By Mark Chukwu , Umuahia
Barrister Ugochukwu Ikpo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Ohuhu-Umuahia North State Constituency in the 2027 Abia State House of Assembly election, has said he is contesting to address what he described as years of neglect and underdevelopment in Ohuhu.
Ikpo, who is the Director of Divine Eagle Investment Limited, made the statement during a recent media interaction with journalists at his country home in Umuagu, Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
The APGA candidate said his decision to seek the House of Assembly seat was motivated by his desire to attract greater government attention and developmental projects to the constituency.
According to him, Ohuhu has produced lawmakers who, at different times, attracted government presence and projects to the area.
He cited former representatives, including Emeka Ejiogu, whom he said helped increase government attention to Ohuhu during his tenure, as well as Hon. Kelechi Onuzurulike, who, according to him, facilitated FADAMA-related projects in Umuezike Ofeme.
Ikpo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the current level of government presence and development across the constituency.
He argued that the reported popularity of Governor Alex Otti and calls for his re-election in 2027 should prompt voters in Ohuhu to also assess the performance and impact of their state lawmaker.
“Abians are clamouring for Dr. Alex Otti’s second term because of his good works. The question is, what good can Ohuhu people say about their House member in terms of government presence in the entire Ohuhu?” he asked.
The APGA candidate also referenced lawmakers representing other constituencies, including Hon. OGA in Okigwe and Benjamin Kalu in Bende, as examples of representatives he believes have demonstrated visible impact in their constituencies.
Ikpo further criticised the incumbent Ohuhu State Constituency lawmaker, describing him as inexperienced and arguing that he should not seek another term in office. These remarks represent Ikpo’s political assessment of his opponent ahead of the 2027 election.
“I am not afraid of my opposition candidates. Party does not speak again; rather, it is a person with capacity and credibility,” Ikpo said.
He also raised concerns over infrastructure and electricity in parts of Ohuhu, particularly Umuagu. According to him, residents continue to face challenges with road access, while a transformer reportedly donated to the community more than two years ago has yet to be connected to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
Ikpo said his decision to contest on the APGA platform was also influenced by the party’s identity as an indigenous Igbo political party.
He outlined several priorities that he said would form part of his legislative agenda if elected in 2027.
Among his proposed priorities is the attraction of a General Hospital to Ohuhu, which he said would improve access to healthcare for residents.
He also proposed the development of a motor park, improved road infrastructure and the construction of a properly connected road network from Uwalaka through Signboard to Afuguri.
According to him, Ohuhu also needs additional functional markets to reduce pressure on Nkwoegwu Market, which he described as the major operational market serving the area.
Ikpo said he would seek to revive markets in Afor Umuda and Afuguri while pursuing other initiatives aimed at stimulating commercial activities within the constituency.
He also expressed interest in having the Green Shuttle Bus service extended to Ohuhu to improve transportation and movement within the area.
On the ongoing court project in Nkwoegwu, Ikpo disputed claims that the incumbent lawmaker was responsible for attracting the project to the constituency.
He argued that the project was part of a wider Abia State Government development initiative implemented across the state’s 17 local government areas, rather than a project exclusively secured by the incumbent representative.
As the 2027 election approaches, Ikpo’s campaign is expected to focus on infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, markets and increased government presence in Ohuhu.
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His emergence as the APGA candidate adds another dimension to the political contest for the Ohuhu-Umuahia North State Constituency, with voters expected to assess the records, proposals and capacity of the various candidates seeking to represent them.
