By Lucky Uto
The Ughelli-Udu Grassroots Network (UGN), a pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has withdrawn its support for former House of Representatives aspirant, Ambassador Obukome Ibru, and declared backing for Ambassador Frank Ossai ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group made its position known in a communiqué issued after its regular meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, where it reviewed political developments in the Ughelli-Udu Federal Constituency.
UGN also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of the incumbent lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, opposing any move for him to seek a third term. According to the group, Waive’s two-term tenure has fallen short of expectations, insisting that the constituency deserves more impactful representation.
The network argued that two terms were sufficient for the lawmaker to demonstrate his capacity, noting that extending his stay in office would not reflect the will of the people.
Throwing its weight behind Ossai, UGN described him as a credible and committed party loyalist who has contributed significantly to grassroots development despite not holding public office. It said his track record and longstanding involvement in the APC make him the most suitable candidate to represent the constituency in 2027.
The group further criticized some clergymen for allegedly endorsing Waive’s third-term ambition, describing the move as inappropriate and a deviation from their spiritual responsibilities.
UGN called on APC members, leaders, and stakeholders in Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu local government areas to reject Waive’s ambition and rally support for Ossai as the party’s consensus candidate.
It added that it has commenced grassroots mobilization and sensitization efforts to ensure Ossai’s emergence at both the party primaries and the general election.
The communiqué was signed by the group’s Secretary, Obukohwo S. Erhomionyo, and Coordinator, Chief Johnway Oviricha.
