Supporters Present Obika As 'Long John Of Our Time,' Urge Transparent AMAC/Bwari Ticket Process
Supporters of the member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika, have likened the lawmaker to the legendary "Long John," a fictional character celebrated for his honesty, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth.
The comparison was made in a statement issued by the National President of the Action For Nigeria Movement and political activist, Comrade Abiodun Maxwell, MBA, MNIM, who argued that Obika's performance in office and growing grassroots support have positioned him as the preferred candidate for another term in the National Assembly.
Drawing from the popular story of Long John, Maxwell explained that just as the fictional character was vindicated by three silent witnesses—the road, a mango tree, and the ground where a disputed transaction occurred—Hon. Obika also has what he described as "three witnesses" that testify to his stewardship.
According to him, the first witness is the people of AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, whom he said have benefited from Obika's constituency projects, community development initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, and accessible style of leadership.
He noted that the growing endorsements from party stakeholders, grassroots supporters, and community leaders reflect widespread confidence in the lawmaker's representation.
Maxwell identified the ballot as the second witness, describing it as the ultimate expression of the people's democratic will. He maintained that if Obika is given the opportunity to contest, the electorate will determine whether the current wave of support translates into electoral victory.
The third witness, he said, is the rule of law, stressing that the judiciary remains the final arbiter in resolving electoral disputes and ensuring compliance with the Electoral Act.
He therefore urged political parties to conduct transparent, lawful, and credible nomination processes capable of withstanding legal scrutiny, warning that adherence to due process would help prevent avoidable post-primary and post-election litigation.
"The lesson from the story of Long John is timeless: truth does not fear scrutiny. When a candidate has earned the trust of the people and due process is followed, the people, the ballot, and the law become powerful witnesses," the statement read.
Maxwell added that many supporters believe Hon. Obika has demonstrated the qualities deserving of another mandate and argued that granting him the party's ticket would strengthen internal unity, reflect the wishes of the grassroots, and minimise the risk of unnecessary legal disputes.
The statement was signed by Comrade Abiodun Maxwell, MBA, MNIM, National President of the Action For Nigeria Movement and political and social activist.
