The people of Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency in Abia State, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for what they described as a commitment to equity, justice, and fairness in the emergence of the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the groups, the House of Representatives seat had been occupied by representatives from Ukwa East for about 20 consecutive years, despite an existing understanding on rotational representation between Ukwa East and Ukwa West, a development they said, left Ukwa West politically marginalized.
The recent recognition of Barr. Samuel Okezie Nwogu, an indigene of Ukwa West, as the APC candidate for the constituency has therefore been welcomed by several groups and stakeholders across the federal constituency.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Sunday in Obehie, Ukwa West LGA, members of the New Ukwa Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Asa Development Union (ADU), and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, gathered in large numbers to express appreciation to the APC National Working Committee, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, and President Tinubu for allowing what they described as the principle of equity to prevail.
In a communiqué signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Akanwa Franklin, and co-signed by the National Secretary, Felix Chidubem Ambition, NUPI praised the APC leadership for demonstrating fairness and internal democracy during the party’s primary process.
The group, which described itself as an organization committed to transparency, accountability, justice, fairness, and the protection of the collective interests of the people of Ukwa East and Ukwa West, said the emergence of Barr. Samuel Okezie Nwogu as the APC House of Representatives candidate and Hon. Prince Paul Ikonne as the party’s candidate for Abia South Senatorial District reflected the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
According to the communiqué, the decision has restored confidence among the people and reaffirmed their long-standing aspiration for equitable political representation.
NUPI urged the APC National Working Committee to remain resolute and resist what it described as pressure, misinformation, and petitions aimed at reversing the party’s decision.
The group also recalled that it had previously written several letters to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, appealing for the enforcement of equity in the constituency after Ukwa East, particularly Akwete, had occupied the seat continuously from 2007 to date.
According to the group, the correspondence, acknowledged on March 10, 2026, emphasized the need for fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in the distribution of political offices within the constituency.
NUPI maintained that the emergence of Barr. Samuel Okezie Nwogu and Hon. Prince Paul Ikonne aligns with the principles of the equity arrangement in Ukwa Federal Constituency and Abia South Senatorial District.
The group further appealed to the APC leadership to disregard what it described as frivolous and sponsored petitions intended to undermine the party’s decision.
“The people of Ukwa are very happy with the decision of the party to uphold equity and fairness”, the communiqué stated.
“As a body dedicated to promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency, we remain committed to ensuring that equity prevails at all times”.
Similarly, the Asa Development Union (ADU), in a communiqué signed by its President-General, Elder Goodluck Nwanneakolam, the Secretary-General, Sir Boniface Nwaigwe and the Chairman of the Asa Think Tank Group, Elder Ezedinachi Kanu, described Barr. Samuel Okezie Nwogu as a respected political figure whose accessibility, leadership qualities, and goodwill would strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects.
The union reiterated its support for the APC and all its candidates while commending the party for listening to earlier appeals and standing on the side of justice and equity.
It also urged the National Working Committee to remain firm in its decision and disregard attempts to overturn the outcome through petitions.
The ADU further highlighted what it described as Barr. Nwogu’s achievements in previous public offices, expressing confidence in his capacity to provide quality representation for the constituency.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, also expressed confidence in Barr. Nwogu, stating that he possesses the experience and leadership qualities required to secure victory for the APC in 2027 and deliver responsive and effective representation.
Speaking with journalists, the former Chairman of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Hon Henry Chilaka, described the development as a rebirth for Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency.
According to him, the return of the House of Representatives ticket to Ukwa West after two decades has addressed a long-standing imbalance and reflected the wishes of the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Asa Think Tank Group, Elder Ezedinachi Kanu, expressed confidence that Barr. Nwogu would justify the confidence reposed in him, citing his previous record in public service.
Meanwhile, former Transition Committee Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Uzoma Abonta, acknowledged that Akwete in Ukwa East had occupied the House of Representatives seat for nearly 20 years.
He stated that many residents now believe it is only fair for the office to rotate to Ukwa West, adding that they would not support any political party that fields another House of Representatives candidate from Ukwa East.
