Immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment and former four-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has informed her constituents in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Abia State, of her intention to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest the 2027 election and return to the lower chamber for a fifth term.
To pave the way, she recently resigned her ministerial appointment in compliance with a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that public office holders aspiring to elective positions in 2027 should step down. Speaking in her Isuochi community on Friday during a mass rally organised to mark her homecoming, Onyejeocha disclosed that she would soon make a formal declaration of her ambition.
Political Background
Onyejeocha served four terms (2007–2023) in the House of Representatives, having first been elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before later moving to the APC. However, her bid for a fifth term in 2023 was unsuccessful, as her Labour Party rival, Hon. Amobi Ogah, emerged winner. Following the election, President Tinubu appointed her Minister of State for Labour and Employment, a position she held until her recent resignation to pursue a return to the National Assembly.
A political scientist and lawyer, Onyejeocha previously served as a commissioner in Abia State in 2002 and as a Local Government Transition Committee Chairman from 2003 to 2004 before her election to the National Assembly in 2007.
Traditional Rulers' Endorsement
At the reception held at Peace School Field, Isuochi, the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Advisory Council, led by Eze Franklin Ohalezim, described Onyejeocha as an illustrious daughter and a woman of proven capacity who has brought pride to the community. The monarch highlighted her contributions, including facilitating projects such as the Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi and a Federal School of Aviation, as well as her philanthropic efforts through the Nkiruka Onyejeocha Foundation, which focuses on empowering the less privileged and providing annual free medical outreach.
The traditional rulers also commended President Tinubu for appointing Onyejeocha as minister, describing it as a move that further advanced development in the constituency.
Traditional Titles Conferred
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of traditional titles—‘Ike Oha Umunneochi’ on President Tinubu and ‘Anyanwu Na-enye Ihie Umunneochi’ on Onyejeocha. President Tinubu was represented by the APC National Welfare Secretary, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, who praised Onyejeocha’s performance as minister and thanked the traditional rulers for the honour.
Party Support
Abia State APC Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, described Onyejeocha as a committed party member and effective lawmaker who deserves re-election, though he noted that the President would have preferred she remained in office.
Onyejeocha's Remarks
In her remarks, Onyejeocha expressed gratitude for the support she has received, noting that her upbringing and education have shaped her commitment to scholarships and humanitarian initiatives. She also appreciated supporters who offered to purchase her APC nomination forms, stating that if they insist, the funds would be channelled into her annual free medical outreach.
Reaffirming her support for President Tinubu, she pledged to work towards his re-election in 2027, citing federal government intervention that addressed a major erosion challenge in Isuikwuato—an issue she had earlier raised on the floor of the House. She further recalled sponsoring a bill seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers, adding that her return to the House would ensure continuity of her legislative and developmental efforts.
Other Speakers
Also speaking, former Umunneochi Council Chairman, Hon. Ndubuisi Ike, urged public office holders to prioritise development and emulate Onyejeocha and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti. Earlier, the National President of the Isuochi Indigenous Ministers Association, Engr./Apostle Monday Enwere, who chaired the event, commended Onyejeocha’s performance across all public offices she has held.
