Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu 

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, one of the largest voting blocs in Ikwuano State Constituency, Abia State—the MOUAU/NRCRI Community Forum—has added its voice to the growing  call for Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu to offer himself for service and view as a candidate  to represent Ikwuano State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.

At a well-attended gathering held at the University Guest House grounds, Umudike, the Forum openly appealed to Ishionwu to heed the call of the people and allow himself to be supported by all and sundry to change the developmental narrative of Ikwuano. The Forum further pledged to mobilise its members, friends, and associates to support his emergence, should he heed the call.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Udo Abraham  described Ishionwu as the kind of transformational and decisive leader Ikwuano urgently needs to secure its fair share of development projects and government attention.

“As a private citizen, Ugwumba Ishionwu has consistently executed people-oriented and community-focused projects across Ikwuano. Ndi Ikwuano can no longer ignore his capacity, influence, and proven track record of philanthropy and service,” Hon Abraham said

“Leadership is about vision, courage, creativity, and action—qualities Ugwumba Ishionwu has demonstrated in abundance. If he can achieve so much without holding public office, one can only imagine what he would accomplish with the mandate of the people. For this reason, the MOUAU/NRCRI Community Forum is calling on him to step forward and serve.”

Adding her voice, Secretary of the Forum, Chief (Mrs.) Dorothy Ani, noted that the MOUAU/NRCRI Community represents a significant intellectual and professional force within Ikwuano.

“We have studied Ugwumba Ishionwu over time. He is young, vibrant, principled, and courageous. His leadership style, vision, and consistency clearly distinguish him as the best Ikwuano can proudly present as a lawmaker in 2027,” she stated.

The Forum, which comprises non-Ikwuano indigene staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), is regarded as one of the fastest-growing and most influential communities in the constituency.

Several speakers at the event expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as years of underwhelming representation and untapped potential in Ikwuano, urging the electorate to embrace pragmatic and people-driven leadership.

Mr. Tobi Omar, an official of the Forum  stressed that Ishionwu represents preparation, consistency, and genuine service.

“Ndi Ikwuano must move away from last-minute politicians who surface only during elections. Ugwumba Ishionwu has prepared himself over the years. He has shown compassion, capacity, and commitment. When the people consistently see these qualities, they have a responsibility to call such a person to serve,” he said.

The Forum also highlighted Ishionwu’s wide-ranging support for women, youths, and vulnerable groups, describing him as a unifying figure whose influence cuts across the entire Ikwuano landscape.

The gathering was described as an interactive engagement rather than a political campaign, with the Forum urging Ishionwu to treat their collective appeal with the seriousness it deserves.

Responding, Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu expressed deep gratitude to the Forum for recognising his years of community service, noting that he was both humbled and reflective about the call being made.

“I am sincerely touched that the community has taken notice of the little we have done over the years. Everything I do is rooted in my personal covenant with God—to be a faithful steward of whatever He blesses me with, for the good of humanity,” he said.

However, Ishionwu stressed that he has not taken any final decision, noting that the call to leadership must align with divine direction.

“This call is weighty. It requires deep reflection, prayers, and broad consultations. I am seeking God’s guidance for a clear sign and continuing consultations with elders, stakeholders, and the people. If it is truly His will and the time is right, He will make the path clear,” he said.

He appreciated the Forum for its sincerity and assured them that their counsel and expectations would be given due consideration as consultations continue.