A university lecturer at Abia State University and a worthy son of Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Mr. Chidubem Felix, has rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while calling for urgent intervention to address what he described as the prolonged neglect of Ukwa West by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Felix made the call during a solidarity gathering held at Community Primary School, Ugwati Asa, Ukwa West LGA, in support of Comrade Enyeribe Odinakachi Nwankwo.

He also appealed to President Tinubu to consider Nwankwo, whom he described as an illustrious son of Ukwa West, a committed grassroots politician and a man with a strong understanding of the needs of the people, for appointment to the NDDC Board.

According to Felix, the call became necessary because of what he described as the inadequate presence and impact of the NDDC in Ukwa West despite the area’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil economy.

He lamented that many communities in the local government continue to face infrastructural challenges, including poor roads, inadequate social amenities and other development deficits that, in his view, require greater attention from the interventionist agency.

Felix expressed concern that the people of Ukwa West, particularly those in oil-producing communities, have not received commensurate development despite the area’s contribution to the Niger Delta region and the Nigerian economy.

He alleged that the situation had been worsened by what he described as “invisible hands” from the old Bende bloc influencing the affairs of the NDDC, stressing that such perceived marginalisation should no longer be allowed to continue.

He called for a more equitable approach to the distribution of NDDC projects and opportunities, insisting that oil-producing communities in Ukwa West should have a stronger voice in decisions concerning development projects and representation on the commission.

The university lecturer further argued that the appointment of credible sons and daughters of the area to strategic positions would help bridge the communication gap between the people and government agencies responsible for development interventions.

Felix said Nwankwo’s grassroots experience, understanding of the socio-economic challenges facing Ukwa West and connection with the people made him suitable for consideration for a position on the NDDC Board.

He appealed to President Tinubu to give the request serious consideration, stressing that appointing Nwankwo would not only provide representation for Ukwa West but also strengthen the participation of the people in decisions affecting development in the Niger Delta.

He also urged the people of Ukwa West to remain united and continue to engage government constructively in demanding development, stressing that the region deserved purposeful representation and tangible dividends of democracy.

While expressing support for President Tinubu’s administration, Felix said the people of Ukwa West were looking forward to seeing greater federal presence and more meaningful development interventions in the area.

He appealed to relevant authorities, particularly the NDDC, to prioritise critical infrastructure and other projects capable of improving the living conditions of residents and stimulating economic activities across the local government.

Felix maintained that development in Ukwa West should go beyond political promises, urging government agencies to ensure that projects targeted at oil-producing communities translate into visible and sustainable benefits for the people.

He further called on stakeholders, community leaders and political actors from the area to work together in presenting a united voice on issues affecting the development and political representation of Ukwa West.

The gathering, which attracted supporters and stakeholders from the area, also provided an opportunity for participants to express their views on the need for improved infrastructure, effective representation and greater inclusion of Ukwa West in development programmes.

Felix reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at attracting greater attention to the development needs of Ukwa West, while urging President Tinubu and the NDDC leadership to respond positively to the concerns of the people.

The family of convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has described a member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, as the defender of truth and fighter against injustice.

The Kanu family said Aguocha, who is seeking reelection in the 2027 election, has an exemplary character of loyalty.

Kanu is serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison for treason-related charges. He’s appealed against the conviction.

Hon. Aguocha is one of the leaders and voices expressing support for the IPOB leader.

Speaking on Sunday on behalf of the family, Prince Emmanuel Kanu described Aguocha as a “loyal Defender”.

“In a time when many choose silence,” he said, “Hon. Obi Aguocha chose family, chose truth, and chose to fight.”

“That kind of loyalty doesn’t come with politics, it comes from the heart,” he added.

Aguocha emerged to contest the 2027 election on the platform of the Labour Party and described his emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people based on his performance in office, his character, and the growing popularity of the Labour Party in Abia State.

“I feel great and happy that the people elected me and still affirmed me to return to the Federal House unopposed. It is a testament to what we have done, our character, and the significance of the Labour Party in Abia State,” Aguocha said.

“We are confident that we will win and are prepared to retain our seats. We are very optimistic that we will emerge victorious in the 2027 elections. The work we have done is proof of our commitment to the people,” he stated.

“We are not shifting our priorities, which is to serve the people of Abia State. The things we have not completed, we will accelerate efforts to ensure they are completed. We will fulfil all the promises we made to Abians,” he added.

APC Abia Pardons Erring Members, Warns Against Future Disloyalty,seeks unity ahead of 2027 Elections

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted unconditional pardon to members who had previously erred against the party, as part of efforts to strengthen unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia, where party leaders and stakeholders agreed to put past grievances behind them and work together for the progress of the party.

Moving the motion for the unconditional pardon, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Uzor Azubuike, said the decision was aimed at promoting reconciliation and ensuring that all members, including those who had previously gone against the party’s position, remained united in the interest of the APC.

Azubuike stressed the need for the party to forge a common front as it prepares for the 2027 elections, noting that unity among members would be critical to achieving the party’s political objectives.

While extending the pardon, the party, however, warned that future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and actions capable of undermining the party would not be tolerated.

The stakeholders’ meeting therefore marked a renewed call for unity, discipline and collective commitment among APC members in Abia as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.