Residents of Upatabo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State were thrown into excitement on Saturday, following a surprise stopover by candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ADC campaign train, which was on a tour of communities in the constituency, made an unscheduled stop in Upatabo after running into one of its grassroots mobilizers, Comrade Gift Okai U., who was conducting a door-to-door sensitization in the area.
Sources said the presence of the candidates attracted a large crowd of residents, who gathered to interact with them.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Okai commended the candidates for their decision to engage directly with the community, describing it as a sign of responsive leadership.
In her remarks, the ADC candidate for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Asuiefie Tayo Osu, said her aspiration was to make history as the first woman to represent the constituency in the Assembly. She promised to focus on legislation and interventions that would benefit women, youths and vulnerable groups if elected.
On his part, the ADC candidate for the House of Representatives, High Chief Hon. Manuwa Morgan Ogiri (MMO), addressed concerns raised over the community's electricity supply.
An Engineer, Okpara Kingsley Green, who spoke on behalf of the community, had appealed to the candidates to intervene in the power challenges facing Upatabo.
Responding, Ogiri said the issue of rural electrification and basic infrastructure would be given priority attention, noting that effective representation must address the immediate needs of the people.
The brief engagement ended with interactive discussions between the candidates and community members on issues affecting the area.