After weeks of speculation, Tochukwu Ogalagu has formally declared for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as he mounts a challenge for the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.
The announcement came on Monday during an engagement with his supporters at his Amike-Izhia base in Ohaukwu LGA.
The former All Progressives Congress aspirant said at the event that the move followed “wide consultations with stakeholders” after quitting the APC a month ago.
Ogalagu cited APGA’s “stability and crisis-free record” as the key factor behind his choice, adding that he had rejected “crisis-ridden political parties” that could derail his ambition.
He pledged to run an issue-based campaign against the incumbent.
In a notable twist, Ogalagu urged his supporters to still back Governor Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu of the APC for governorship and presidency, noting that APGA has yet to field candidates for both positions.
The stance signals a pragmatic split-ticket strategy aimed at avoiding direct confrontation with the state’s ruling party while building his own legislative platform.
Constituents including Dr. Emmanuel Nwulegu and Maryjane Onwe of Ebonyi LGA, and Christopher Kelechukwu and Chikezie Michael Onwe of Ohaukwu LGA, pledged full backing for Ogalagu.
They pointed to his record of women and youth empowerment, educational scholarships, care for the indigent, and youth employment initiatives through his Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation as evidence of “inclusive leadership” even without holding public office.
They also framed his entry as a chance to end what they called “dormant representation” in the constituency, arguing that Ogalagu’s grassroots footprint gives him credibility to deliver more once elected.
Ogalagu chairs the Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, a prominent humanitarian group in Ebonyi State.
He announced his exit from the APC last month, leaving supporters on the “T-Man Support Group” waiting for his next move.
With the APGA declaration now public, the group says it will take the “Ogalagu Movement” across all wards in the constituency.
