…As Osonwa empowers constituents
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A chieftain of the Labour Party Nigeria and member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe, has warned anybody thinking of rigging the 2027 polls in Abia to think twice.
This is as the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has rolled out empowerment items valued at over N1 billion for his constituents.
Speaking with journalists during the distribution of empowerment items by Rep Osonwa at the Ohafia Township Stadium, Onwusibe accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of hoping to manipulate the outcome of the polls by leveraging their connection to the centre.
He dismissed the growing profile of the APC in Abia, describing many of its members as “defeated PDP politicians seeking refuge,” and insisted that the ruling Labour Party remained unshaken by recent defections.
According to him, the APC lacks credibility and fresh ideas, arguing that under a free and fair contest, the Labour Party would secure a landslide victory long before the close of polls.
“Governor Otti has earned the trust of Abians through verifiable achievements across sectors. The only confidence the APC has is the belief that elections can be manipulated because it controls the centre. But that will not work in Abia. Take it to the bank,” he said.
Onwusibe also reiterated his earlier position that Governor Otti would not oppose the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a matter of fairness.
“Everyone is seeking a second tenure. The President is equally entitled to his. What is good for one is good for another,” he added.
But in a swift reaction, the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Uche Agoru, denied any plot by the party to influence the outcome of the 2027 polls, saying the lawmaker and his party are only jittery about the rising popularity and unity of the APC in Abia.
He dismissed the allegation as “unfounded and fear-induced.”
“What we are seeing is a response to the growing strength and unity within the party. That momentum appears to have unsettled some individuals, leading to a defeatist mindset,” he said.
Agoru maintained that the APC has no intention of manipulating the electoral process, insisting that such claims should be disregarded.
“There is no plan to rig elections in Abia. The increasing support and goodwill the party enjoys are what is creating this anxiety. When people begin to feel defeated at the mere mention of a party’s name, it reflects fear—not reality,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rep. Onwusibe commended Osonwa for what he described as a “massive and unprecedented” empowerment programme, noting that the initiative was undertaken despite limited capital releases.
“For him to execute this scale of empowerment when less than one per cent of the 2025 capital budget has been implemented shows uncommon commitment. He went the extra mile,” Onwusibe said, urging beneficiaries to utilise the items productively.
Earlier, Osonwa said the initiative was aimed at improving the living standards of his constituents and promoting self-reliance.
He explained that while previous efforts focused on renovating schools and hospitals, the current intervention was designed to directly impact households and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
He added that the inclusion of earth-moving equipment, such as a grader and payloader, was to address the longstanding challenge of poor rural road access in the agrarian constituency.
“We are predominantly a farming community, and access roads are critical. Instead of spending huge sums hiring equipment, this will provide a sustainable solution and benefit the entire constituency,” he said.
Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu described the initiative as a reflection of purposeful, people-oriented leadership.
He noted that the programme goes beyond material distribution, as it is designed to promote dignity, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.
He said the initiative aligns with the administration’s vision of moving citizens from dependency to productivity and urged beneficiaries to treat the items as “seeds for growth” that require dedication and responsible use.
Over 500 beneficiaries received items including minibuses, tricycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, and other tools valued at over N1 billion.
Some beneficiaries, including Grace Chukwu from Isu in Arochukwu; Chidi Anya from Amaekpu Ohafia; Kingsley Ugoji from Atani Arochukwu; and Kalu Ndoma from Atani Abam, described the intervention as a major relief and pledged continued support for the lawmaker.
