By Anthony
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The scene could easily have been mistaken for a festival.
At a busy market in Okigwe Zone, the arrival of Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba triggered an instant commotion. Traders abandoned their stalls, admirers surged forward, greetings and cheers filled the air, and before long, the ADP senatorial candidate had stepped out of his vehicle and was moving through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.
Then came the gesture that turned an ordinary political stop into a memorable encounter.
Onyirimba bought bread, akara, puff-puff and doughnuts from traders and distributed them among the excited crowd. The vendors smiled. The people cheered. For the traders, it was a good day’s business. For the crowd, it was another intimate encounter with a candidate increasingly becoming a familiar face among the people.
And that scene is being repeated not just in different forms, across Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano but will expectedly move across the entire zone like a gale.
The ongoing grassroots mobilisation tour has attracted politicians and non-politicians, community leaders and ordinary citizens, the wealthy and the less privileged, professionals, artisans, market women, youths and transport workers. At virtually every stop, crowds have gathered to receive Onyirimba warmly, while key stakeholders have offered pledges of support.
Perhaps, more striking is the crossing of political boundaries.
Individuals and groups associated with different political structures have increasingly joined the movement, arguing that the interests of the people should come before party labels. The recurring sentiment is that partyism and political godfatherism should no longer dictate the destiny of the zone.
Those who spoke during the tour repeatedly praised Onyirimba’s qualifications, experience, courage and capacity, with many describing him as exceptionally prepared for the Senate. Some declared that they would not be deceived again, insisting that the time had come for voters to make their choices based on the qualities and track record of the candidate.
Many of those who encountered him also said they were blown away by Onyirimba’s novel ideas and practical approach to public service. Particular excitement greeted his proposal to establish economic clusters for young men across the zone, train them, set up businesses for them and provide seed capital to help them take off. He has also proposed assigning accountants to support the beneficiaries and help them keep accurate and orderly financial records.
Another idea that has resonated strongly with the people is the proposed monthly distribution of food packs directly to the doorsteps of indigent elderly parents. Supporters described the initiative as a compassionate response to the hardship faced by vulnerable older citizens who are often left without dependable assistance.
The people have also welcomed Onyirimba’s commitment to regular constituency visits and consultations, saying that elected representatives should remain accessible, listen continuously to their constituents and maintain a direct connection with the communities they serve.
Onyirimba has also introduced what he calls a Happy Hour for the youths every Friday, creating an opportunity for them to mingle, have fun, eat, drink and dance. Last Friday, the usual excitement was accentuated because the man of the moment was in town. The idea behind the Happy Hour is to ease tension and provide a moment of relief for young people in the face of the hardship in the land.
At several stops, the political conversations have given way to something deeper.
Prayers have been offered for Onyirimba. Traditional stakeholders have poured libations. Communities have invoked divine protection over his life and journey, while some prayed that God would uproot every influence that has hindered the progress of Okigwe Zone.
From one community to another, one market to another, the faces may differ, but the warmth of the reception has remained remarkably consistent.
The emerging picture is unmistakable: a grassroots campaign is unfolding in which political identities are increasingly being challenged by a broader appeal to the people’s interests.
And as Onyirimba continues his journey through Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano, the question being heard more frequently is no longer simply who belongs to which political structure.
It is whether, in 2027, the people themselves will take centre stage.
