By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Umuahia North State Constituency in Abia State, Barr. Fidelix Ugochukwu Ikpo, has called for credible and experienced leadership in the Abia State House of Assembly, insisting that the legislature requires individuals with the capacity to deliver meaningful development rather than political newcomers without a proven record.
Ikpo made the remarks while addressing media practitioners from Ohuhu, where he challenged the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency to publicly present the motion and bill allegedly responsible for the establishment of the Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Court.
The APGA candidate questioned the claim that the incumbent member attracted the court project, urging him to provide legislative records to substantiate the assertion and enable the people of Ohuhu to assess the contributions made to their constituency.
According to Ikpo, the people of Ohuhu deserve transparent representation, accountability and tangible democratic dividends that directly improve their living conditions.
He expressed confidence that the constituency was ready for a change in leadership, alleging that the incumbent had failed to meet the expectations of the people.
“I am in this race to attract democratic dividends and bring development to Ohuhu by drawing the attention of the government to the needs of our people,” Ikpo said.
Ikpo Promises to Revive Okpara’s Development Legacy
The APGA candidate pledged that, if elected, he would work towards reviving the development ideals associated with the late Dr. Michael Okpara, the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, whose administration was widely associated with agricultural development, infrastructure and public services.
He identified the rehabilitation of the Okpara Ring Road and the restoration of reliable water supply across communities and villages in Ohuhu as priorities under his proposed representation.
Ikpo also promised to pursue the establishment of a government-owned hospital and other public institutions to improve access to essential services and create more development opportunities for residents.
In addition, he expressed his intention to advocate for the establishment of a component of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Ohuhu, saying such an initiative could expand educational opportunities and stimulate economic activities in the area.
He, however, did not provide a detailed implementation framework for the proposed projects during the address.
Promises One-Term Tenure to Respect Political Rotation
Addressing concerns about political representation and zoning arrangements, Ikpo pledged to serve only one term if elected into the Abia State House of Assembly.
He explained that the commitment was intended to preserve the existing political rotation understanding between Nkwoegwu and Umuahia, which he said should be respected in the interest of fairness and peaceful power-sharing.
The candidate maintained that his ambition was to provide purposeful representation, attract government projects and ensure that Ohuhu communities receive greater attention in the state’s development plans.
Ikpo’s declarations place accountability, infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, education and political rotation at the centre of his campaign message ahead of the 2027 elections.
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His proposals and criticisms are expected to form part of the political debate in Umuahia North as residents assess the candidates seeking to represent the constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.
