2027: BLESSING NWAGBA DECLARES FOR ABIA SOUTH SENATORIAL SEAT, CHAMPIONS WOMEN INCLUSION, GRASSROOTS EMPOWERMENT

2027: BLESSING NWAGBA DECLARES FOR ABIA SOUTH SENATORIAL SEAT, CHAMPIONS WOMEN INCLUSION,  GRASSROOTS EMPOWERMENT

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Hon. Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, has formally declared her intention to contest the Abia South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race within the party.

Nwagba, popularly known as “Total Blessing,” made her declaration during a well-attended interactive session with party leaders, executives, stakeholders, and members from Aba North and Aba South local government areas.

The event, held at the Osusu-Aba Council Hall on Thursday, April 23, 2026, drew a wide spectrum of APC faithful, including state officials, ward executives, youths, and supporters.

A seasoned grassroots politician and former two-term member of the Abia State House of Assembly, where she represented Aba North State Constituency, Nwagba anchored her ambition on experience, inclusiveness, and a deep understanding of her constituency.

She recalled her previous outings as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in 2019 and APC senatorial candidate for Abia South in 2023, noting that her familiarity with the terrain and established political structure across the district positioned her strongly for the contest.

In her address, she assured party members that her entry into the race was driven by a commitment to attract opportunities and development to Abia South.

She emphasized the economic significance of Aba to Abia State, describing it as the commercial hub whose contributions sustain the state’s economy.

According to her, the people of Aba deserved stronger representation and greater recognition at the national level.

She stressed that her qualifications extended beyond academic credentials—highlighting her PhD in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Port Harcourt—to include her longstanding connection with the grassroots.

She noted that her consistent engagement with constituents over the years had given her a clear grasp of their needs and challenges.

Nwagba also questioned the prolonged dominance of certain political actors in the Senate, pointing out that while some individuals from Abia South had occupied the position for decades, Aba had yet to fully assert its presence.

She urged the people to seize the moment and rally behind her who understands their aspirations and ever willing to fight for their interests.

A central theme of her declaration was the call for greater inclusion of women in governance.

She advocated strongly for gender equality, arguing that excluding women from leadership roles undermined national development.

She maintained that women were not seeking to compete with men but rather to contribute meaningfully alongside them.

She called on men to support women’s participation in politics, noting that any society that sidelines half of its population limits its own progress.

Drawing from her legislative experience, she highlighted her track record in the Abia State House of Assembly, where she earned the nickname “Madam Matter of Urgent Public Importance” for her vocal and consistent contributions.

She cited interventions such as raising concerns about perennial flooding along Faulks Road in Aba, which led to infrastructural improvements, and drawing attention to frequent accidents near Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, prompting the construction of a pedestrian bridge.

She emphasized the importance of electing experienced legislators, describing lawmaking as a craft that improves with experience.

According to her, effective representation required not only knowledge of legislative processes but also constant engagement with constituents.

Beyond legislative advocacy, Nwagba promised a blend of infrastructural development and welfare support—popularly referred to as “stomach infrastructure.”

She pointed to her history of providing assistance through employment opportunities, educational support, and empowerment initiatives, assuring supporters that such efforts would be expanded across the senatorial district.

Addressing the diverse needs of the district, she outlined plans to boost commerce in Aba, enhance agricultural development in Obingwa, and tackle infrastructural deficits in oil-producing areas like Ukwa East and Ukwa West, where she lamented the absence of basic amenities such as light, roads and schools despite their huge economic contributions.

She reiterated her identity as a grassroots politician, affirming that there was no part of Abia South she had not visited. Her previous campaign efforts, she noted, had strengthened her connection with the people and solidified her support base across the district.

Nwagba concluded by appealing for unity within the party and among constituents, urging collective action to achieve her senatorial ambition.

She pledged not to disappoint if elected, promising to deliver tangible dividends of democracy and make the people proud.

Her declaration was met with enthusiasm, particularly among women, who celebrated her aspiration with songs and chants of solidarity, adopting the slogan: “Total Blessing: Arise and Shine; Arise and Shine, Total Blessing is the Answer”.

Born into the family of the late Ven. Joseph Ukomadu Ufomba of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Nwagba is a recipient of the prestigious “Odo Abia” title conferred on her by former governor Theodore Orji and also Knight of St. Mary (KSM).

She is widely regarded for her academic achievements, vast political experience, and commitment to public service.

Hon. Blessing Nwagba is married to the late Pharmacist Israel Nwagba of Osusu-Aba and their marriage is blessed with four highly successful engineers.

The event attracted several notable figures, including Hon. Aaron Uzodike, Hon. Victor Ubani, Hon. Goodluck Ahamefula, Hon. Chinyere Chibuike, Hon. Chintua Nwagba, Mrs. Ngozi Alaribe, Obinna Egbulefu, Comrade Uche Moses, Uche Ekwenye (APC chairman, Aba North and his Aba South counterpart, Iheanyi Mbakwe, Nze Tony Onyenoforo, Uba Omenazu, Stanley Azuka, Hon. Stanley Ogbonna, Hon. Hope Ogbonna, Mrs. Gladys Anyim, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu (APC Youth Leader, Aba North) and other party stalwarts and community leaders, underscoring the significance of her entry into the 2027 senatorial race.