society
Politics Is Grassroots: How the NWOBI POLITICAL DYNASTY and the Diaspora Are Rewriting APC Mobilisation in Enugu
Politics Is Grassroots: How the NWOBI POLITICAL DYNASTY and the Diaspora Are Rewriting APC Mobilisation in Enugu.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“From Awgu Ward II to the Global Nigerian Diaspora, a New Model of Political Organisation Emerges Under the Leadership of High Chief Francis Ossy Nwobi and Prince Barr. Smart I. Nwobi.”
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, Awgu Ward II in Enugu State became more than a routine political gathering point; it transformed into a symbolic theatre of Nigeria’s evolving democratic mobilisation.
The official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration Exercise in the ward marked a strategic convergence of grassroots politics, elite coordination and diaspora engagement, anchored by two influential figures of the Nwobi political dynasty: High Chief Francis Ossy Nwobi, CEO of Fontana Oil Ltd and Prince Barrister Smart I. Nwobi, CEO of Nwobi Attorneys Chamber South Africa and President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA).
Their joint appearance and declaration of support for the APC sent a clear political message: MODERN NIGERIAN POLITICS CANNOT SUCCEED WITHOUT SYNCHRONIZING LOCAL LEGITIMACY WITH DIASPORA INFLUENCE.
Grassroots as the Foundation of Power. Addressing party faithful, community leaders and residents of Awgu Ward II, High Chief Francis Ossy Nwobi articulated a philosophy that has increasingly gained traction among political theorists and democratic reform advocates: “Politics is grassroots.” This assertion is not rhetorical. It reflects a long-established principle in political science that durable political authority flows upward from community consent, not downward from elite imposition.
Political scholar Robert Putnam famously argued that democratic success is deeply linked to social capital and civic engagement at the local level. In similar vein, High Chief Nwobi emphasised that his entry into partisan politics was driven not by ambition, but by conviction and specifically, conviction inspired by what he described as the visible governance outcomes and developmental strides of His Excellency, Dr. Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
By anchoring his support in observed governance performance rather than partisan sentiment, Nwobi framed political participation as a civic responsibility rooted in accountability, not personality worship.
Governor Peter Mbah and the Governance Question. Since assuming office, Governor Peter Mbah has consistently positioned governance around efficiency, institutional reform and results-driven administration. While political opinions may differ across ideological lines, there is broad consensus among policy analysts that performance-based legitimacy is fast replacing rhetoric-based loyalty in Nigeria’s sub-national politics.
Development economists such as Amartya Sen have long argued that the true test of leadership lies not in promises, but in capability expansion; how governance tangibly improves citizens lives. It is within this analytical framework that supporters, including High Chief Nwobi, situate their endorsement of the Enugu State governor.
This framing is crucial for international audiences and it demonstrates a shift away from identity politics toward measurable governance outcomes, a transition many African democracies are still struggling to achieve.
Diaspora Power and Political Modernisation. Perhaps the most strategic dimension of the Awgu Ward II event was the formal recognition of Prince Barrister Smart I. Nwobi as Diaspora National Coordinator and leader of the “Tomorrow Is Here Movement.” This development underscores a growing political reality. The Nigerian diaspora is no longer a peripheral actor in national politics.
With remittances consistently ranking among Nigeria’s largest sources of foreign exchange, the diaspora has evolved from an economic contributor into a political stakeholder with organisational capacity, global networks and advocacy leverage.
As President of NUSA and a legal practitioner based in South Africa, Prince Smart I. Nwobi embodies what migration scholars describe as transnational political agency, having the ability of migrants to influence political processes across borders. Political sociologist Thomas Faist notes that such actors often serve as bridges between domestic politics and global democratic norms.
In his address, Prince Nwobi pledged both local ward-level mobilisation and diaspora-wide political support for the APC and its flagship leadership in Enugu State. This dual-track approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of contemporary politics: votes are local, but legitimacy is increasingly global.
The APC E-Registration as Institutional Reform. The E-Registration exercise itself represents a critical component of internal party reform. Across democratic systems, party institutionalisation is recognised as essential to political stability. According to Samuel Huntington, weak parties produce unstable democracies, while strong, transparent party systems deepen democratic culture.
By flagging off the E-Registration process in Awgu Ward II, the APC demonstrated an attempt (however incremental) to modernise its membership database, improve internal accountability and expand participation. When viewed through this lens, the event transcended symbolism and became a test case for party renewal at the grassroots level.
The presence of influential local and diaspora leaders added credibility to the exercise, reinforcing public confidence in the process.
A Political Dynasty, Not a Personality Cult. Critically, the narrative emerging from Awgu Ward II was not one of personal glorification, but of institutional continuity and civic duty. The Nwobi political dynasty, as presented, positions itself not as a family empire, but as a political tradition rooted in service, organisation and community legitimacy.
