The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on traditional rulers in Umunneochi Local Government Area to support former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Dr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, as she seeks to return to the House of Representatives in 2027, with a senior party official declaring that “every politics is local.”
Speaking Friday at a mass homecoming rally held at Peace School Field in Isuochi, the APC National Welfare Secretary, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, told the assembled monarchs and community leaders that the President is impressed with the peace in the area and wants local decisions to guide political support.
“I have come on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and say that I am proud of you for the comprising of one or two, and the President is impressed with the peace that has existed in Umuezike, Umunneochi, Enugu,” Nwankpa said.
He added: “Mr. President is very much disposed to the fact that every politics is local. That is why we are putting it back to you people, Your Majesties, to on your own take the first step to encourage your daughter who worked assiduously, humbly, loyally, competently, and also was very transparent in the discharge of her duty.”
Nwankpa emphasised that Tinubu has no interest in imposing candidates on any constituency. “Mr. President wants decisions to be taken by you all because you know what you live,” he said.
He praised Onyejeocha’s tenure at the Ministry of Labour, saying she brought sanity and peace to a department “that has long been forgotten.”
Onyejeocha, a political scientist and lawyer who served four terms in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2023, has informed her constituents of her intention to seek the APC ticket to contest the 2027 election and return to the lower chamber for a fifth term.
She recently resigned her ministerial appointment in compliance with a directive by President Tinubu that public office holders aspiring to elective positions in 2027 should step down.
Her bid for a fifth term in 2023 was unsuccessful. Following that loss, President Tinubu appointed her Minister of State for Labour and Employment, a position she held until her recent resignation.
At the reception, the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Advisory Council, led by Eze Franklin Ohalezim, conferred the title “Anyanwu Na Enye Ihie 1” of Umunneochi on Onyejeocha, describing her as an illustrious daughter and a woman of proven capacity. The council also conferred the title “Ike Oha Umunneochi” on President Tinubu.
“There are moments in life that remind you that you are nothing without the people who hold you. Today is one of those moments for me. I arrived in Umunneochi today not with fanfare in my heart, but with a deep, quiet and overwhelming gratitude”
“To be welcomed home by the people I have served, to be received by our royal fathers who carry the soul of this community, and to stand before the men of God who have prayed over this land and its people, I could not take it lightly. I could only receive it with bowed head and a heart full of thanks”, an emotional Onyejeocha said.
She added: “Like the sun, my goal has always been to serve selflessly and bring light to our people through dedicated representation and community growth. The sun has risen, and together, we will continue to illuminate our future.”
Onyejeocha reaffirmed her support for President Tinubu and pledged to work towards his re-election in 2027, citing federal government intervention that addressed a major erosion challenge in Isuikwuato—an issue she had earlier raised on the floor of the House.
She also recalled sponsoring a bill seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers, adding that her return to the House would ensure continuity of her legislative and developmental efforts. She appreciated supporters who offered to purchase her APC nomination forms, stating that if they insist, the funds would be channeled into her annual free medical outreach.
In their remarks, the monarchs highlighted Onyejeocha’s contributions, including facilitating projects such as the Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi and a Federal School of Aviation, as well as her philanthropic efforts through the Nkiruka Onyejeocha Foundation, which focuses on empowering the less privileged and providing annual free medical outreach.
Abia State APC Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, described Onyejeocha as a committed party member and effective lawmaker who deserves re-election, though he noted that the President would have preferred she remained in office. “Whatever the message later will be communicated to you through our beloved sister, Honorable Chief Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye,” Nwankpa added.
The event drew several prominent figures, including Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Abia State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors; Barr. V.C. Nwankwo, Abia APC Legal Adviser; Mayor Lucky Ignokwe (Don Lulu); Pastor Olugbenga Aremu, Southeast Regional Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries; Hon. Emeka Atuma; Hon. Dan Okereke, APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency; and several bishops from Methodist and other denominations.
Earlier, the National President of the Isuochi Indigenous Ministers Association, Engr./Apostle Monday Enwere, who chaired the event, commended Onyejeocha’s performance across all public offices she has held. Former Umunneochi Council Chairman, Hon. Ndubuisi Ike, also urged public office holders to prioritize development and emulate Onyejeocha and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
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