The member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has urged his constituents and supporters to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that efforts to reclaim his mandate are “on course.”
Nkwonta gave the assurance at his Akwete-Ndoki Residence today while addressing APC stakeholders and supporters from Ukwa East and Ukwa West during a solidarity meeting, amid the controversy surrounding the party’s primary election for the constituency.
“Worry no more; we are on course,” Nkwonta told the gathering, urging his supporters not to be discouraged by the political developments surrounding the primary.
The lawmaker said that he won the APC primary election with a wide margin, securing over 4,000 votes, but maintained that the result was subsequently altered.
He said the matter was now before the court, expressing confidence that justice would be done.
“I am not against APC; I am against injustice. The injustice meted out to me by the NWC of the APC will be corrected,” he said.
Nkwonta stressed that the current dispute should not divide APC members in the constituency, maintaining that the meeting was convened primarily to strengthen party unity and galvanise supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have issues as to who is the party candidate, but that should not disintegrate us. We should be united. This meeting is about party unity,” he said.
He also maintained that he had not endorsed any candidate from elsewhere, insisting that his political interest remained the development of Ukwa East and Ukwa West.
Nkwonta used the occasion to highlight his record in office, particularly in the areas of empowerment and constituency representation.
He said he had distributed vehicles, tricycles and buses to constituents and had also pursued the establishment of a skill acquisition centre in the area, which he alleged was frustrated by opposition from some quarters.
The lawmaker challenged stakeholders to compare his empowerment initiatives with what had been achieved in the constituency since 1999.
On the poor state of roads in the constituency, Nkwonta explained that his constitutional responsibilities as a federal lawmaker were lawmaking, oversight and representation, while major road construction remained the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.
He said the Obehie-Azumini Road had been awarded and that he witnessed its flag-off, expressing confidence that the project would be completed.
Nkwonta also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy had freed more resources for governments to deploy to development.
He urged state governors to ensure that the additional funds available to them were translated into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The lawmaker called on APC members to support President Tinubu’s re-election and work for the success of the party’s candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections.
“APC is my party. I am not against APC, but against injustice,” he reiterated.
Nkwonta further appealed to his supporters to remain committed, saying he needed another term to consolidate his vision for the constituency.
“All I need is one more term,” he said, stressing that he was not responsible for the 16 years preceding his administration and therefore needed sufficient time to drive his development agenda for the people.
Meanwhile, the APC State Treasurer, Hon. John Ajuzieogu, who represented the state chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, assured members that the party would support whoever emerged as its duly recognised candidate.
Ajuzieogu described Nkwonta as the leader of APC in Ukwa and expressed optimism that the issues surrounding his candidacy would be resolved and justice served.
He said the party was determined to win all elective positions in Abia in the 2027 general elections.
The APC chairmen of Ukwa East and Ukwa West, Chiwuike Ekeke and Mr. Success Enyinna, respectively, thanked party faithful for their loyalty and steadfastness, assuring them that “there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”
The APC candidate for Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Adiele Ekeke, and his Ukwa West counterpart, Nwaji, also urged members to remain steadfast and united, expressing confidence that the controversy surrounding Nkwonta’s mandate would be resolved through the courts.
Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley, said the meeting was organised in solidarity with Nkwonta, expressing confidence that his mandate would eventually be restored.
The APC women leaders in Ukwa West and Ukwa East, Mrs. Happiness Ahukanna and Mrs. Chimezie Agomuo, pledged the support of women for the party and Nkwonta ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included; Elder Okere Eruba, SP Ogbonna, Dr. Chidi Nwankpa, Hon. Esiaba Iwezor and Chief Enyinnaya Zack, among others who assured Nkwonta of continued support.
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