Post-2023 Fallout: Ukwa-Ngwa Stakeholders Unite Behind Ikpeazu for Renewed Political Leadership by Enyinnaya Apollos
Post-2023 Fallout: Ukwa-Ngwa Stakeholders Unite Behind Ikpeazu for Renewed Political Leadership
…I hold no grudge against anyone, no personal injuries to me – Says Ikpeazu
By Enyinnaya Appolos
Political leaders and stakeholders from the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc, which comprises nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, have declared their unwavering loyalty to the political leadership of the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, urging him to forget events of the past, particularly the 2023 elections, and take up his position as the political leader, rallying point and flagship of the people of the Old Aba Division.
The declaration was made during a well-attended but exclusive meeting held at Dr. Ikpeazu’s country home in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area. Political leaders across party lines gathered to express what many described as the beginning of a healing process following the 2023 general elections.
Various speakers at the meeting, including Chief Chinwe Nwanganga, Mrs. Elizabeth Esochaghi, Elder Obioma Nna, and Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley, emphasized that the sole agenda of the gathering was to appeal to Dr. Ikpeazu to put the events of 2023 behind him and assume leadership of the Ukwa-La-Ngwa people once again.
Summarizing their position, former Commissioner for Information, Chief Don Ubani, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, said the Ukwa-La-Ngwa people had resolved to stand firmly behind Dr. Ikpeazu as their undisputed leader, regardless of political differences or past grievances.
“In 2023, something happened that was not in the interest of our people. But today, we are here to reaffirm that you are our leader—you are our flagship, our point of destination. No matter what may have happened, our collective confidence remains firmly reposed in you and your leadership. We do not just want you; we demand that you continue to lead your people. We have no option, no alternative. Whether at the national or state level, you remain our rudder, our roadmap. Wherever you go, we will follow.”
Ubani highlighted that the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc remains the economic powerhouse of Abia State and had benefitted significantly from inclusive governance, infrastructural development, and human capital empowerment during Ikpeazu’s administration.
“You broke the jinx of over 40 years by becoming the first Ukwa-La-Ngwa man to serve as governor. We are proud of the legacy you left behind. While you were in office, you created opportunities for the poor and used appointments strategically to fight poverty. Sadly, such opportunities no longer exist in the current administration,” he added.
In his response, Dr. Ikpeazu expressed deep gratitude for the show of solidarity, stating that he harboured no bitterness over the political events of 2023. He described those events not as a personal setback, but as a collective one for well-meaning people of Abia State.
“I hold no grudge against anyone,” he said. “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. For those who didn’t align with that vision at the time, I believe they simply hadn’t seen the light. But we must move forward.”
He emphasized the need for unity among Ukwa-La-Ngwa people and called for a renewed sense of purpose to reclaim their rightful place in the state’s political and economic affairs.
“Our people still feel greatly shortchanged, especially under the current dispensation. The time has come for us to come together again. I have no option but to rise to the occasion, and I will do so with strategy and purpose,” he stated.
Ikpeazu added that leadership comes with responsibility, and he is ready to embrace it.
“The mark of a good leader is to ensure that both the vessel and the people are safe as you take them to shore,” he said. “This is a responsibility that fate and destiny have placed on my shoulders. I didn’t ask for it, but now that it has come, I won’t run away from it.”
The meeting is being interpreted by political observers as a strategic reset for the Ukwa-La-Ngwa bloc and a signal that Dr. Ikpeazu may be re-emerging as a central figure in the political realignment ahead of future elections in Abia State.
