BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
Comrade George Ofoegbu has been elected President-General of the Naze People Assembly (NPA), securing a commanding 129 of the 163 votes cast to earn a four-year mandate to lead the socio-cultural organisation of Naze Autonomous Community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The election, held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the football field of St. Jude Catholic Church, Naze Parish, saw Ofoegbu defeat Professor Joe-Ken Nzerem, who polled 27 votes, and Amb. Ken Anoruo, who secured seven votes. Ofoegbu’s victory represents 79.1 per cent of the total votes cast.
The Naze People Assembly serves as the umbrella socio-cultural organisation of the six villages that make up Naze Autonomous Community. It coordinates community development initiatives, promotes the welfare of the people and serves as a liaison between the community, government and traditional institutions.
The results were announced by the outgoing Secretary-General of the Assembly, Mr. Eze Iheanacho, who served as the Returning Officer.
“By the power vested in me as the outgoing Secretary-General and with all allegiance to my President-General, Dr. Noel Onyewuotu, I hereby declare that the Naze People Assembly election has been successfully conducted today, July 4, 2026. Comrade George Ofoegbu, Ph.D., is hereby declared the President-General-elect of the Naze People Assembly,” Iheanacho announced.
He also declared the winners of other elective offices. Hope Chikannele Oleru emerged Secretary-General, Benjamin Uchenna Anosike was elected Financial Secretary, Amadi Chukwuemeka Macdonald emerged Treasurer, Tochukwu Egeolu won the position of Provost I, Nwanze Oparanozie was elected Public Relations Officer, while Mr. Tochi Mere emerged unopposed as Vice President-General.
The election was originally scheduled for June 29 but was rescheduled to July 4 after the NPA reviewed its electoral process in compliance with directives from the Owerri North Local Government Area. The review culminated in the adoption of an open ballot system, with each of the six constituent villages represented by 35 accredited delegates.
One of the closest contests was for the office of Secretary-General, where Hope Chikannele Oleru defeated Obinna Obichere by 67 votes to 65.
In his post-election message, Obichere accepted the outcome and pledged his support for the incoming administration despite expressing disappointment over the narrow defeat.
“I am happy that this election has been done and dusted. Congratulations to the newly elected President-General, Comrade George Ofoegbu, and to all the newly elected officers. Although I lost by two votes, I accept the result in good faith and pledge to support the incoming administration in whatever capacity. We must continue to serve Naze, no matter the odds. Naze must be great. One Naze man, at a time.”
For the office of Public Relations Officer, Nwanze Oparanozie defeated Opara Jonny Obi by 87 votes to 26, while Tochukwu Egeolu secured 64 votes to defeat Naze Ugochukwu, who polled 35 votes, for the office of Provost I.
Benjamin Uchenna Anosike and Amadi Chukwuemeka Macdonald were returned unopposed as, Financial Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
Following the declaration of the results, the newly elected executive paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Naze Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness Eze Francis Ugorji Ogbonnaya, to receive his blessings.
The monarch, who received the delegation while attending a funeral ceremony, congratulated the new executive and commended the peaceful conduct of the election.
“I thank you all for ensuring that this election was peaceful and successful. I assure the newly elected President-General and his executive of my full support in all ramifications. I also urge them to make the welfare of the people of Naze their highest priority throughout their tenure,” the traditional ruler said.
The peaceful conclusion of the election brought to an end several weeks of consultations, electoral reforms and stakeholder engagements. Community leaders expressed optimism that the new administration would consolidate ongoing development efforts, strengthen unity among the six villages and address critical challenges, including insecurity, land grabbing menace and community development.