambra State Chairman, Hon. Sir Basil Ejidike, 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 numerous women and youth leaders.