Politics
2023 Reps: Battle for Ukwa Federal Constituency Abia State
BY EMEKA NWOKE JNR.
As the Nation heads into the 2023 General elections, one of the battle grounds that would elicit interest and tension in Abia state is the Ukwa Federal Constituency made up of Ukwa East and ukwa West Local Government Areas.
The year 2023 will be 16 years between 2007 – 2023, Hon Uzoma Abonta from Akwete in Ukwaeast Local Government Area of Abia state has been the occupant of the position having succeeded Hon. Maceabuy from Ukwawest who held the position for two tenure between 1999-2007.
There was an unwritten but gentlemen and brotherly agreement between the two local Government Areas that the position of the Federal House of Representatives should rotate between the two councils after every two tenure of eight years.
But the people of Ukwaeast are alleged to have betrayed this agreement with conspirators from Ukwawest who have supported an Ukwaeast man for their ulterior political ambitions. This gave Hon. Uzoma Abonta from Ukwaeast unfair opportunity and advantage over the people of ukwawest.
Unfortunately those who supported Hon.Uzoma Abonta for these years thinking it would be their turn come 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were all defeated and disappointed in the last Party Primary Election where Chief Chris Nkwonta, a billionaire Oil Magnate from the same Akwete, Hon. Abonta’s home town in Ukwaeast Local Government Area of Abia state bulldozed his way and picked the PDP ticket for the ukwa federal constituency.
The people of Ukwa West were dealt a big political blow when their hopeful candidate Chief Sam Nwogu, a former NDDC Commissioner, two term Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) and the state immediate past commissioner for Environment was defeated after strong alleged promises from the state Governor but was betrayed at the eleventh hour.
Since then Ukwawest people have been politically devastated and all is not well with the PDP in ukwa federal constituency as majority of the people are against an Ukwaeast candidate especially from the same village with the present occupant emerging as the PDP candidate.
In fact a reliable source told our correspondent that even the present BOT chairman of the PDP and a former Senate President Chief Adolphus Wabara also from Ohambele in Ukwaeast is opposed to the ticket handed over to an Ukwa East candidate.
He was said to have publicly disowned Chief Chris Nkwonta and his ambition during the last Stakeholders meeting of Ukwa East Local Government Area of the PDP which held last month at the Destiny Villa, his residence.
He has refused to be pacified and openly told Chief Nkwonta that he bought the PDP ticket with his money but should be ready to face the people in the General election.
Wabara is said to insist that for equity and justice sake the position of Ukwa Federal Constituency should move to Ukwa West.
His insistence has thrown the party into confusion as he is the leader in Ukwa Federal Constituency and was said to have been sidelined by the state Governor and state Party Chairman in the choice of Nkwonta and it’s obvious that all his followers are already rooting for an opposition candidate in Ukwa West. He is said to have vowed to teach the PDP and their candidate Nkwonta a bitter lesson in the February 28 National Assembly Election.
Apart from the former Senate President Chief Adolphus Wabara majority of Ukwa people align with this opinion that the position of House Representatives for Ukwa land should move to Ukwa West.
Many are opposed to the candidacy of Chief Nkwonta who has contested for the Senate for three consecutive times for Abia South Senatorial zone and failed only to stoop for the House of Representatives to scuttle the zoning formula in ukwa land with his stupendous wealth.
In 2015 Nkwonta lost the PDP Senatorial ticket of the party to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and angrily joined the opposition in APGA where he picked their ticket and contested and failed.
He repeated again in 2019 in the same APGA and was again roundly beaten.
He became frustrated only to return to the PDP last January 31 2022 and be handed over the party ticket for the House of Representatives. Having fought the party in the past years during all the elections many are opposed to his candidacy.
Infact the people of Ukwa West are worse hit in this political arrangement because they have been reduced to political lackies and weaklings with no political value and strength to defend their territory. They are seen as used and dumped. Despite all their support for the PDP the party attaches no relevance to them.
For Hon kingsley Nwankpa from Ukwa West the option to all ukwa people is to write the wrongs by proving to the PDP that power belongs to the people.
He stated that the 2023 general election will shock many people as political party emblem will no longer be the criteria for the choice of candidates.
Nwankpa who is also a staunch member of the PDP stated that the party disappointed them and that for the House of Representatives he’s rooting for the candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) Hon. Sylvanus Nwaji from Ukwawest local Government Area.
He stated that the people of Ukwa West are mobilising to make Nwaji their consensus candidate and urged the people of Ukwa West and Ukwa East to queue behind Hon Nwaji based on his pedigree, experience and political antecedents.
He stated that Nwaji’s records of achievements as an elected Local Government Chairman in 2007 has not been equalled even by those who have occupied other political positions.
He stated that Nwaji built functional health facilities across the local Government. He built markets sank numerous borholes across the local Government as well as the famous Umuenne primary school which he furnished and equipped with over N10m.
He said “my brother we are not playing party politics this time but we are talking about capacity to deliver for the people. Nwaji was the only chairman who engaged over ten aides from our brothers in Ukwa East while he was chairman in Ukwa West. He extended his leadership proficiency and sagacity to others and stakeholders from all Ukwa land can attest of his benevolence.
He said “we of Ukwa West from Asa have been challenged and it is time for us to prove our political prowess, integrity and character. No sane man from Asa can make the mistake of voting against an Ukwa West candidate ”
He said ” Asa people have been seen as political neophytes and it is time for us to prove people wrong. How can Uzoma Abonta from Akwete after eight years handover to his brother Chris Nkwonta also from Akwete that would be an insult to the sensibility of all ukwa people “
Chief Sir OAU Onyema, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West in the 2027 elections, has announced his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged lack of transparency, internal manipulation, and attempts by party leaders to impose candidates on the electorate.
Speaking during a media briefing, Onyema accused influential figures within the party of abandoning democratic principles by allegedly sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists and personal associates.
According to him, party leaders have failed to release the results of screening exercises and purported primary elections, raising concerns that the process is being manipulated to favour preferred candidates before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former aspirant specifically alleged that a prominent political figure from Delta State was working with some NDC leaders to undermine the wishes of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District by promoting a personal aide for the senatorial ticket despite lacking grassroots political support in the district.
Onyema said such moves would be resisted through lawful and democratic means, insisting that the people of Enugu West deserve candidates with established political relevance and local acceptance.
He further claimed that efforts to integrate political structures built around Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the NDC were frustrated, resulting in what he described as weak and ineffective party structures at the ward level.
The politician also alleged financial irregularities within the party, including what he termed the undue collection of funds from members, though he did not provide specific evidence during the briefing.
Expressing disappointment with the party’s operations, Onyema declared that the NDC had failed to live up to expectations of transparency, fairness, and sincerity.
He vowed to work towards providing voters in Enugu West with credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of political party affiliation.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, democracy, and the will of the people,” Onyema stated, adding that while he still believes a new Nigeria is possible, he has lost confidence in the NDC and is formally exiting the party.
He maintained that the 2027 elections would be “interesting” and expressed confidence that voters would increasingly focus on the quality of candidates rather than political party platforms.
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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