Traditional rulers in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State have thrown their weight behind the political comeback of former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, endorsing her bid to return to the House of Representatives in 2027.
The endorsement, issued under the umbrella of the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Council, signals a strong show of grassroots support for the former lawmaker, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency for 16 years.
As part of the endorsement, the council has concluded arrangements to host a grand reception in her honour. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi.
According to the council’s leadership, the reception is designed to spotlight Onyejeocha’s track record in public service and her contributions to the development of the constituency.
Chairman of the council, HRH Franklin Ohanaeze, alongside Secretary Eze Wilson Obi Egbo, described Onyejeocha’s years in the National Assembly as impactful, citing a range of constituency projects executed during her tenure.
They noted that the event would celebrate her “outstanding service and unwavering commitment” across multiple roles, including as commissioner, local government chairperson, federal lawmaker, and minister.
The monarchs further stated that the gathering would serve as a platform to reaffirm their support as she prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Onyejeocha, one of the longest-serving lawmakers from Abia State, represented the constituency from 2007 to 2023. During her time in the House, she chaired several strategic committees, including Aviation, and gained recognition for constituency-focused initiatives such as rural electrification, school rehabilitation, youth empowerment programmes, and road infrastructure development.
Her political strength has also been attributed to a well-established grassroots network and consistent voter support across the constituency.
Observers say her stint as Minister of State for Labour and Employment adds further weight to her political profile. In that role, she participated in labour negotiations, coordinated employment policies, and contributed to federal workforce initiatives.
Political analysts believe her blend of legislative experience, executive exposure, and grassroots influence positions her as a formidable contender for the 2027 race.
Beyond her personal ambition, Onyejeocha is also emerging as a strategic figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.
Her renewed engagement at the grassroots level is seen by party insiders as part of a broader effort to rebuild the APC’s political structure across Abia North and the wider South-East region.
With her extensive network and experience, she is expected to play a key role in mobilising support for the party’s presidential, National Assembly, and governorship campaigns ahead of the elections.
Her close ties to the federal leadership are also viewed as an advantage, positioning her as a bridge between national power and local politics, particularly in advancing the administration’s agenda in the region.
Within party ranks, she is regarded as a unifying figure capable of harmonising interests among stakeholders and coordinating campaign strategies across factions.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, her dual role as both candidate and strategist could prove decisive in shaping the APC’s fortunes in Abia State.