The support group of Late Okey Ezea has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Oscar Ossai, for the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial by-election on Saturday.
Late Ezea was a political ally of the NDC's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He served as the senator for Enugu North under the Labour Party (LP) until he passed away in November 2025.
Peter Obi, who was the LP presidential candidate in 2023, moved to the African Democratic Congress after losing the election. He later switched to the NDC, where he became the party’s presidential candidate for 2027.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mathew Ameh, and sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the Late Okey Ezea support group endorsed Mr Ossai, a bishop, as “the best candidate suited to continue the sterling legacy” of Late Ezea.
The group called on the people of the district to honour the late senator by voting for his kinsman and fellow member of the Itchi Community to represent them in the National Assembly.
They described Mr Ossai as “a tested leader, accomplished administrator, renowned philanthropist and grassroots mobiliser whose life of service mirrors the values of compassion, integrity and selfless leadership” that Late Ezea showed during his time in the Senate.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress deserves appreciation from everyone who cares about justice and fairness. In Bishop Oscar Ossai, the party has given us a man of proven integrity, unquestionable competence and a strong commitment to the welfare of the common people.
“This decision honours the memory of our beloved Senator Okey Ezea and reassures the people that his vision for development will not be lost,” the statement said.
The group noted that before Mr Ezea’s death, he was a respected voice for the people of Enugu North, fighting for good governance, infrastructure, youth empowerment, education and better welfare for his people.
They insisted that the best way to pay tribute to the late senator is to ensure that his mandate stays in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area by electing another capable son of the community to continue his work.
“Our message is clear. Since the mandate belongs to Igbo-Eze South and was sadly interrupted by Senator Okey Ezea's passing, justice and fairness require that the people allow another qualified son of the local government to finish that mandate. That son is Bishop Oscar Ossai,” they stated.
The group also described Mr Ossai as a distinguished professional. His educational background, successful business career and years of humanitarian work have prepared him well to serve as the Enugu North senator.
They argued that these experiences show Mr Ossai has dedicated most of his life to helping others before seeking a political office, making him “exceptionally qualified” to represent the people effectively.
The group called on traditional leaders, religious leaders, women groups, youth, professionals, market associations, town unions and all eligible voters in the six local government areas of Enugu North District to support Mr Ossai in the by-election.
“The coming by-election is more than just politics. It is about preserving a noble legacy. It is about ensuring that the vision and development programs championed by the late Senator Okey Ezea are not abandoned. Bishop Oscar Ossai is a symbol of continuity, stability and hope for our people,” the group said.
They urged voters to look beyond party lines and support a candidate whose life is marked by compassion, sacrifice, integrity and service.
“As the people get ready to elect a new senator, history calls on every voter to protect the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to Enugu North.
“The best way to honour the late Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea is to trust his unfinished work to a worthy successor from his community,” the group added, referring to Mr Ossai.
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