by HopeAlive Media
Stakeholders from the Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what they described as a bold demonstration of fairness and equity in the emergence of Barr. Sam Nwogu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The commendation came from several groups, including the New Ukwa Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Asa Development Union (ADU), and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), during a press briefing held on Sunday in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The groups noted that the House of Representatives seat had remained in the hands of Ukwa East for nearly 20 years despite an existing zoning arrangement between Ukwa East and Ukwa West. According to them, the development had long denied Ukwa West its rightful opportunity for representation.
They expressed gratitude to the APC National Working Committee led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and President Tinubu for allowing the principles of justice, equity and internal democracy to guide the party’s primary election.
In a communiqué signed by the National Chairman of NUPI, Dr. Akanwa Franklin, and the National Secretary, Felix Chidubem Ambition, the organisation described the outcome of the primaries as a victory for fairness and inclusive leadership.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of the Asa Development Union, Sir Boniface Nwigwe, commended the APC leadership for ensuring the emergence of Barr. Sam Nwogu as the party’s standard bearer for the Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency.
He described the development as a historic milestone that had restored hope to the people of Ukwa West, who, according to him, had been excluded from representation in the Green Chamber for close to two decades.
Nwigwe thanked President Tinubu for standing firmly on the side of justice and equity, describing Nwogu as a seasoned politician with more than three decades of experience and a track record of impactful public service.
He highlighted Nwogu’s achievements while serving on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including the construction of over 20 roads across Ukwa communities, the execution of several water projects, and other infrastructural interventions.
According to him, more than 330 students benefited from Nwogu’s sponsorship of WAEC and NECO examinations, while over 1,000 youths and women received training and empowerment through programmes implemented during his tenure at the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC).
He also credited the APC candidate with facilitating employment opportunities for over 300 indigenes into the Abia State Civil Service and ASOPADEC, providing streetlights in Owaza Community, and maintaining a reputation for humility, accessibility, and grassroots engagement.
Also addressing journalists, NUPI National Chairman, Dr. Akanwa Franklin, praised President Tinubu and the APC leadership for upholding the principles of fairness and internal democracy throughout the nomination process.
He said the emergence of Barr. Sam Nwogu as the APC candidate for the House of Representatives and Hon. Prince Paul Ikonne as the party’s candidate for Abia South Senatorial District had renewed confidence in the APC and reinforced the people’s belief in equitable power sharing.
Franklin urged the party leadership to ignore what he described as sponsored petitions aimed at overturning the outcome of the primaries.
He disclosed that NUPI had earlier written to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, appealing for support towards ensuring justice and equitable representation in the constituency, noting that Akwete in Ukwa East had occupied the federal seat for about two decades.
According to him, the emergence of Nwogu and Ikonne reflects the long-established principle of rotation within Ukwa Federal Constituency and the Abia South Senatorial District.
He maintained that the people of Ukwa were united in support of the APC’s decision and called on the party to resist all attempts to undermine the outcome.
The Deputy Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ukwa East Chapter, Alozie Kenneth Chijindu, also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for ensuring that justice prevailed in the selection process.
He said the emergence of Barr. Sam Nwogu from Ukwa West had restored confidence in the zoning arrangement and strengthened the people’s sense of inclusion after nearly 20 years of representation by Ukwa East.
Chijindu assured the APC candidate of the unwavering support of the people of Ukwa West, describing him as a compassionate leader whose previous public service appointments had positively impacted countless lives.
Other speakers at the briefing, including Elder Barr. Henry Goodluck Chilaka, former Sole Administrator of ASOPADEC, Hon. Ezedinachi Kalu, Chairman of Asa Think Tank, and Comrade Christian Nwagbara, representing Asa youths, also endorsed the candidacies of Barr. Sam Nwogu and Hon. Prince Paul Ikonne.
They described the APC’s decision as a triumph of justice, fairness and inclusive representation, expressing confidence that it would strengthen unity within the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
