Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency following the successful conclusion of the party’s primary election held on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The primary election, which was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, produced OmoBarca as the party’s flag bearer through a consensus arrangement that reflected the unity and growing strength of the NDC in the constituency.
His emergence followed a significant political development earlier in the week when one of the leading aspirants for the ticket, Hon. Oladele Egbayelo, formally withdrew from the race and declared his support for OmoBarca’s aspiration. Egbayelo communicated his decision through an official letter of withdrawal, citing the need for party unity, collective progress, and the advancement of the constituency’s interests above personal ambition.
Political observers have described Egbayelo’s gesture as a remarkable demonstration of statesmanship and commitment to the larger goals of the NDC. The move paved the way for a consensus candidacy that has since energized party members and supporters across Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
The announcement of OmoBarca as the NDC candidate sparked widespread celebrations across the federal constituency, with supporters, youth groups, women organizations, market associations, and community leaders expressing excitement over his emergence.
Residents who gathered in different parts of the constituency described the development as a victory for the people, citing OmoBarca’s longstanding record of philanthropy, grassroots engagement, and humanitarian interventions.
For many years, OmoBarca has built a reputation as a compassionate leader who has consistently supported vulnerable members of society. His numerous acts of kindness have touched thousands of lives within and beyond Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
Among his notable interventions are the payment of school fees for indigent students, provision of medical assistance for the sick, support for widows and the elderly, sponsorship of religious pilgrimages for both Christians and Muslims, provision of housing support for homeless families, empowerment of youths and women through business assistance, and financial support for community development initiatives.
These humanitarian efforts have earned him widespread admiration and the nickname “the people’s candidate” among residents of the constituency.
Speaking after his emergence, OmoBarca expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the confidence reposed in him. He also commended Hon. Oladele Egbayelo for his spirit of unity and sacrifice.
According to him, the consensus arrangement demonstrates the maturity of the party and its commitment to presenting a united front ahead of the general elections.
He pledged to work closely with Egbayelo and other stakeholders in the constituency to build a stronger political movement capable of delivering effective representation and meaningful development for the people.
OmoBarca assured residents that if elected into the House of Representatives, he would prioritize quality representation, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved welfare for constituents.
He emphasized that the campaign ahead would be driven by issues affecting ordinary people and the need to provide responsive leadership that addresses the challenges confronting the constituency.
Party leaders who spoke after the primary election praised the peaceful conduct of members and described the process as a reflection of the democratic ideals of the NDC.
They expressed confidence that OmoBarca possesses the experience, popularity, and grassroots support required to secure victory for the party in the forthcoming general election.
Political analysts believe that OmoBarca’s emergence has significantly strengthened the NDC’s position in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, particularly given his extensive grassroots network and longstanding relationship with the people.
Many residents have already begun mobilizing support for his candidacy, expressing optimism that his philanthropic track record and commitment to public service will translate into effective legislative representation.
As celebrations continue across the constituency, supporters have described his victory at the primaries as the beginning of a new chapter in the political history of Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
With the NDC ticket now secured, OmoBarca moves to the next phase of the electoral process as the party’s official candidate for the House of Representatives, carrying with him the hopes and aspirations of many residents who believe he can provide the leadership and representation they seek.
His emergence marks a significant milestone in the race for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting contest in the 2027 general elections.
Congratulations to Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca), a renowned philanthropist, grassroots mobilizer, and man of the people, on his emergence as the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for the House of Representatives. Supporters across Ajeromi-Ifelodun now look forward with great optimism as he advances to the next stage of the electoral journey.
