Hon. Victor Okoronkwo, an aspirant for the Isuikwuato State Constituency in the 2027 general elections, has declared that the time has come for him to join the race and work towards addressing the lingering challenges facing the area.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the technocrat-turned-politician said that, as a son born and bred in Isuikwuato, he had watched problems persist for years without being adequately addressed by successive representatives.

He said his friends and age-grade members had, for the past four years, urged him to contest, telling him to stop complaining and return home to do better. He added that although he delayed his decision to contest previously, he believed now was the right time to launch his political ambition.

Okoronkwo, who is running on the platform of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), said his alignment with the ideology of the party’s principal, Mr. Peter Obi, whom he described as a man of integrity, convinced him that the NDC was the right platform for Isuikwuato.

Hon. Victor Okoronkwo said he was not a politician in the conventional Nigerian sense but a technocrat who had been contributing to the development of Isuikwuato long before declaring his political ambition.

He disclosed that, over the past four years, he had been paying stipends to widows, single mothers and people from poor households on every market day, a gesture he said had given them hope and relief.

He also said he had paid medical bills for individuals, awarded scholarships to young people, paid for shops and businesses, and trained and equipped youths in various skills.

According to him, the people of Isuikwuato could attest to these interventions.

The traditional ruler of Umudiawa Ancient Kingdom, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has called for peace and unity among the people of the community while urging politicians seeking elective offices to regularly return home, identify with their people and remain connected to their communities.

Eze Ofoegbu made the call during the Iwa Ji Ime Obi Umudiawa celebration held at his palace in Umuahia.

The traditional ruler, who performed the ceremonial cutting of the yam alongside other traditional rulers from Ohuhu, expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and the year’s harvest.

Speaking on the significance of Iwa Ji, Royal High Chief Okezie EzeIgbo, the Traditional Prime Minister, described yam as a special crop that stands out among other farm produce. He prayed that the celebration would usher in love, peace, progress and harmony among the people of Umudiawa.

Eze Ofoegbu, while speaking, flanked by other traditional rulers who joined him in the ceremonial cutting of the yam, thanked God for this year’s celebration. He urged politicians aspiring to public office to come closer to the people, particularly those from Ohuhu, stressing that political leaders should not limit their activities to Abuja.

“If they don’t come to us, their fate is hanging. They must come and identify with the people and show them that they truly care,” he said.

The traditional ruler also commended the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, for what he described as his efforts towards securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Eze Ofoegbu, Aguocha’s interventions demonstrated his concern for Kanu and the wider South-East. He also commended the lawmaker for his constituency interventions, particularly assistance to people facing medical challenges and support for less privileged members of society.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Aguocha and success in his political endeavours.

During the ceremony, Eze Ofoegbu poured traditional libation and offered prayers for the people of Umudiawa, asking God to bless the community and its people.

He prayed that the land of Umudiawa would continue to produce wealth, while children of the community living at home and abroad would excel in their various endeavours.

He further prayed for peace, prosperity and protection from evil, expressing hope that the people would gather again next year in good health to celebrate another Iwa Ji festival.

The event was attended by Eze Philip Ajomiwe, traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community, Umuahia, as well as other traditional rulers from Ohuhu land

Also present were the Chairman of Umuahia North Local government Chief Smart Iheoma, village heads and other dignitaries.

The celebration featured a colourful traditional dance performance by the Koboko Cultural Group, which thrilled guests with an energetic display.

The event provided an opportunity for the people of Umudiawa to celebrate their cultural heritage, give thanks for the harvest and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and progress in the community.

Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has visited Ikwuano as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Labour Party and promote greater unity ahead of the forthcoming elections.

During the visit, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, accompanied by Hon. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka, Director-General, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Abia State, held a strategic meeting with Labour Party ward chairmen from across Ikwuano at the residence of Comrade Lucky Nkemka in Okwe Community.

The meeting provided an opportunity for frank engagement, reconciliation and renewed commitment to the collective vision of the party. Discussions centred on strengthening the party structure at the grassroots, promoting unity among party leaders and members, and ensuring that the Labour Party remains focused, organised and prepared for the challenges of the forthcoming elections.

Speaking during the meeting, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha highlighted some of his legislative achievements and ongoing efforts towards improving the lives of constituents across Ikwuano, which forms an integral part of the federal constituency he represents. He reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and to advancing initiatives that will bring meaningful development and opportunities closer to the people.

He also emphasised the importance of unity, cooperation and grassroots engagement, noting that a strong political structure can only be sustained when leaders and members work together towards a common objective.

In his remarks, Hon. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka encouraged the ward chairmen to remain steadfast, committed and dedicated to the ideals of the Labour Party. He urged them to continue working together, maintain discipline within the party structure and remain committed to the collective interest of the party and the vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Governor of Abia State.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with participants expressing renewed optimism and commitment to greater cooperation, unity and a stronger Labour Party structure in Ikwuano.

Mr. Richard Isaac,

PA To Hon. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka

DG, MOFI.

08-09-2026.