2027: NDC Candidate, Iwenjiora, Promises To Transform Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Beyond Keke Empowerment
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Hon. Evangeline Iwenjiora, has promised to transform the constituency through sustainable empowerment and targeted development projects rather than what she described as the routine distribution of tricycles and motorcycles.
Iwenjiora during a press conference in Umuahia on Sunday, outlined healthcare, education, agriculture, road infrastructure and youth empowerment as the major areas of focus if elected.
She said her empowerment programme would be designed to create sustainable livelihoods for constituents, particularly young people, rather than serve as a reward for political supporters.
According to her, the 22 wards in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi require deliberate interventions in basic infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development. She proposed the allocation of constituency funds across the wards to address their specific needs, including the renovation of health centres, schools and markets, provision of solar streetlights and support for small businesses.
Iwenjiora argued that resources meant for empowerment could have greater impact if deployed as grants to enable young people establish genuine businesses instead of providing them with tricycles or motorcycles.
She also expressed concern over the state of roads in some rural communities, particularly Acha in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, where she said poor road infrastructure had affected farming and the evacuation of agricultural produce to markets.
According to her, the poor condition of the Acha road has also made it difficult for buyers from neighbouring communities and states to access the area, thereby affecting economic activities and the livelihoods of farmers and market women.
The NDC candidate further raised concerns about the condition of healthcare facilities and electricity supply in parts of Umunneochi, alleging that residents still face situations where childbirth takes place without electricity and basic medical support.
She also questioned the level of employment opportunities and constituency interventions available to the people, while expressing concern about what she described as inadequate attention to healthcare despite the role of the incumbent as the committee chairman on malaria, infectious diseases and tuberculosis.
Iwenjiora said she was motivated to contest the seat because, in her assessment, previous representatives had not done enough to address the developmental challenges confronting the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency a d she is coming to change the narrative.
She also criticised the alleged neglect of some communities, including Umuchieze, and argued that some parts of Umunneochi had not received commensurate development despite its contribution to the economic activities and revenue base of Abia State.
On education, she highlighted the condition of Comprehensive Secondary School in her area, alleging that students had spent about three years learning in a hall at a motor park because of the dilapidated state of the school facilities.
She said education remained one of the central pillars of her proposed representation, stressing that communities whose educational systems lag behind their counterparts would require deliberate interventions to bridge the gap.
The NDC candidate also disclosed that she had operated her non-governmental organisation with personal resources for more than nine years, saying the experience had strengthened her commitment to grassroots development.
Iwenjiora further made a case for equity in political representation, claiming that her zone had not occupied elective positions at the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate or Governorship level in the past 35 years of the State creation.
She said her candidacy was therefore also aimed at providing an opportunity for communities that had not previously occupied major elective positions to participate more directly in political representation.
On the 2027 contest, Iwenjiora said she was prepared to compete with the incumbent and other aspirants, maintaining that the electorate should determine who emerges victorious.
She also expressed support for NDC presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing him as a man of integrity and an economist capable, in her view, of addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Iwenjiora urged voters to participate actively in the 2027 election and ensure that their votes are protected, citing economic hardship and the impact of rising costs on people at the grassroots.
She said her proposed development agenda would prioritise healthcare, education, agriculture and road infrastructure, with special attention to elderly residents, farmers and young people.
However , she said her healthcare plan would include the elderly, while farmers would receive support such as fertiliser to improve agricultural productivity.
The NDC candidate also pledged that, if elected, constituency projects under her representation would be managed transparently and would not be controlled by family members or political associates.
