Umuchu, the political heartbeat of Aguata Local Government Area, is in the throes of an unprecedented internal crisis.
The once-united town is now sharply divided as two of its prominent sons — Dr. Chibueze Ofubuike and Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo “Onwa”— battle for the Aguata Federal House of Representatives seat on different party platforms.
The standoff has balkanized churches, villages, blocks, and political structures in Umuchu, with stakeholders warning that a divided Umuchu could cost Aguata the federal seat.
THE CONTENDERS
Dr. Chibueze Ofubuike, the incumbent Mayor of Aguata LGA who is yet to hand over to the newly elected chairman, is flying the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. He hails from Umugama Village in Ihite Block.
Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo “Onwa”, a renowned philanthropist and grassroots politician, is contesting under the All Progressives Congress, APC. He is from Achalla Village in Okpu na Achalla Block.
Despite repeated appeals by elders and stakeholders for one to step down in the interest of the town, both men have refused, insisting that “the people called them.”
THE POLITICAL MAP: BLOCK BY BLOCK
The division has followed Umuchu’s traditional block structure.
1. Okpu na Achalla Block: Onwa’s Stronghold
Achalla village remains solidly behind Onwa, owing to years of scholarships, medical interventions, and community projects. He also enjoys support in parts of Ibughubu through long-standing goodwill.
2. Ihite Block: Ofubuike’s Base Under Strain
Umugama, Ofubuike’s village, is divided. A public disagreement between the Mayor and top political figures including Hon. Victor Umeh and “Tallest” has created factions within the village.
In a major boost for Ofubuike, Hon. Nzube Ogbuehi, Chairman of APGA Ward 2, is leading the ward structure for the Mayor, a development that has shifted some Ibughubu kindreds toward Ofubuike’s camp.
3. Amanasaa Block: The Decider
The contest will likely be won or lost in Amanasaa Block, which stakeholders say is currently split 50/50.
Ofubuike’s campaign is being driven in Amanasaa by Prof. Socrates, who is mobilizing structures and funding for the Mayor.
Onwa, on the other hand, is leveraging years of philanthropy in the block — town hall projects, youth empowerment, and direct support to families.
“Whoever carries Amanasaa will carry Umuchu. Whoever carries Umuchu will determine Aguata,” a senior party stakeholder said.
ALLIANCES AND SHIFTS
The race took a dramatic twist when Ikenga Umuchu, Chief Abraham Otti — an Achalla indigene and longtime ally of Onwa — accompanied Ofubuike to Abuja to pick the APGA form, days before Onwa picked the APC form. The move has heightened tension in Achalla and across the town.
A TOWN DIVIDED
The fallout has spread beyond politics.
Churches are holding separate meetings. Age grades are wearing different colors. The Umuchu Town Union executive is split. Even the Women’s Wing held parallel August meetings this year.
At a recent burial, both brothers arrived with separate convoys. The atmosphere was so tense that the officiating priest cut short his sermon.
STAKEHOLDERS WORRIED
Party leaders in Aguata are worried that if Umuchu votes split evenly, the federal constituency could slip away to other LGAs.
“This is no longer APGA vs APC. It is Umugama vs Achalla. Ihite vs Okpu. And Amanasaa is the referee,” said a community leader who pleaded anonymity.
As of press time, both camps are intensifying mobilization in Amanasaa ahead of the election. Prof. Socrates is holding strategy sessions for Ofubuike, while Onwa is meeting with stakeholders and beneficiaries of his past interventions.
