Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, has led members of his Campaign Council on a reconciliation and consultation visit to the residence of the incumbent representative of the constituency, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie, in Asaba, Delta State.
The meeting, which took place on Sunday, September 20, 2026 brought together Elumelu, Chairman of the Campaign Council, Chief Edwin Uzor, alongside directors, advisers and other members of the Elumelu campaign in an atmosphere centred on unity and renewed cooperation.
Addressing Okolie during the visit, Elumelu said the delegation had come for two principal reasons, including to formally brief him on the commencement of the Aniocha/Oshimili APC Leaders and Stakeholders Unity Meetings and to seek his active participation in the process.
He explained that the unity meetings had already been held twice, but acknowledged that, due to an oversight, invitations were not formally extended to Okolie on both occasions.
Elumelu said Okolie had magnanimously drawn his attention to the omission, but that by the time the oversight was corrected, Okolie was already in Abuja on an official assignment and could not attend the second meeting.
He, however, noted that Okolie had assured him of his participation in subsequent meetings.
The former Minority Leader stressed that the development of Aniocha/Oshimili required unity, inclusiveness and cooperation among its political leaders and stakeholders.
According to him, Okolie, as the incumbent representative and a ranking political figure in the constituency, has an important role to play in bringing leaders and constituents together.
Elumelu disclosed that the next APC Stakeholders Unity Meeting for the federal constituency would be held before Christmas, adding that he would further consult Okolie on the proposed engagement, particularly as the participation of the state Governor is anticipated.
“With you leading the team, it will be a thing of joy,” Elumelu told Okolie, emphasizing the importance he attached to his participation.
He said the broader objective was to build a more inclusive political structure capable of advancing the interests and development of the four local government areas that make up the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
Elumelu also made a direct appeal to Okolie to support his campaign and work with the emerging APC campaign structure.
“I have come to appeal to you to help and support me for my election; not only for my election, but for all the candidates of the APC in the coming national and state elections from the President to the House of Assembly,” he said.
He said Okolie’s experience in the National Assembly and knowledge of the political system would be valuable to the campaign, the election and after the elections, particularly because of his presence and relationships in Abuja.
“You know the system, you know the people. I know you have a role to play. Please come and support us and lead us so that we can achieve maximum votes in the four local government areas within the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency,” Elumelu appealed.
He further expressed appreciation to Okolie for remaining within the APC after the party’s primary election and for not pursuing a prolonged challenge to the outcome that produced him as the party’s candidate.
Elumelu described Okolie’s disposition as an indication of maturity and commitment to the party, stressing that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from working together in the interest of the people.
He also acknowledged the personal history between the two men, noting that their relationship had passed through different political phases but should ultimately be defined by brotherhood and a shared interest in the constituency.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Okolie said he had known Elumelu both as a friend and a political rival but added that they would continue to remain brothers.
He expressed confidence in Elumelu’s legislative experience and ability, noting that the prominent politician had been in the National Assembly before and understood the workings of the institution.
Okolie said he had no intention of fighting what he described as the will of God, declaring his readiness to work with Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
“I never fight the will of God. We are together,” he said.
He also recalled that he had reached out to Elumelu after the primary election, indicating his willingness to maintain a relationship beyond political contests.
The meeting therefore provided an opportunity for both politicians to publicly demonstrate a willingness to move beyond past electoral differences and explore areas of cooperation within the APC and the wider Aniocha/Oshimili political community.
In a vote of thanks, Barr. Andrew Odum, SAN, commended Okolie for receiving the delegation and creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and reconciliation.
Odum said the meeting demonstrated the value of dialogue, mutual respect and engagement in managing political differences.
He noted that the absence of rancour at the gathering was significant and expressed the hope that the renewed understanding between Elumelu and Okolie would open a new chapter of cooperation among political stakeholders in Aniocha/Oshimili.
The visit ended with renewed expressions of unity and cooperation, as the two political figures acknowledged the importance of working together for the broader interests of the people and the political development of the federal constituency.
