By Kazeem Waris
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji, has picked entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader, Chief Chijioke Ugwu, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection in a statement issued by his media team, saying the choice was part of his plan to promote a new generation of political leaders in Enugu State.
“We want fresh faces to emerge in the leadership configuration of Enugu State,” Nnaji said.
Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state, is expected to bring his private-sector experience to the PDP ticket.
Nnaji said Ugwu’s experience in the competitive Lagos business environment had demonstrated his capacity to identify opportunities, manage people and build sustainable enterprises.
“These are the practical leadership qualities Enugu State needs to stimulate businesses, create jobs and expand opportunities for its young population.
“He did not wait for government to give him a livelihood. He built businesses, created jobs and opened doors for others,” Nnaji said.
According to the statement, Ugwu was born in 1977 and attended Community Primary School, Nguru, and St. Teresa’s College, Nsukka, before obtaining a degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The statement said that after his National Youth Service, Ugwu ventured into the logistics industry and established Windemol Maritime and Logistics Limited, a freight-forwarding company.
It added that he subsequently founded Sokabell Nigeria Limited, which operates in contracting and consultancy, and Magik Stars Hospitality Nigeria Limited, with interests in tourism and hospitality.
The statement said his businesses had created employment opportunities for graduates and helped young people acquire professional skills.
It added that Ugwu, who is relatively new to partisan politics, had acquired leadership experience through business, community service and philanthropy.
Ugwu is also a director and co-founder of the Felistas Foundation, established with his siblings in memory of their late mother.
According to the statement, the foundation has supported educational development through donations of exercise books to primary school pupils across Nkpunano Ward, as well as scholarships and financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In recognition of his contributions to community development, the traditional ruler of Nguru, Igwe Linus Nosike Obayi, conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Eweluchi Bube Uzo I of Nguru Nsukka, the statement said.
