JUAofAfrica: Political Wisdom, Grassroots Experience More Valuable Than Money

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Aniocha South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly election, Hon. Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe, popularly known as JUAofAfrica, has declared that political wisdom, strategic understanding, grassroots experience, commitment and strong political structures are more valuable to effective political leadership than financial resources alone.

Adigwe made the remarks while reflecting on his political journey, his involvement in grassroots mobilisation and his contribution to the development of political structures within Nsukwa Clan.

According to him, although he may not possess the financial resources available to some political actors, he has acquired political knowledge, strategic understanding and grassroots experience through years of active participation in community and political mobilisation.

He recalled being among those who worked to coordinate and unite the 11 communities that make up Nsukwa Clan, while also contributing to the building and registration of its political structure.

Adigwe said these contributions form part of his political history and cannot be erased by circumstances or the opinions of individuals.

“I may not have money, but I possess something that money cannot buy: political wisdom, political understanding, political strategy, and grassroots experience.”

He maintained that he does not depend on personal recognition, stressing that he believes genuine recognition comes from God.

“I do not seek recognition from anyone because I believe that true recognition comes from God. When God speaks for a person, no man can stop it.”

The NDC candidate further said that his understanding of politics goes beyond the size of a crowd or the number of people gathered around a political figure.

He explained that he places greater emphasis on capacity, commitment, vision, strategic thinking and the ability of individuals to contribute meaningfully to the growth of a political party, ward, community and society.

According to him, strong political structures and purposeful strategy are essential ingredients for sustainable political success.

“I do not believe in population or multitude alone; I believe in capacity, commitment, vision, structure, and what an individual can contribute to the growth of a party and the development of a ward, community, and society.”

His comments come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the NDC House of Assembly primary in Aniocha South, where Adigwe's supporters maintain that he emerged as the winner of the party's open primary.

The subsequent controversy over an alleged substitution of Adigwe has generated reactions from party members and constituents, with supporters insisting that the outcome of the primary should be respected.

Adigwe himself has maintained a position of pursuing the matter through lawful and constitutional means, stating that he has no quarrel with the party but remains committed to the mandate he says was freely given to him.

For his supporters, the issue goes beyond one individual or election. They describe it as a question of respecting the choice made through the primary process and protecting the confidence of grassroots members in democratic participation.

Adigwe, meanwhile, has continued to emphasise the broader principles that guide his political philosophy, including political strength, strategic organisation, vision, unity and grassroots development.

“I believe in political strength, political strategies, political vision, and strong political structures. These are the foundations of lasting success.”

His supporters say these principles are also reflected in his approach to community engagement, youth mobilisation and his advocacy for inclusive development across Aniocha South.

They maintain that JUAofAfrica's political journey demonstrates an emphasis on building people and structures rather than depending solely on financial influence or political connections.

As the 2027 election approaches, Adigwe has continued to call for peaceful political engagement, unity and commitment to the development of Aniocha South.

His supporters remain firm in their position that Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe is their mandate, their choice and their candidate, while expressing their determination to continue pursuing their political objectives through peaceful and lawful means.

“Forward ever, backward never. Together we stand, and together we move stronger,” they said.