Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency is one of the eight federal constituencies that maker up Abia State.
The constituency has two local government areas with about eight clans.
Since the advent of democracy in 1999, the constituency has had Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Arochukwu), Hon. Uduma Kalu Igu (Ohafia), Rt. Hon. Arua Arunsi (Ohafia), Uko Nkole (Arochukwu) as representatives in the Green Chamber.
While Ohuabunwa was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and served from 1999 to 2007, Igu served from 2007 to 2009 until he was replaced by Arua Arunsi on the platform of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), from 2009 to 2015.
However, the emergence of Uko Nkole (Arochukwu) in 2015 as member representing the constituency despite the Senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa, being from Arochukwu Local Government Area, marked a watershed in the political calculation in the area.
The people of the constituency, particular those from Ohafia clan, had expected that with the Senator emerging from Arochukwu, it would have only been proper and fair for the sake of equity and justice for them to produce the House of Representatives member even though they thought this slight was a fluke.
However, in the spirit of the brotherhood and what has been described as “turn by turn”, the people of Ohafia clan supported Uko Nkole against their son, Engr. Ndukwe Ikoh of the PPA in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
See Final for Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency at the 2019 general election below:
1. OHAFIA Local Government Area.
PDP – 5,683
APC – 4,721
APGA – 3,915
SDP – 934
2. AROCHUKWU Local Government Area.
PDP – 1,389
APC – 775
APGA – 429
GRAND TOTAL
PDP- 7,072
APC- 5,496
APGA- 4,344
SDP- 934
As the 2023 general election approaches, it is expected that both parties would zone their tickets to Ohafia local government area. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have begun strategic moves on how to put their houses in order, ahead of coming elections at all levels.
However, some chieftains across party lines from the two area councils are already warming up to contest the house of representatives seat and who will ultimately influence the shape of things ahead of 2023.
Leading the pack is the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu. He is from Nkporo, Ohafia LGA and a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly. Though, Ude Oko Chukwu’s intention is to contest for the PDP’s governorship ticket in 2023. He is already visible in the state. A chieftain of the PDP who refused to be named told THE WHISPERER that the Deputy Governor might contest for the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency seat if he eventually loses the PDP guber ticket.
The incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole is eyeing a third term in the house if he fails to get PDP governorship ticket. According to sources from the PDP, the Abam born Town Planner is also eyeing the deputy governorship ticket of the PDP once an Ngwa man from Abia Central gets the party ticket. According to the source, “If Hon. Uko fails to get the governorship ticket, PDP might pick him as running mate to their candidate. If that fails to happen, then, expect him to return to the house,” he said.
Also, Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu is believed to be warming up for the race. He is currently the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency. Uchendu is believed to be a grassroot politician and a top contender for the PDP’s ticket.
Barr. Mrs Nwanneka Ekweremadu-Okoro is another top contender eyeing the PDP ticket. The known philanthropist is from Ndi Ibe Ohafia by marriage. She is a top civil servant with Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, and the immediate younger sister to former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Sources told THE WHISPERER that Mrs Nwanneka is under pressure from the leadership of Wadata plaza to join the race.
Abia State Commissioner for Information, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu is said to be eyeing the green chamber in 2023 after he was able to successfully install his ally, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe as the Executive Chairman of Ohafia LGA.
Still in the PDP is Dr Sam Anya, an aide to Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike. An illustrious son of Ohafia, Anya is said to have kicked off his consultations since 2019.
In the APC is a renowned Accountant, Dr. Ibe Okwara Osonwa who was the candidate of APGA for the House of Representatives seat representing Ohafia/Arochukwu Federal constituency at the 2019 general elctions. He is said to be eyeing the governorship ticket of the APC, sources told THE WHISPERER.
Rev. Daniel Imo, a US- based businessman and seasoned technocrat is seen as a top contender for the APC ticket. He is believed to enjoy the goodwill of the Church and community leaders.
Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Arua Arunsi is also believed to be eyeing the APC in 2023. He represented the constituency from 2009-2015.
Others are Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji, Chief Ndukwe Ikoh, Hon. Mba Ukaha, Hon. Stephen Ukpai Ohafia etc.
