Och’Idoma Blesses Agada’s 2027 Presidential Ambition, Urges Idoma Unity
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
OTUKPO — THE Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo came alive with excitement as His Royal Majesty, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, received presidential aspirant, Peter Agada, who formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Agada, an architect, arrived at the palace accompanied by a delegation of young professionals and political allies. He was warmly welcomed by palace chiefs, traditional aides, and enthusiastic youth groups who gathered in large numbers to witness the historic visit.
Addressing the royal court, Agada outlined his policy framework, tagged Labour Direct, which he described as a pragmatic response to Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He identified insecurity, youth unemployment, currency instability, infrastructural decay, and declining public trust in governance as critical issues confronting the nation.
Under the Labour Direct agenda, Agada proposed a multi-pronged approach:
Security: Deployment of community-based intelligence systems supported by technology to safeguard both rural and urban areas.
Job Creation: Establishment of industrial hubs across geopolitical zones, with emphasis on agro-processing and solid minerals to drive youth employment.
Human Capital Development: Implementation of a national skills-to-industry programme, alongside urgent reforms in education and primary healthcare.
Inclusive Governance: Promotion of competence-driven leadership devoid of favoritism, ensuring equitable representation across all regions.
“Nigeria needs execution, not excuses,” Agada declared. “Labour Direct is about putting Nigerians to work — securing them, equipping them with skills, and giving them a real stake in the nation.”
In his response, the Och’Idoma, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, commended the aspirant’s courage and vision, describing the initiative as a proud moment for the Idoma people. He expressed optimism about the growing political consciousness among young Nigerians.
However, the monarch also delivered a cautionary message, stressing the need for unity within Idoma land.
“Unity among the Idoma has been largely lacking,” he said. “If we are to present our best to Nigeria, we must first be united at home.”
The royal father offered prayers for Agada’s success and called on Idoma people, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally in support of the aspiration.
The event concluded on a celebratory note, with drumming, chants, and cultural displays filling the palace as supporters hailed the development.
With the royal endorsement secured, Agada’s team announced plans to commence nationwide consultations under the Labour Direct platform in May. Political observers say the key challenge ahead will be translating the Och’Idoma’s call for unity into a cohesive political force ahead of the 2027 elections.