Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has formally signalled her intention to return to the National Assembly, declaring plans to contest for the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat in 2027 at a grand civic reception held in her hometown in Abia State that drew commendations for her service at both legislative and executive levels of government.
President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event by the APC National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa, praised Onyejeocha for her performance in office, noting that her tenure had brought stability and direction to a ministry previously known for persistent unrest and industrial disputes. The president revealed that he had been initially reluctant to accept her resignation given the impact she made, but ultimately allowed her to step down to pursue service directly to her constituents.
He assured party members of a transparent primary process ahead of future elections, stressing that all aspirants would emerge through credible internal procedures.
Onyejeocha expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the federal level, describing her ministerial role as a platform that had enabled her to attract meaningful development to her constituency. She cited federal intervention in tackling serious erosion challenges in Isuikwuato as one of the concrete outcomes of her sustained legislative and executive engagements on behalf of her constituents.
She acknowledged the role of traditional institutions and grassroots support in shaping her political journey, noting that her advocacy had consistently focused on strengthening local governance and investing in human capital development at the community level.
Abia State APC Chairman Chijioke Chukwu described her as a disciplined public servant whose years in office had been devoid of controversy, a characterisation reinforced by traditional rulers and community leaders who spoke of her record in similar terms. Organisers of the reception, including the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers’ Advisory Council, highlighted projects, empowerment initiatives, and medical outreach programmes delivered during her time in office, and conferred traditional titles on her in recognition of her service and leadership.
