The contest for the Aguata Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives is becoming interestingly hot as three major contenders position themselves for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, ticket.
The gladiators in the race are Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the incumbent Chairman of Aguata Local Government; Hon. Dominic Okafor, the current member representing Aguata Federal Constituency; and Hon. Ikemefuna Ezenwafor, a former aspirant from Ekwulobia.
However, P.M.EXPRESS investigations reveal that political zoning and internal APGA power-sharing agreements in Aguata Local Government appear to tilt the odds in favour of Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike.
According to a top APGA chieftain in Aguata, who spoke on condition of anonymity, a long-standing zoning arrangement exists among the three political blocs that make up Aguata LGA under the APGA structure. The arrangement was designed to ensure equity, rotation and balance.
The source explained that Aguata North has already completed its agreed two-term run in the Federal House.Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji of Ezinifite served one term and was succeeded by Hon. Dominic Okafor from Igbo-Ukwu, who is currently serving what is widely considered the second and final term for the North.
“The two-term arrangement is by bloc, not by individual,” the APGA stalwart stated. “So Hon. Okafor, by completing this term, would have completed the North’s slot. It would be against the spirit of our zoning for him to seek another term.”
Beyond the Federal House rotation, APGA Aguata operates a broader sharing formula between Aguata North and Aguata South. When the North produces the Federal House member, the South takes the Local Government Chairmanship, and vice versa.
Currently, Hon. Kingsley, an APGA stalwart from Ekwulobia in Aguata South, has secured the party’s ticket as the incoming Chairman of Aguata Local Government. Party insiders say this makes it “logical and consistent” for the Federal House ticket to now rotate to Aguata South.
This is where Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike’s chances become strongest. Ofobuike, a medical doctor and the current Council Chairman, hails from Aguata South. His aspiration aligns with the unwritten but respected zoning charter that has kept APGA united in Aguata for years.
Dr. Ofobuike’s strengths go beyond zoning. As sitting Local Government Chairman, he controls a formidable grassroots structure across the 14 wards of Aguata. His tenure has been marked by visible projects in primary healthcare, rural roads, and youth empowerment, earning him goodwill at the ward level where delegates are drawn.
Party stakeholders also point to his education and professional background as an advantage. As a medical doctor, Ofobuike is seen as a technocrat who can bring a different perspective to lawmaking, especially on health, education, and human capital bills. This resonates with an electorate increasingly demanding competence over mere political longevity.
Another strength is his perceived loyalty to the APGA structure. Unlike some aspirants who have switched parties in the past, Ofobuike is considered a core party man who has risen through APGA ranks. This matters to party elders who fear anti-party activities during the general election.
By contrast, the chances of Hon. Ikemefuna Ezenwaofor appear slim. Ezenwaofor is also from Ekwulobia, the same town as Hon. Ezeagu Kingsley, who already holds the APGA ticket for Council Chairman.
“APGA cannot give Ekwulobia both the Chairman and Federal House tickets,” the source said. “It would be illogical, unjust, and would create bad blood in other towns like Uga, Umuchu, and Achina that are also in Aguata South and have not produced either position recently.”
For Hon. Dominic Okafor, the challenge is twofold. First, he faces the zoning hurdle, with many arguing that Aguata North should step aside after two terms. Second, there is growing agitation within APGA for fresh representation after eight years of North dominance in the Green Chamber.
Okafor’s supporters counter that zoning should not override performance, citing bills and constituency projects he attracted. But party analysts note that in Anambra politics, zoning often trumps individual scorecards, especially within APGA where the principle has ensured relative stability.
Dr. Ofobuike’s camp is already leveraging these dynamics. His consultation visits across Aguata South have been well received, with town union leaders in Achina, Umuchu, and Uga reportedly pledging support if the ticket is micro-zoned to the South.
Still, politics is unpredictable. The final decision rests with APGA delegates and, ultimately, the party leadership in Awka. A waiver or consensus arrangement could still alter the equation for Okafor or Ezenwafor.
For now, however, the combination of zoning, structure, incumbency, and professional profile places Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike as the man to beat in the Aguata Federal House race. If APGA holds to its internal arrangements, the path to the House of Representatives may well run through Aguata South, with Ofobuike leading the charge.