Political historian Alexis de Tocqueville warned that democracies fail when elites detach from the people. In contrast, the Nwobi model (as articulated during the event) seeks relevance through constant engagement with ordinary citizens, reinforcing the democratic chain between leaders and the led.
Implications for Enugu State and Beyond. For Enugu State, the Awgu Ward II mobilisation signals growing internal cohesion within the APC and a recalibration of its grassroots strategy. For Nigeria more broadly, it illustrates an emerging political pattern: diaspora actors are no longer content with commentary; they are now active organisers and mobilisers.
International observers often criticise African politics for elite capture and weak civic participation. Events such as this complicate that narrative, revealing a more nuanced political landscape where local wards and global citizens intersect.
Furthermore: Tomorrow Is Here, If the Grassroots Decide. The official flag-off of the APC E-Registration Exercise in Awgu Ward II on 18 January 2026 was not merely a party activity. It was a political statement and one that reaffirmed a timeless democratic truth. Which is “Power begins with the people.”
Through the combined leadership of High Chief Francis Ossy Nwobi and Prince Barrister Smart I. Nwobi, the event showcased a model of political engagement that merges grassroots legitimacy with diaspora strength, local accountability with global perspective.
As political philosopher Hannah Arendt observed, power exists only where people act together. If Awgu Ward II is any indication, Nigerian politics may be witnessing a gradual, if uneven, return to that foundational principle.
“Tomorrow, indeed, is here and we as grassroots have already moved.” According to Prince, Barrister Smart I Nwobi.
society
Oyo MattersAFCON 2025: Ajadi Hails Courageous Super Eagles For Winning Bronze, Urges Govt To Focus More On Sports As Youth Development
Oyo MattersAFCON 2025: Ajadi Hails Courageous Super Eagles For Winning Bronze, Urges Govt To Focus More On Sports As Youth Development
A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for winning the Bronze Medal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations which will come to a close today, (Sunday) in Morocco.
This is as he also called on governments and the well to do Nigerians to invest more in sports to serve as part of youth empowerment.
The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated Pharaoh of Egypt in the third place match 4-2 on penalties. With this victory, the team received the Bronze Medal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ajadi commended the Super Eagles for winning the third position among the 24 countries that competed at the tournament.
He specifically praised the determination, and commitment of the Super Eagles players to bring honour to the country.
Ajadi called on the team handlers and the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) to keep the team together and ensure that they are adequately rewarded to ensure future success.
He also advised the coaching crew of the Super Eagles to employ penalty specialists to train them in penalty shot out as he applauded the goalkeeper in savings some of the penalties.
Ajadi used the medium to admonish the Federal Government and various state governments to prioritize the development of the youths through sporting activities.
The gubernatorial hopeful, who as a philanthropist has put youth developments in the front burner over the years, said that governments and well to do Nigerians should help in the development of the youths to prevent them from going into social malaise.
He urged the government to use sports to engage teeming youths in the country, saying that this will safe them from roaming the streets and mass unemployment.
Why Smart Investors Are Flocking to Harmony Gardens (Ogba-Idunnu)
In the heart of Lagos’ fastest-growing economic corridor, seven transformative real estate projects are redefining the meaning of luxury residential and commercial living and you can attest to that fact if you have seen Lekki Aviation Town, developed by Harmony Gardens & Estate Development Ltd currently emerging as one of the region’s most sought-after investments, earning the nickname the Citadel of Luxury for its blend of upscale living, prime connectivity, and strong financial prospects.
The name “Aviation Town” reflects more than branding, it highlights the project’s proximity to the proposed Lekki International Airport, a planned global aviation hub set to serve millions of passengers annually. Positioned directly opposite the airport site along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the estate promises unparalleled convenience for frequent flyers, airline professionals, business travelers, and investors alike.
The GranVille Estate is another developement of Harmony Gardens, which is designed as a master-planned community, Lekki Aviation Town combines modern urban appeal with scenic neighborhood ambiance. Features include perimeter fencing and gated access, well-paved roads, landscaping, street lighting, 24/7 security and electrification, and Lagos State Allocation with Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) for land title security, elements that together create a refined and comfortable environment for residents and businesses.
The Parliament estate is beyond residential plots, the development envisions royalty and commercial opportunities from hospitality and retail to offices, making it a lively hub, where work and leisure intersect and form part of the seven development of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development. Other developments compliments Hon (Dr) Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa A.K.A Lagos Landlord word that define him as he pledged to make Lekki Aviation Town, a place where “urban living meets neighborhood charm.”
The proximity to the new airport isn’t the estate’s only locational advantage. Lekki Aviation Town, The Parliament, GranVille Cinema, Majestic Bay and Harmony Casa sits amid some of Nigeria’s most ambitious economic landmarks: the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone, among others. This ecosystem of infrastructure projects is drawing multinational businesses, logistics firms, and a growing workforce to the region, creating rising demand for high-quality housing and services.
