Ukwa-La-Ngwa Leaders Reaffirm Loyalty To Ikpeazu, Urge Political Comeback

Political leaders and stakeholders from the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc, which comprises nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas, have reaffirmed their loyalty to former Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, urging him to return to active leadership and reclaim his role as the political head of the Old Aba Division.

This declaration was made during a strategic meeting held at Dr. Ikpeazu’s country home in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area. The gathering, which cut across party lines, was aimed at fostering reconciliation and healing following the setbacks experienced during the 2023 general elections.

Key voices at the meeting—including Chief Chinwe Nwanganga, Mrs. Elizabeth Esochaghi, Elder Obioma Nna, and Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley—unanimously appealed to Ikpeazu to resume leadership of the Ukwa-La-Ngwa political family, citing the need for unity and strategic engagement in the face of growing marginalization.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Chief Don Ubani, former Commissioner for Information, described Dr. Ikpeazu as the “undisputed leader” and “flagship” of the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc. “In 2023, something happened that was not in our people’s interest. Today, we reaffirm that you are our leader, our roadmap. Wherever you go, we will follow,” he declared.

Ubani praised Ikpeazu’s track record, highlighting his inclusive governance, infrastructural strides, and poverty alleviation efforts. He lamented that such opportunities have diminished under the current administration, adding that Ikpeazu’s emergence as the first governor from the region ended a 40-year political exclusion.

In his response, Dr. Ikpeazu expressed gratitude for the solidarity and emphasized that he harbored no personal bitterness over the outcome of the 2023 elections. “There were no personal injuries done to me. What happened was a setback to our collective agenda of building a state where no one feels marginalized,” he said.

Calling for unity and focus, Ikpeazu pledged to lead with strategy and purpose, stressing that leadership comes with responsibility. “The mark of a good leader is to ensure the vessel and the people are safe. This responsibility has been placed on my shoulders, and I won’t run away from it,” he affirmed.

Political observers have described the meeting as a calculated effort to reposition the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc and a clear indication of Ikpeazu’s re-emergence as a significant force in Abia State’s political terrain, especially as the 2027 election cycle draws closer.