By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka in Abuja
There is renewed optimism in the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency that Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika will still contest the 2027 House of Representatives seat, following assurances that the window for candidate substitution by political parties remains open.
The hope was rekindled after an aide to Hon. Obika told, MediaWatch, in a recent interview that the process was far from over. “It is not over until it is over. Obika will be on the ballot,” the aide declared.
The constituents, according to the media organization, described the development as a relief, citing Obika’s popularity and track record in grassroots mobilization, empowerment, and constituency engagement over the years.
The optimism, they went on, comes in the wake of shock and concern that followed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s, earlier publication of credentials of candidates for the House of Representatives seat.
In another interviews with MediaWatch recently, major stakeholders in the Constituency said they were surprised by the candidate presented by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). “The candidate who was presented has no track record and there are questions about his character. What will we tell people when campaigning for the candidate?” one stakeholder queried.
Other stakeholders went further to allege that the published candidate was being sponsored by the ruling party, and accused the NDC of plotting to “fail Peter Obi” in the FCT in the coming election. MediaWatch could not independently verify these allegations.
Stakeholders of the Obidient Movement also told MediaWatch_ that the 2027 election in the FCT would be determined by personality and credibility, not party structure. “We are waiting patiently for the final publication on the INEC portal,” one of them said.
MediaWatch findings showed that many residents still want Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika on the ballot, citing his popularity and acceptance across communities. With the Electoral Act providing a timeline for candidate substitution, supporters say they are hopeful the NDC will act to reflect the will of the people before the final list is published.