For residents, the location means seamless access to transportation corridors and that is why you can see Nigerians in diaspora rushing to acquire their home through Ibile Traditional mortgage System in any of Harmony Gardens Estate while for companies, it means strategic positioning within a bustling commercial belt, ideal for corporate offices, logistics centers, and service industries.
Real estate analysts and developers alike highlights Lekki Aviation Town’s and GranVille Cinema investment appeal due to its placement within a rapidly appreciating property market. As infrastructure projects progress and commercial activity increases, land and property values in the Ibeju-Lekki area have shown consistent upward movement, promising strong capital appreciation and rental yields for early investors.
Housing and commercial plots here are marketed as future-proof assets, whether for building luxury homes, corporate facilities, or mixed-use developments, making the estate attractive to both local and international investors.
All the development of Harmony Gardens in which the most popular one, Lekki Aviation Town is more than a residential estate, it’s a visionary community poised to become a flagship address in Lagos’ emerging economic landscape. With its fusion of luxurious living, strategic connectivity, and high return prospects, it truly embodies the Citadel of Luxury, a place where lifestyle and long-term value converge.
The Severe Consequences of Speaking Against an Altar of God:
A Case Study of Grace Nation
By Sunday Adeyemi
Altars can best be described as sacred meeting points where the spiritual intersects with the physical—a place where destinies are shaped and outcomes determined.
Many schools of thought believe that nothing manifests in the physical realm without first being concluded in the spiritual. For this reason, speaking against an altar is considered extremely dangerous, as altars play a decisive role in determining both positive and negative outcomes in human affairs.
This analysis examines the good, the bad, and the ugly consequences associated with speaking against an altar, using the Grace Nation altar as a case study.
The Good: The Power of an Altar
An altar is a powerful spiritual platform where divine transactions take place. It is a place of supernatural intervention, transformation, and restoration. When approached with clean hands, pure intentions, and genuine faith, an altar has the capacity to change narratives—turning negative situations into testimonies.
Commitment and service to an altar speak on behalf of the worshipper. When individuals consistently honour an altar by offering what it requires and approaching it with sincerity, the same altar responds swiftly with favour, breakthroughs, and divine alignment.
Using the Grace Nation altar as an example, numerous testimonies confirm that it has brought remarkable blessings into the lives of its citizens. Many have experienced positive transformations in long-standing life patterns.
There are documented testimonies of individuals who trusted God through the Grace Nation International (Liberation City) altar and received the fruit of the womb after years of waiting. Others testify to supernatural breakthroughs in foreign opportunities, marital settlements for singles, and unexpected divine benefits.
Further findings indicate that under the leadership of the Set Man, Dr. Chris Okafor, the Grace Nation altar has rewritten negative family patterns, dismantled generational barriers to inheritance, and restored lost glory in many families.
The strength of an altar lies in its ability to examine, scrutinize, and resolve cases presented before it with sincerity and faith. However, altars must never be taken for granted, as they are not only powerful for good but can be severe when dishonoured.
The Bad: The Danger of Speaking Against an Altar
The negative consequences of speaking against an altar are profound and far-reaching. Speaking evil against an altar of God exposes an individual to spiritual vulnerability. The spiritual covering provided by that altar is lifted, leaving the person open to attacks and afflictions.
In such cases, the altar begins to work against the individual and, in some instances, against their generations. Opportunities become blocked, progress is hindered, and efforts are repeatedly frustrated.
In spiritual terms, altars are believed to deploy angels on assignment. For those who speak against an altar, these same spiritual forces are said to oppose their endeavours, blocking blessings and causing persistent setbacks. Nothing appears to work in their favour, and life becomes characterised by struggle and disappointment.
The Ugly: The Ultimate Consequence
Altars are generally categorised into two types: good altars and evil altars. Regardless of the category, speaking against an altar carries grave consequences. The ultimate repercussion, according to spiritual belief, is that an altar can send spiritual agents on assignment to execute judgment against those who dishonour it or the servant who tends it.
This represents the most severe outcome—where consequences escalate beyond correction and into irreversible loss. It is believed that once an altar is provoked through malicious speech or actions, the backlash is unavoidable.
Final Thoughts
It is important to state clearly and without reservation that speaking against any altar—whether perceived as good or bad—invites spiritual repercussions. Whatever is spoken against an altar is believed to rebound upon the speaker. No one speaks against an altar and goes unscathed.
Scripture teaches that the only sin without forgiveness is speaking against the Holy Spirit—often regarded as the ultimate altar of God. Therefore, wisdom, restraint, and reverence are essential when dealing with spiritual matters.
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist, society writer, and editor with Society Herald Magazine and Online.
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