The Young Progressives Party (YPP) officially kicked off its 2025 Anambra State governorship campaign with a high-energy roadshow tagged “Joy Is Coming”, led by its governorship candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and his running mate, Uzu Okagbue.
The campaign launch, which took place on Saturday, also doubled as a rally in support of the party’s candidate for the August 16 Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election, Princess Njideka Ndiwe.
The procession began at Amawbia Bridge near Awka and concluded at Washington Grammar School Field, Onitsha, attracting hundreds of supporters, including tricycle (Keke) and motorcycle (Okada) operators, who chanted the campaign slogan across major streets.
Over 500 Keke and Okada operators participated, each reportedly receiving ten litres of fuel from the campaign team.
Despite heavy rain, a large crowd gathered at the rally venue to hear from YPP leaders, including Chukwuma, Okagbue, Ndiwe, and the State Chairman, Cletus Obi. The rally drew representatives from all ten wards of Onitsha North 1, with ward chairmen pledging full support for both the by-election and the November 8 gubernatorial vote.
Addressing the crowd, Sir Paul Chukwuma described the event as both emotional and symbolic, lamenting the state of governance in Anambra. He paid tribute to the late Justice Azuka, the former Onitsha North 1 Assembly representative, whose murder, he said, exposed the failure of the state government to secure its people.
“I came to Onitsha today with mixed feelings,” Chukwuma said. “The death of Justice Azuka reminds us of what happens when a government turns its back on the people. If a sitting lawmaker can be kidnapped and killed without consequences, then no one is safe.”
He questioned the moral direction of the current administration and urged constituents to use their votes to usher in a new era.
“Anambra has reached a point where the sanctity of life no longer matters to those in power. But we are here to say: joy is coming. The August 16 by-election and the November 8 governorship poll are your opportunities to reject failed leadership and embrace a government that cares.”
Chukwuma endorsed Princess Njideka Ndiwe as the ideal candidate to complete the tenure of her late brother, calling on constituents to honour Azuka’s memory by electing his sister.
“Whatever you would have done for late Azuka, please do it for Njideka. She is capable, committed, and ready to serve. Vote for her to continue and surpass his legacy,” he urged.
“As the November 8 governorship election draws near, Sir Chukwuma stated that the ‘Joy Is Coming’ campaign is presenting itself as a people-focused movement committed to restoring dignity, transparency, and security to Anambra State.”
In her speech, an emotional Princess Ndiwe thanked supporters for braving the rain and reiterated her readiness to serve.
“For years, you’ve asked me to run. Now I’ve answered your call,” she said. “You know what I’ve done for our people, now it’s time to do more, with your mandate. Let’s get it right this time.”
She promised to focus on security, empowerment, and inclusive governance, saying her candidacy is a continuation of her lifelong service to the people.
YPP deputy governorship candidate, Uzu Okagbue, described the rally as a turning point in the state’s political journey.
“We are waiting for the inauguration,” he said. “They say they have no real opposition but we are here, and the die is cast. It’s not by rhetoric or intimidation. It’s by votes, and we are ready to win.”
Okagbue commended constituents for attending the rally despite the rain, describing Princess Ndigwe as “a true daughter of Onitsha with a deep commitment to her people’s welfare.”
“YPP is the party of the masses, and Princess Ndigwe is a woman of the people. After electing her on August 16, we urge you to rally behind Paul Chukwuma and myself in the November 8 governorship election. This is the time to end suffering in Anambra and bring joy to our people,” he added.
Quoting the Bible, Okagbue added, “When a good man is in power, the people rejoice. That’s why we’re here. Sir Paul Chukwuma will restore security and bring back joy to Anambra.”
The YPP State Chairman, Cletus Obi, and Princess Ndiwe’s elder sister, Nkoli Azikedobosi also addressed the crowd. Obi thanked supporters for their resilience and called on them to not only vote but act as mobilizers for YPP’s success.
“This is not just a campaign. It’s a movement’s. Let’s vote, and let’s ensure everyone around us does the same,” Obi said.
Azikedobosi emphasised the importance of correct voting procedures, educating supporters on how to properly mark the ballot to avoid null votes.
With the August 16 by-election just days away, the YPP campaign is moving full steam ahead.
The party says its candidates represent a grassroots alternative to what it describes as years of neglect and insecurity under the current administration.