By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Traditional Ruler of Umudiawa Autonomous Community in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Eminence, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu (Oroko), has declared his support for the re-election bid of Hon. Obinna Aguocha, saying there is “no vacancy” in the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
Eze Ofoegbu, who is also the Chairman of Christian Fathers of Nigeria, made the declaration during a recent interaction with journalists at his palace.
The traditional ruler maintained that Aguocha deserves to complete eight years in the National Assembly, arguing that his performance and commitment to the constituency have earned him the confidence of traditional rulers and constituents across the federal constituency.
According to Eze Ofoegbu, Aguocha remains the preferred candidate in Ohuhu for the federal constituency election, noting that the traditional rulers of Ohuhu have given their blessing to his re-election ambition.
He said the traditional institution in the area is firmly behind Aguocha and expressed confidence that the lawmaker would secure another victory at the polls.
Eze Ofoegbu attributed the support for Aguocha to what he described as his effective representation and willingness to defend the interests of his constituents and the wider Igbo community.
He recalled that Aguocha had been honoured by traditional rulers with the title “Oke Nwanne Ka Nwanne of Ikwuano/Umuahia,” describing the honour as recognition of his relationship with the people and his contributions to the constituency.
The traditional ruler further praised Aguocha for his efforts in matters concerning Ndigbo, particularly his involvement in issues surrounding the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Eze Ofoegbu argued that Aguocha’s engagement on the matter demonstrated his commitment to issues affecting the Igbo people, adding that such representation should be allowed to continue.
He therefore appealed to other aspirants seeking the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat to reconsider their ambitions and allow Aguocha to complete his proposed eight-year tenure.
The monarch also dismissed suggestions that Aguocha secured his first electoral victory through the influence of another politician, insisting that his emergence was based on his personal credibility, acceptance and political strength.
He expressed confidence that Aguocha would return to the National Assembly with what he described as a “landslide” victory if the people maintain their support for him.
Eze Ofoegbu called on sons and daughters of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South to unite behind what he described as a candidate who has demonstrated commitment to the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler also spoke positively about High Chief Ugochukwu Ikpo, who is seeking election into the Abia State House of Assembly to represent the Umuahia North State Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Eze Ofoegbu described Ikpo as an accomplished and well-exposed son of Ohuhu, saying he possesses the experience, capacity and character required for public service.
He described Ikpo as a “proud son of Ohuhu,” while urging the people of the community to carefully consider their options ahead of the election.
The monarch also commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for what he described as his administration’s efforts in the state. However, he appealed to the governor to pay greater attention to what he termed “stomach infrastructure” and other measures that directly improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
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Eze Ofoegbu’s comments are expected to add another dimension to the emerging political conversations in Ohuhu and across the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
