- OYC leader vows to challenge APC for the Federal Constituency seat
By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk
OWERRI, IMO STATE — National President General of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has entered the 2027 race for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
The development follows the publication of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections. INEC released its final lists for the Senate and House of Representatives ahead of the January 16, 2027 National Assembly elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 16, Igboayaka said his decision to contest was driven by what he described as longstanding leadership and representation challenges confronting the constituency.
He said the 2027 election provides voters in Orlu, Orsu and Oru East with an opportunity to reflect on the quality of representation they have received over the years and determine the direction they want for the constituency.
Igboayaka particularly appealed to youths, whom he described as a major component of the electorate, to participate actively in the election and support candidates they believe share their aspirations.
According to him, his campaign will focus on what he described as the need to move away from transactional politics and restore a model of leadership in which elected representatives remain accountable to the people.
The YPP candidate alleged that the constituency had experienced what he called “political orphanage” over the past 28 years, accusing previous representatives of neglect and self-serving politics.
He also linked the security challenges affecting parts of Orlu, Orsu and Oru East to what he described as poor representation and inadequate governance, while calling for a different approach to addressing the problems confronting the people.
Explaining his decision to contest under the YPP, Igboayaka said it followed what he described as “colossal leadership failure” and alleged political sabotage at both state and federal levels.
“It was at this juncture of poor representation and betrayal that I reflected on what has befallen the Igbo Nation, particularly my federal constituency. I decided to offer myself like scriptural King David on a divine mandate to dethrone King Saul,” he said.
Igboayaka also criticised what he described as the use of women and youths primarily for political mobilisation during election periods, arguing that they should instead be central to governance, economic empowerment and development.
He called on voters across Orlu, Orsu and Oru East to support what he described as a new political direction, while also urging people across the South-East to participate actively in the 2027 elections.
“It is time to go back to the rudiments of leadership. The people must be the masters, while leaders are the servants of the people. To lead is to serve,” he said.
Igboayaka further described his aspiration as an attempt to establish what he called a new leadership standard and urged men and women across the constituency to join the campaign.
The 2027 House of Representatives election for the constituency is expected to feature candidates from several political parties as the electorate prepares to decide who will represent Orlu, Orsu and Oru East at the National Assembly.
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