Darlington Declares for Ikwuano Assembly Seat, Tells Rivals to Prepare Congratulatory Message
A frontline aspirant for the Ikwuano State Constituency seat, Darlington Nnaoma Onyekacha, has formally declared his intention to contest in the forthcoming State House of Assembly election, expressing strong confidence in his chances of victory.
Speaking during his declaration at his country home, Ugwugwu Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Darlington said he was entering the race to provide purposeful representation and attract meaningful development to the constituency. He explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, youths, and community leaders across Ikwuano.
In a bold remark that has sent shock waves across the zone, the aspirant urged other contenders in the race to begin preparing their congratulatory messages, insisting that victory was certain.
According to him, “I am fully prepared for this race. The support base is strong, the people are with us, and by the grace of God, victory is assured. Other contenders should get ready to congratulate me.”
Darlington outlined his key priorities to include youth empowerment, improved access to education, infrastructural development, and effective representation that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
He also emphasized inclusive governance, promising to carry along women, youths, and vulnerable groups if elected into office, stressing that leadership must be people-oriented and participatory.
The aspirant further highlighted the importance of equity and fairness in political representation, noting that every clan within the constituency deserves a fair chance at leadership.
According to him, Oboro has represented the State House of Assembly for 12 years (three tenures) and performed well, while Osaa has also served for eight years (two tenures). He added that Oloko has equally held the position for two tenures.
He, however, lamented that the Ibere clan has never produced a member of the State House of Assembly, describing the situation as an imbalance that must be corrected. He noted that Ibere has now produced a capable son who is ready to deliver purposeful representation to the constituency.
“If given the privilege to represent Ikwuano, I will carry everyone along, bring the dividends of democracy, and will not be intimidated by anyone at the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Darlington, who enjoys the backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikwuano, expressed confidence in winning convincingly, citing his experience as a political scientist, strong grassroots support and sheer will.
“I possess the knowledge, a strong voice, and the courage to face any challenge. We will face our opposition at the polling units without fear,” he declared.
He also criticized some current members of the State House of Assembly, alleging that they rely on the performance of the state government to secure electoral victory rather than their personal track records.
He argued that voters in the next election would focus on scorecards, insisting that many lawmakers have not delivered meaningful constituency projects or visible impact to justify their return.
Darlington further stated that Ikwuano constituency needs a strong voice and purposeful representation in the state Assembly, a situation he pledged to change if elected.
On his development agenda, he reiterated that infrastructural development remains his top priority.
He promised scholarships for indigent students, construction of markets, and efforts to attract government projects that would directly empower the people.
He also expressed strong optimism about his chances of victory, citing the APC led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said has released huge allocations to states which have contributed to development at the grassroots level.
.
However, he lamented that many state governments fail to effectively utilize these funds to improve the lives of citizens, a situation he said has negatively affected the public perception of the APC as a political party.
