Anambra State is heating up for local government elections under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s APGA government.
Two fresh faces have stepped forward, showing a new wave of young, community-focused leaders. Nze Odera Ezenwafor, a culture champion running for chairman in Idemili South LGA, and Nnonyelu Christian Chinaza, a top entrepreneur eyeing Ayamelum LGA, both fly APGA colours.
They mix Igbo roots, fresh ideas, and support for Soludo’s reforms, tackling issues like fair zoning, culture protection, and job creation.
Ezenwafor launched his bid at a ward meeting in Idemili South, speaking with humility about answering a “call to serve,” not chasing power.
He quoted American mayor Mitch Landrieu and Nigeria’s Obasanjo to push for zoning rotation – a big talk point in Anambra’s divided politics.
His plan, “Empowerment – Consolidation – Entertainment & Cultural Revival,” focuses on growth for all, stronger local systems, and using culture to boost tourism and unity. He promises to team up with Soludo on roads, security, and more, right down to the grassroots.
As “Dike Ndi Igbo,” he stands tall for Igbo identity, bridging divides in a tense area.
Chinaza, born in 1995 from Ayamelum’s Omor community, matches this fire.
He is CEO of NCC Fresh & Raw Foods Ltd., with skills in farming, trading, and forex, plus a theater arts degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Awards like “Anambra Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2025 and “Peace Ambassador” 2026 highlight his hustle and giving back via Chinemeze Cares Foundation.
His passions; community work, youth guidance, music, adventure, fuel his chairman run and he channels Anambra’s heritage into farm jobs and creative gigs.
These two share striking similarities in Anambra’s changing politics. Both in their prime (Chinaza at 30; Ezenwafor sounds experienced but full of energy), they break from old political families, pushing youth power and culture revival.
This hits home with Nigeria’s young population demanding change. They back Soludo’s wins in roads and skills training, helping APGA hold local ground despite past zoning fights and uneven progress.
Ezenwafor calls out Zone 1’s neglect in Idemili South, like wider Anambra imbalances. Chinaza’s farm background fits Ayamelum’s rural needs, linking to Soludo’s agro plans.
In a state where local roles feed state ambitions, they could boost youth and women voters.
But hurdles remain: Zoning deals are sticky, with Idemili South’s long Zone 3 tenures risking APGA squabbles. Chinaza’s Lagos base might draw residency questions, but his Omor ties clear that up.
If they win, Ezenwafor and Chinaza could bring “Soludo 2.0” to locals; practical, culture-rooted, economy-driven.
