As the 2027 political calculations gather steam, stakeholders in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency are being urged to prioritise experience and legislative competence over sentiments in choosing their representative.
The argument being canvassed is simple: lawmaking is serious business, and the House of Representatives needs tested hands who can turn policy ideas into enforceable laws.
Making the case is Hon. Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Esq, the APC candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
In a statement released on July 15, 2026, Onyejeocha said experience in legislation remains highly valuable for translating policy ideas into functioning law.
“Experience in legislation is highly valuable for translating policy ideas into functioning, enforceable law,” she said. “It builds essential skills in drafting bills, building legislative consensus, and navigating parliamentary procedure.”
According to her, lawmakers with prior experience or legal backgrounds are often more effective at advancing bills and accommodating competing interests.
She explained that such experience helps in drafting bills that can move from policy to action, separating actualisable legislation from proposals that are only sensational on social media. An experienced legislator also anticipates loopholes and unintended consequences, and possesses the drafting skills necessary to ensure laws are practical, logical and constitutionally sound.
Onyejeocha further noted that in specialised committees covering areas like aviation, technology, tax, or environmental law, deep legislative or regulatory experience allows for precise, expert-driven rule-making and qualitative legislation.
She added that seasoned legislators understand the complex parliamentary processes, from sponsoring in the green chambers to receiving presidential assent, and that this insight drastically cuts down the time required to draft, negotiate, and pass a bill.
“Experience in Legislation teaches the art of political negotiation, consensus-building, and compromise, which are always critical for getting opposing factions to support a piece of legislation,” she said.
Speaking on her track record, Onyejeocha pointed to multiple bills she sponsored that received presidential assent even while serving as an opposition lawmaker before she joined the APC.
“Success has been embedded in me as a Commissioner, Legislator and Minister. I have never failed to deliver on my mandate and it won’t start today,” she said.
She warned against using legislative seats to “massage the egos of ‘it is my turn’” or to settle political scores.
“Experience to deliver cannot be negotiated to massage the egos of ‘it is my turn’. Legislation is serious business and must not be used to settle political scores or friends. We could have gotten much more… but, it is not too late. Tomorrow is better.”
As the APC candidate for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Onyejeocha is positioning herself as the candidate with the capacity to attract federal presence, influence legislation, and deliver constituency projects through her network and experience.
With the 10th Assembly winding down and politicking for 2027 already on, the contest in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi is expected to be one of the most watched in Abia State.
Experience, Competence Matter More Than “New Face”: Why Onyejeocha Should Return To Reps
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