Mrs Evangeline Iwenjiora
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Mrs Evangeline Iwenjiora, has promised to transform the constituency through sustainable empowerment and targeted development projects.
She said this would replace the routine distribution of tricycles and motorcycles which has become common.
Iwenjiora spoke during an interview with newsmen in Umuahia, outlining healthcare, education, agriculture, road infrastructure and youth empowerment as major focus areas.
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She said her empowerment programme would create sustainable livelihoods, particularly for young people, rather than reward political supporters.
According to her, the 22 wards in the constituency require deliberate interventions in basic infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.
She proposed allocating constituency funds across wards to address specific needs, including renovating health centres, schools and markets.
Other interventions include providing solar streetlights and support for small businesses across the constituency.
Iwenjiora argued that empowerment resources would have greater impact as business grants for youths than as tricycles or motorcycles.
She expressed concern over the state of roads in rural communities, particularly Acha in Isuikwuato Local Government Area.
She said poor infrastructure there had affected farming and evacuation of produce to markets.
According to her, buyers from neighbouring communities and states can no longer access the area easily.
She said it had affected economic activities and livelihoods of farmers and market women.
The NDC candidate also decried the condition of healthcare facilities and electricity supply in Umunneochi.
She alleged that childbirth still occurs without electricity and basic medical support in some communities.
She questioned the level of employment opportunities and constituency interventions available to the people.
She also expressed concern over inadequate attention to healthcare despite the incumbent chairing the malaria and infectious diseases committee.
Iwenjiora said she was motivated to contest because previous representatives had not addressed developmental challenges.
She promised to change the narrative in the constituency.
Iwenjiora criticised the alleged neglect of some communities, including Umuchieze, despite their economic contributions to Abia.
On education, she cited Comprehensive Secondary School in her area, alleging students learn in a motor park hall.
She said they had spent about three years there due to dilapidated school facilities.
She said education remained a central pillar of her representation, requiring deliberate intervention to bridge gaps.
The NDC candidate disclosed she had run her NGO with personal resources for over nine years.
She said the experience strengthened her commitment to grassroots development.
Iwenjiora also made a case for equity, claiming her zone had not held elective positions in 35 years.
She said her candidacy would give underrepresented communities opportunity to participate directly in political representation.
On the 2027 contest, she said she was prepared to compete with the incumbent and other aspirants.
She said the electorate should determine who emerges victorious at the polls.
She also expressed support for NDC presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing him as a man of integrity.
She described Obi as an economist capable of addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Iwenjiora urged voters to participate actively in 2027 and ensure their votes were protected.
She cited economic hardship and rising costs affecting grassroots people as reasons.
She said her development agenda would prioritise healthcare, education, agriculture and road infrastructure.
Iwenjiora said it would give special attention to elderly residents, farmers and young people.
She said her healthcare plan would include the elderly, while farmers would receive fertiliser support.
The NDC candidate pledged that constituency projects under her would be managed transparently.
She said they would not be controlled by family members or political associates.
