Thousands of supporters and members of the Labour Party on Friday gathered at Eziama Nteghauzor community in Obingwa LGA as businessman, philanthropist, Evangelist and founder of the EVANSINO Humanitarian Foundation, Ambassador Emmanuel Josiah, formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency under the platform of the Labour Party.
The declaration, held at his country home, drew a large crowd and evolved into a major political gathering attended by party faithfuls, support groups, youth organisations, traditional stakeholders and community leaders.
Addressing supporters during the event, Amb. Josiah described his aspiration as one inspired by personal experiences and years of humanitarian service, stressing that his journey through hardship shaped his desire to contribute to the development of society through public service.
He said the development initiatives of the administration of Governor Alex Otti had inspired him to seek elective office and contribute to governance at the national level.
“I want to sincerely appreciate our performing Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for redefining governance in Abia State and restoring hope to the people.
“Today, many young people like us are encouraged to participate in politics because we have seen a leadership that is focused on service, accountability and development.
“The Labour Party government in Abia has shown that politics should be about the welfare of the people and not personal interests. That example has inspired me to answer the call to serve my people at a higher level”, he said.
The House of Representatives aspirant linked his background and life experiences to his political ambition, saying they formed the foundation of his passion for humanitarian service.
“Today, I stand before the good people of Obingwa, Osisioma, and Ugwunagbo not merely as a politician, but as a man whose life reflects the struggles of ordinary people.
“I know what poverty feels like because I lived through it. I know what it means to go to school hungry, to face uncertainty and to dream without opportunities.
“These experiences built in me compassion and resilience. Through the EVANSINO Humanitarian Foundation, we have supported students with scholarships, paid school fees, sponsored surgeries, empowered youths and women, provided medical outreach programmes and humanitarian assistance across communities.
“My decision to contest for the House of Representatives is not driven by personal ambition, but by the desire to offer compassionate, accountable, and people-centred leadership.
“I believe our youths deserve opportunities, our women deserve empowerment and every community deserves development”, Amb.Josiah stated.
He further emphasised the need for leadership that prioritises youth development, women empowerment, support for the elderly and inclusive growth across communities within the federal constituency.
According to him, his vision is to build a constituency where leadership remains responsive to the people, no community is neglected and public service is prioritised above personal interests.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Peter Azubuike, described Ambassador Josiah’s formal entry into politics as a positive development for the party and democratic participation in the state.
He commended the aspirant for taking what he described as an important step into active politics, adding that the declaration had already established his presence within the political landscape.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, described Ambassador Josiah as a committed young leader capable of providing effective representation, noting that his humanitarian contributions had already distinguished him within the constituency.
Contributing, the Obingwa Labour Party Chairman, Hon. Tony Ngwakwe, described Amb Josiah as a grassroots philanthropist whose interventions had positively affected many families and communities.
“Evansino is known mainly as a philanthropist and also a Pastor. It is not just about politics. We believe that if he gets the opportunity to represent our people in Abuja, he will do even more for the people”, he said.
The event attracted several political support groups, including Abia Arise, Chioma Abia and New Abia Movement, alongside youth bodies and grassroots associations from Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Local Government Areas.
