Former Reps Member, Uko Nkole, Interfaces With Party Leaders In Abia, Inquires About Their Welfare

By Newsspot On Nov 4, 2025

The former member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Uko Nkole, over the weekend, had an interface with key stakeholders and leaders of major political parties in Abia State, an engagement that was aimed to assess how these leaders have been faring since the conclusion of the 2023 electoral process.

The meeting which attracted party faithful from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and others, was initiated and held at the country home of the immediate past federal lawmaker for Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency, Rt.Hon Uko Nkole.

In his remarks, Nkole explained that he sees no reason not to maintain cordial relationships with friends across different political parties who stood by him during past political struggles.

He recalled that in 2019, despite being denied the opportunity by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to nominate a party agent for his own election, even at his polling unit, supporters from other political parties rallied behind him.

“I see no reason why I should not be proud of members of other parties who stood by me shoulder to shoulder”, he stated.

Nkole further recounted the events of the 2023 election cycle, noting that many individuals across political divides had wished for him to emerge as the PDP senatorial candidate. However, he said the primary election results were manipulated in favour of another aspirant who was eventually confirmed as the party’s flag bearer.

“In 2023, when I ran for Senate, it was the desire of most political parties that I became the PDP candidate. Unfortunately, the results were written in favour of someone else. Today, we all know the outcome of the 2023 elections. I sympathize with my party for making the wrong decision, even though that is now in the past”, he said.

Nkole noted that since the last electoral processes, he had not had the opportunity to engage with his friends and associates across different political parties to discuss their welfare and collective progress. The former lawmaker, therefore, called for sincere feedback from stakeholders and attendees drawn from the five Local Government Areas of Abia North, to help chart a new course for development and cooperation.

Taking the first turn to speak, the ADC Chairman for Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mr. Ikechukwu Trump, urged the former lawmaker to revisit the senatorial ambition he began in 2023 but could not complete. He appealed to Nkole to return and continue the struggle, stressing that the Abia North Senatorial District needs a leader like him to help salvage and reposition the zone.

Former Reps Member, Uko Nkole, Interfaces With Party Leaders In Abia, Inquires About Their Welfare

Speaking on behalf of the people of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, the State Legal Adviser of APGA, Barr Ferdinard Ibebuike, said even though the meeting cuts across various parties, the former federal lawmaker, should not hesitate to inform them of his aspirations at the appropriate time.

Other speakers from Arochukwu, Mazi Ikenga Ijoma, Bende representative and Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon Emmanuel Agwu Ikpong, recounted on the achievements of Hon Nkole at the Green chamber, stating that he should come out in 2027 to complete what he started in 2023.

In their opinions, High Chief Ezinne Grace Chijioke and Mrs Blessing Uzoigwe, reaffirmed their support to Hon Uko Nkole, stating that they have been waiting for him, to hint them on his next line of action, pledging their total support to whatever aspiration he declares for in 2027.

For Hon Mba Ukoha, he said the impact of Rt Hon Uko Nkole at the House of Representatives, were enormous, urging him to come out openly to his aspirations, so that they don’t preempt.

Equally, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Chief Eme Ndubuisi, said his party will take over the Government House. According to him the Abia State Government House is empty. “If Angels were to bring a message for Abians and came to the Government House in Umuahia, they wouldn’t find the Governor to deliver it to. We need to return the Government House to Umuahia”,Chief Ndubuisi argued.

Also, the ADC State Chairman, Hon Don Norman, wooed the former lawmaker to ADC, telling him to use the ADC as the platform to express his 2027 political ambition.

Similarly, the former lawmaker’s long standing friend, Longman Nwachukwu Esq, lauded the qualities of Rt Hon Nkole, adding that he had shown integrity over the years, describing him as an iconic politician that had given his best over time.

Furthermore, the former head of the Abia State Road and Maintenance Agency (ABROMA), Chief Ndukwe Orji, hinted that that agitation for good governance is a continuous demand, urging Nkole to make his aspirations known in due time, so that they can strategize effectively.

The State Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr Kingsley Imaga, said the performances of the two time legislator were impactful, stressing that the 2027 election would focus more on individual capacity rather than party. ” We are eagerly waiting for you to unveil what you are aspiring for. It doesn’t matter the vehicle we use, what matters is the destination”.

Responding, Nkole reiterated that the ban on electioneering activities has not been lifted, therefore, the meeting was not in any way to declare or make his aspiration for 2027 known, but to appreciate his friends across party divides.”I didn’t call you for the declaration of any position, what is important, is that, I have not met some of you for a long time, so I decided to hear from you and know how you are feeling”,

Reacting further to the call to go for Abia North Senate in 2027, Nkole disclosed that, he is an ardent follower of the law, stressing that the ban on electioneering activities has not been lifted, therefore, it would be wrong for him to make any declaration ahead of 2027. “Am not running for anything for now, what I seek is our welfare and ways to improve ourselves. You all voted in 2023, how many of you have benefitted from the electoral process irrespective of political party. What have you benefited as an individual, it is not about party but about the character of the person.

“There is nothing am not qualified to run, am more experienced to run for Governor. I was at the House of Representatives for eight years, i have diplomatic passport before the current occupant of government, I worked in the federal civil service for 12 years. I have public service experience, the facilities I attracted as a member of the House of Representatives are still standing today. I attracted the construction of Nmuri bridge. I pursued for the reconstruction of omenuko bridge, I got approval for it, two months to the end of my tenure. I thank Otti for what he did on the bridge to ensure it’s completion”, he said.

Nkole, however, dismissed the cliche used by present administration that feeding bottles had been removed from mouths of former politicians describing such notions as misleading and deceptive.

He emphasized that the primary duty of politicians is to ensure the welfare of the people. According to him, past administrations in Abia provided welfare packages that positively impacted citizens, adding that the funds shared with state governments following the removal of fuel subsidy belong to Nigerians, stressing that while infrastructure is important, citizens’ welfare, what he called “stomach infrastructure”, is equally vital.