2027: NDC Candidate, Iwenjiora, Pledges Grassroots Development in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Decries Poor Roads, Healthcare, School Conditions

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Evangeline Iwenjiora, has pledged to prioritise healthcare, education, road infrastructure and economic empowerment if elected into the House of Representatives.

Iwenjiora, who made the pledge while speaking with journalists in Umuahia, said her ambition was driven by a desire to address what she described as years of inadequate representation and limited development at the grassroots.

The businesswoman and founder of Ivy Link Air Foundation said her non-governmental organisation had, over the years, supported small businesses through empowerment grants, provided scholarships and registered about 137 students for the National Examinations Council, NECO, examinations.

She said her experience working with disadvantaged women, young people and other vulnerable groups had strengthened her resolve to seek elective office and expand development opportunities across the constituency.

Iwenjiora identified poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, electricity challenges and disrupted schooling as some of the pressing concerns requiring urgent attention.

Citing her recent visits to communities in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi, she described the condition of the road leading to Acha as a major impediment to commercial activities, claiming that traders were losing customers because of the poor access road.

She also expressed concern over reports that some rural health centres still relied on lanterns during childbirth and lacked basic medical equipment, while some communities continued to experience inadequate access to healthcare services.

The NDC candidate questioned the impact of constituency interventions, particularly in the areas of healthcare and youth empowerment, arguing that government programmes and resources should reach the communities where they are most needed.

She further criticised the distribution of motorcycles and tricycles as a form of youth empowerment, proposing instead that financial grants and business support should be provided to help beneficiaries establish sustainable enterprises.

On how she intends to drive development, Iwenjiora proposed a ward-based approach to constituency projects, suggesting that resources could be allocated across the 22 wards to address local needs, including healthcare, school rehabilitation, market infrastructure, rural roads and solar-powered streetlights.

She maintained that her approach would be guided by consultation with residents and a commitment to ensuring that development projects benefit communities across the constituency.

On education, the candidate raised concerns about the reported disruption of academic activities at Comprehensive Secondary School in her area, alleging that students had been unable to study in their regular school environment for three years because of insecurity.

She called for collaboration among relevant authorities to address the situation and ensure that affected pupils and students could return to their classrooms.

Responding to a question on whether her position amounted to criticism of the Abia State Government’s healthcare investments, Iwenjiora acknowledged that the administration had undertaken initiatives in the health sector but maintained that some communities in Umunneochi were yet to feel their impact.

She also cited the area’s contributions to the state’s internally generated revenue through commercial activities, including those associated with Lokpanta and Lokpaukwu, as reasons residents should experience corresponding development.

The candidate attributed her confidence in delivering on her promises to her years of running a foundation with personal resources, adding that empathy, accountability and the willingness to listen to constituents would guide her leadership.

On her manifesto, Iwenjiora identified healthcare, education, roads, markets and community development as key priorities but declined to release the full document, saying she wanted to prevent other candidates from copying her proposals before their official presentation.

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Addressing questions about the possibility of defecting after the election, she pledged to remain committed to the political platform supporting her ambition.

She also declared support for the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressing confidence in his economic background and promising to stand by him regardless of the outcome of the election.

Iwenjiora argued that rising living costs, fuel prices and economic hardship had placed additional pressure on Nigerians, particularly low-income households, and called on voters to make their choices based on the candidates’ records and proposed policies.

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