- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has endorsed Justina Azuka, wife of late Anambra Assembly lawmaker, Justice Azuka, ahead state’s governorship election.
Recall that Justice Azuka’s decomposing body was in February found along the 2nd Niger bridge almost two months after his kidnap.
Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1, was reportedly abducted on the 24th of December 2024 on his home for the festive celebration.
Ahead of the 2025 Anambra election, Justina had declared interest in replacing her late husband at the state’s House of Assembly as she emerged as the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) candidate for the Onitsha North Constituency 1.
Obi, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday announced his visitation to the Azuka family.
The former Anambra governor declared his support for Justina in her quest to complete her late husband’s tenure at the Assembly.
“Today, I visited Mrs. Justina Azuka, who recently suffered the tragic and gruesome loss of her husband, Hon. Justice Azuka, at the hands of kidnappers.
“In the face of this unimaginable pain, Mrs. Azuka has chosen the path of service, stepping forward to contest the Onitsha North Constituency 1 seat in the House of Assembly, to serve the remaining 13 months of her late husband’s tenure. She is a young mother of three — the eldest just 7 years old, and the others only 5 and 3.
“I have always maintained that leadership without compassion is meaningless. True leadership must balance competence with humanity. Mrs. Azuka is an HND graduate in Public Administration — qualified, competent, and a woman of strength, resilience, and commitment to serve.
“I call on all well-meaning citizens, at home and beyond, to rally behind her candidacy. Supporting her is not only an investment in competent representation but also a collective act of solidarity that will help ease the pain and heavy burden of her loss.
“She has my full support, and I urge us all to stand together to ensure that this capable and committed daughter of ours is elected on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
“In doing so, we send a clear message that in the new Nigeria, we will be compassionate, we will care for one another in times of difficulty, and we will uphold justice alongside competent leadership.” Obi wrote.