Rally of Regret: Violence Erupts as Minister Onyejiocha Withdraws Endorsement for Governor Otti

ONN Abia 11.03.2025

A political storm erupted in Umunneochi over the weekend as what was meant to be a rally turned into a violent clash at the residence of Hon. Minister Nkiruka Onyejiocha. The event was organized by Minister Onyejiocha to publicly withdraw her endorsement of Governor Alex Otti’s 2027 re-election bid, an endorsement that had sparked outrage among APC loyalists in Abia State and even drawn the ire of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

According to sources, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had reportedly threatened to expel Onyejiocha from the party if she failed to immediately go back to her village and retract her support for Otti. Under mounting pressure, she convened a rally in her hometown to reaffirm loyalty to the APC and dissuade her people from supporting the Abia governor.

However, what was supposed to be a political gathering quickly turned chaotic. Tensions flared when one of Onyejiocha’s aides allegedly assaulted an APC member from Ohafia LGA. This provoked an angry reaction from other attendees, leading to a violent confrontation between rival factions.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of regret and shame, with party members openly expressing disappointment in the turn of events. A participant who was among those allegedly attacked, recounted the bitter experience, lamenting the lack of media coverage on the incident.

At the time of filing this report, efforts are still underway to assess the full extent of the damage, the health condition of affected party members, and the broader implications for Onyejiocha’s political standing within the APC. The fallout from this incident serves as a clear lesson to all APC leaders who believe they can endorse and support opposition candidates in Abia State without facing serious consequences from the party National.

Notably, Minister Onyejiocha had previously accused her party colleagues, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Uche Ogah, of engaging in anti-party activities during the 2022/23 election campaign. Ironically, she now finds herself in the same position, having committed the very act she once condemned.