Iwuanyanwu’s ex-aide, Nsofor, picks senatorial form, unveils agenda

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

A former aide of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chinedu Nsofor, has formally obtained the Expression of Interest Form of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to contest the Anambra South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.

The development marks Nsofor’s return to the race after a turbulent build-up to the Anambra South bye-election in 2025. On July 10, 2025, while en route to Abuja to collect his nomination form under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nsofor was abducted in Kogi State by armed men posing as military officers.

He was held for ransom exceeding ₦200 million, but escaped during a heavy downpour without payment. He described the escape as “divine intervention” and said it strengthened his resolve to serve the district.

Nsofor, who was positioned as a consensus candidate for the PDP in 2025, has now switched to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform. Speaking after picking the form, he cited “profound humility and unwavering faith in God” as the motivation for his renewed bid, adding that his focus remains on industrialisation, youth empowerment, economic transformation, and grassroots development across the district’s seven local government areas: Aguata, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Orumba South.

Nsofor has led over 30 national programmes in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and several state governments. Notable initiatives include the federally recognised ‘Work While in School’ programme and the Innoson Kiara Academy auto-training project in Imo and Ebonyi states.

Meanwhile, Nsofor has presented a 30-point constituency project agenda spanning economics, education, youth employment, infrastructure, security, agriculture, healthcare, women empowerment, and digital innovation.

Addressing journalists shortly after picking his form he said, “I do not just see a seat in the Senate, I see a sacred assignment. My legislative vision is not theory; it is a roadmap rooted in our realities.”

He called on the constituents to support a movement aimed at turning Anambra South into “the economic and industrial heartbeat of not just the Southeast, but Nigeria and Africa at large.”