The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, has been accused of leveraging the state's '1 Youth 2 Skills' empowerment initiative to campaign for former Aviation Minister Senator Stella Oduah's candidacy in the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) primaries for the Anambra North Senatorial Zone. Additionally, the commissioner is alleged to have used the same platform to support Hon. Ejiofor Egwuatu, a candidate for the House of Representatives in Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency.
Allegations by Youth Coordinator
Onochie Odikosa, coordinator of the Smart Youths Preneur Support Group (SYPSG) in Onitsha North, reportedly claimed that Commissioner Aghamba directed group members to back Oduah and Egwuatu. Odikosa was quoted as saying that wherever the commissioner stands, they would follow. These allegations, which have circulated widely on social media, accuse the commissioner of misusing Governor Charles Soludo's youth initiative for political purposes, leading to calls for his immediate dismissal.
Commissioner Responds
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng at his Onitsha residence on Thursday, May 21, Commissioner Aghamba refuted the claims. He stated that he is not using his official position or the '1 Youth 2 Skills' program to support any aspirant. Instead, he emphasized his right as an individual to back candidates whose manifestos align with his views, particularly those benefiting the youth.
Aghamba clarified: 'I am not using my office as Commissioner for Youths to work for any aspirant. I'm also not using the 1 Youth 2 Skills Initiative to support anybody. However, as Patrick Aghamba, I have the right to support any aspirant whose manifesto resonates with me and my immediate constituency, who are the youths.'
Support Group Independence
The commissioner further explained that the Smart Youths Preneur Support Group consists of adult men and women who make independent political choices. He noted that no one is forced to support any candidate, and the group includes graduates of the youth skills program who are capable of making their own decisions. 'The duty of a leader is to provide direction. If I say this is the right path to go, and these youths follow me, so be it. None of them is a kid to suggest that they are forced to follow me,' he added.
Political Rights and Context
Aghamba reiterated that as a politician, he has the right to support any aspirant within his party and constituency, using personal resources rather than state resources. He emphasized that his support group, SYPSG, operates like any other political support group. Meanwhile, APGA has defended its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election, with Governor Soludo reaffirming commitment to Tinubu's re-election bid amidst criticism from opposition figures.
