Chairman of Umuahia Premier Club, Ako Obioma, has responded to comments attributed to the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, over their political relationship and events surrounding the 2023 general election.
Obioma, in his response, challenged Aguocha and other stakeholders to provide their accounts of the circumstances that preceded the lawmaker’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate for the constituency in the 2023 election.
According to Obioma, Aguocha was not initially planning to contest the election but became involved in the race following developments within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He said he was among those who encouraged Aguocha to participate in the election and subsequently played a role in efforts that facilitated his emergence on the Labour Party platform.
Obioma said the circumstances surrounding the Labour Party ticket involved a series of discussions and consultations among political stakeholders, adding that he would provide further details on the matter when appropriate.
The Umuahia Premier Club chairman also addressed the issue of political endorsement, maintaining that the club had not officially endorsed any candidate for the forthcoming election, including Aguocha.
He explained that the club had a tradition of supporting its members during elections and said Aguocha benefited from the arrangement during the 2023 general election.
Obioma further spoke about Aguocha’s participation in the activities of the club, saying there had been limited participation in some of its meetings and obligations. He added that the matter had recently been addressed following discussions with the club’s leadership.
The club chairman said his response was aimed at clarifying his position and putting his account of the events surrounding the 2023 election on record.
He maintained that he had previously sought to move beyond disagreements within the political space, but decided to respond after comments attributed to Aguocha brought their political relationship into public discussion.
Obioma said he was prepared to allow members of the Ohuhu community and other stakeholders to assess the various accounts surrounding the 2023 political developments.
The latest exchange comes amid increased political activity in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections and follows discussions surrounding the purported political endorsement by Umuahia Premier Club, which the club leadership has maintained was not an official endorsement of any candidate.
