NDC Candidate Maxwell Opara decries poor living conditions in Onicha-Nwafor community

Politics

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, Barr. Maxwell Opara, has expressed concern over the condition of residents of Onicha-Nwafor community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

Opara, in a statement issued after visiting the community on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, said he was disturbed by what he described as severe infrastructure deficits and poor living conditions in the area.

He alleged that gully erosion had affected parts of the community and that residents lacked adequate access roads and basic infrastructure.

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“I could not believe what I witnessed today, 24th September, 2026, at Onicha-Nwafor Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise,” Opara said.

“I never knew that some of our own brothers and sisters are still living in what can only be described as a forest in this 21st Century, in my own Mbaise.”

Opara said he was particularly concerned about the condition of public schools in the community, alleging that the only secondary and primary schools had been overtaken by weeds and overgrown grass, making them difficult to access.

“I cannot comprehend why a community should be allowed to live under such dehumanizing condition — where gully erosion is almost swallowing the entire community, with no access road whatsoever,” he said.

The candidate said he had visited several communities across Mbaise during his campaign but described the situation he encountered in Onicha-Nwafor as the most difficult condition he had witnessed.

Despite the challenges, Opara said residents turned out to receive him and expressed support for his campaign.

“It was a mixture of tears and joy. Tears for their condition, joy for their resilience and faith,” he said.

Opara said the experience had strengthened his resolve to advocate for communities he described as underserved.

“I left Onicha-Nwafor with a burden in my heart. This is why we are in this race — to give a voice to the voiceless and bring development to the forgotten,” he said.