Uko Nkole: I’m Running for Abia North Senate to End Development Gaps

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Hon. Uko Nkole, says his decision to contest the 2027 senatorial election is driven by a desire to extend the development initiatives he says he attracted during his eight-year representation of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency to other parts of the senatorial district.

Nkole, a former member of the House of Representatives, stated this while speaking with journalists at his residence in Abam, where he outlined his plans and reflected on his record in office.

He said the infrastructure deficit and what he described as inadequate representation in parts of Abia North influenced his decision to seek the Senate seat.

According to him, his experience in the House of Representatives gave him a clear understanding of the developmental challenges confronting the people, particularly in Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas.

Nkole said his objective, if elected, would be to replicate what he described as his development interventions in Arochukwu and Ohafia across the entire senatorial district.

Nkole Raises Concern Over Electricity Supply
The NDC candidate expressed concern over what he described as a decline in electricity supply in parts of Abia North since his departure from the House of Representatives.

He specifically mentioned Abam and other communities in Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi, saying inadequate electricity was affecting households, artisans, businesses and other economic activities.

Nkole argued that elected representatives have a responsibility to interface with relevant authorities and agencies to address electricity challenges affecting their constituents.

He stressed that reliable electricity remained critical to small businesses and skilled and unskilled workers, particularly amid limited employment opportunities.

Highlights Akanu-Ohafia Water Scheme
The former lawmaker also highlighted the Akanu-Ohafia Water Scheme, which he said had a capacity of more than 400,000 cubic metres.

Nkole said he facilitated the rehabilitation of the water project, including the installation of a 100KVA solar power system to support the pumping and lifting of water, as well as solar street lights around the Akanu-Ohafia axis.

He explained that the water scheme, originally constructed in 1986, had subsequently become moribund before efforts were made to rehabilitate it.
According to him, the rehabilitation lasted about two years and the project was handed over in 2022, after which residents began receiving water.

Nkole, however, said the project later suffered a setback following a lightning strike which, according to him, affected the solar system powering the high-lift pumps.
He also disclosed that the reticulation phase of the project remained incomplete, urging the Abia State Government and the current federal lawmakers representing the area to revisit the project and consider funding its completion.

Road Projects: Nkole Acknowledges Otti’s Intervention
On road infrastructure, Nkole said some of the projects he attracted during his tenure were handled by what he described as two Grade-A construction companies.
He said the contractors eventually abandoned the sites due to funding challenges.
The former lawmaker, however, acknowledged Governor Alex Otti’s intervention on the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, saying the governor inherited and continued the project.

Nkole also spoke about the Omenuko Bridge, saying it was among projects approved during his tenure.
He commended the state government for taking over and completing the bridge but expressed concern over the unfinished access road linking it to surrounding communities.
He described the road as part of a 44-kilometre route stretching from Umuahia Tower to Ohafia.
He also cited the Nmori Bridge, also known as Iyi Uduma, saying he facilitated the reconstruction of the bridge.
According to him, work on the 35-kilometre Ohafia-Arochukwu Road had reached approximately 65 percent at binder-course level and five percent at wearing-course level before he left office, with drainage and culvert works also undertaken.

Ndiebe Bridge Connecting Road Still a Concern
Nkole said the Ndiebe Bridge, which he said he facilitated, had been completed but expressed concern over the condition of the road connecting the bridge to surrounding communities.
He argued that infrastructure projects should form part of an integrated network capable of delivering meaningful economic and social benefits to residents.

Claims 162 People Facilitated Into Federal Employment
The former federal lawmaker also recalled what he described as his interventions in employment and public service.
Nkole claimed that approximately 162 people were facilitated into federal employment during his tenure.
He further said civil servants received support under his representation, including opportunities to transition from state to federal ministries.

Nkole Challenges Political Opponents
The NDC candidate also turned his attention to his political opponents, particularly the Labour Party candidate, Bourdex Ogba, who previously served as a Transition Committee Chairman.
Nkole questioned the management and impact of funds released during Ogba’s tenure and challenged him to account for what he described as the benefits of his executive experience to the people.

He also raised concerns about the condition of the Ohafia Old Soldier area road, arguing that more attention should have been given to the road during Ogba’s tenure.
Nkole further criticised what he described as the leasing of a community recreation centre to government for revenue generation, arguing that political and legislative leadership should focus primarily on development and improving citizens’ welfare.

‘National Assembly Should Not Be a Ground for Experimentation’
Making a case for his candidacy, Nkole said his eight years in the House of Representatives and 12 years of public service experience had prepared him for the responsibilities of representing Abia North in the Senate.
He maintained that the National Assembly should not be used as a ground for experimentation, insisting that legislative experience was important in delivering effective representation.
Nkole also acknowledged the contributions of former Abia State Governor and current Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to Abia North, but said he intended to build on existing efforts while pursuing additional development initiatives.

Defends NDC Presence in Abia
The former lawmaker also dismissed claims that the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, were absent from Abia State.
He argued that the party remained present and active in the state, while operating within the provisions guiding the electoral process.
Nkole said the presidential contest was national in scope and that the NDC remained committed to its political activities across Abia.

‘I Want to Bridge Development Gaps Across Abia North’
Nkole said his record of interventions in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency was a major factor behind his decision to seek the Abia North Senate seat.
He maintained that his objective was to extend what he described as a development-oriented approach beyond Arochukwu and Ohafia to Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.