Traditional rulers in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State have thrown their weight behind the return bid of former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The royal fathers also announced plans to organise a grand reception in her honour, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi.
According to the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Council, the event is intended to celebrate Onyejeocha’s long-standing contributions to the development of the constituency and to formally endorse her political comeback.
The council, led by its chairman, HRH Franklin Ohanaeze, and secretary, Eze Wilson Obi Egbo, described her public service record as outstanding, noting her impact across different levels of leadership—from local government administration to the National Assembly and the federal executive council.
They said Onyejeocha’s 16-year stay in the House of Representatives was marked by visible constituency projects, including rural electrification, school rehabilitation, road construction, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Onyejeocha represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2023, becoming one of Abia State’s longest-serving federal lawmakers. During that period, she also chaired several key committees, including Aviation, where she built a reputation for constituency-driven representation.
The traditional rulers said the upcoming reception will serve as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge her service and reaffirm their support as she prepares for another return to the Green Chamber in 2027.
Beyond her legislative years, Onyejeocha also served as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, where she participated in national labour negotiations and workforce-related policy coordination, further strengthening her political profile.
Her return to grassroots politics has already generated attention within political circles in Abia State, with stakeholders viewing her as a major figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure ahead of the next election cycle.
Party insiders say her experience, influence, and strong grassroots network could play a key role in shaping APC’s strategy in Abia and the wider South-East region.
She is also seen as a bridge between federal authority and local political structures, with expectations that she may help drive mobilisation efforts for the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
As preparations for the reception gather momentum, the endorsement by traditional rulers is expected to further solidify her position as a leading contender for the constituency seat.
