The support group of the late Senator Okey Ezea has officially endorsed the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Oscar Ossai, ahead of the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial by-election scheduled for this Saturday.
Background of the By-election
Late Senator Okey Ezea, a close political ally of Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, represented Enugu North under the Labour Party (LP) until his passing in November 2025. Peter Obi, who was the LP presidential candidate in 2023, later moved to the African Democratic Congress before switching to the NDC, where he emerged as the party's 2027 presidential candidate.
Endorsement Details
In a statement signed by the group's Coordinator, Mathew Ameh, and forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the group described Bishop Oscar Ossai as the best candidate to continue the sterling legacy of the late senator. The group urged the people of Enugu North to honor the departed senator by electing his kinsman and fellow son of Itchi Community into the National Assembly.
The statement praised Ossai as a tested leader, accomplished administrator, renowned philanthropist, and grassroots mobilizer whose life of service mirrors the values of compassion, integrity, and selfless leadership that distinguished the late Ezea during his tenure in the Senate.
Call for Continuity
The group argued that before his death, Senator Ezea had become a respected voice for the people of Enugu North, championing good governance, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, and improved welfare for his constituents. They maintained that the greatest tribute the people can pay to the late senator is to ensure that his mandate remains in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area by electing another capable son of the community to complete the journey he began.
Our appeal is simple, the statement said. Since the mandate belongs to Igbo-Eze South and was tragically interrupted by the painful passing of Senator Okey Ezea, justice, equity, and political fairness demand that the people allow another qualified son of the local government to complete that mandate. That son is Bishop Oscar Ossai.
Ossai's Qualifications
The group described Ossai as a distinguished professional whose educational achievements, successful entrepreneurial career, and decades of humanitarian service have prepared him for the task of serving as Enugu North senator. They contended that these achievements demonstrate that Ossai has spent most of his adult life serving humanity long before seeking elective office, making him exceptionally qualified to provide effective legislative representation.
Appeal to Voters
The group appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, youths, professionals, market associations, town unions, and all eligible voters across the six local government areas of Enugu North District to support Ossai in winning the by-election. They emphasized that the forthcoming by-election is bigger than politics; it is about preserving a noble legacy and ensuring that the vision, ideals, and developmental programs championed by the late Senator Okey Ezea are not abandoned midway.
Bishop Oscar Ossai represents continuity, stability, and hope for our people, the group said. They urged voters to look beyond partisan sentiments and support a candidate whose life has been defined by compassion, sacrifice, integrity, and service to humanity.
As the people prepare to elect a new senator, history beckons on every voter to protect the legacy of a leader who gave his all for Enugu North. The most fitting way to immortalize the late Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea is to entrust his unfinished assignment to a worthy successor from his community, the group added, referring to Ossai.
