With just two days to the crucial APC primary election, frontline House of Representatives aspirant, Dr. Martina Amarachi Ononiwu (Martina Martins), has raised strong concerns over what she described as the growing culture of political inheritance and family dominance in the political landscape of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

In a passionate message addressed to party leaders, elders, stakeholders, and faithfuls, Dr. Martina Ononiwu called for a fresh democratic direction anchored on fairness, competence, inclusion, and grassroots acceptance rather than political entitlement and inherited influence.

The APC aspirant stressed that leadership should never become the exclusive preserve of a few powerful families while capable sons and daughters of the constituency remain sidelined despite their qualifications, sacrifices, and commitment to public service.

According to Dr. Martina Ononiwu, prolonged concentration of political power within a select circle discourages merit, weakens democratic participation, and gradually destroys the confidence of younger generations who may begin to believe that the system is permanently designed against them.

She warned that the real victims of political recycling are ordinary citizens across the constituency, including struggling widows, unemployed graduates, traders, and neglected rural communities still yearning for quality representation and meaningful development.

Speaking further, Dr. Martina Ononiwu questioned the future of democracy within the party if political offices continually move from one family member to another or among the same political interests, leaving little room for ordinary people with vision and competence to emerge.

“Our constituency is blessed with many competent individuals. Leadership should rotate through competence, character, sacrifice, and vision — not family lineage or political entitlement,” she declared.

Presenting herself as a clear alternative to what she described as old political structures, Dr. Martina Ononiwu stated that her ambition is driven not by surname, inherited influence, or entitlement, but by preparation, strategic ideas, and genuine passion for the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia.

The aspirant also urged party leaders to prioritize electability, public perception, fairness, and the long-term strength of the APC in the constituency as they prepare for the decisive primary election.

Addressing critics who dismiss intellectual engagement in politics, Dr. Martina Ononiwu defended the importance of communication and visionary leadership, insisting that ideas and clarity of purpose remain critical ingredients for effective governance.

“Words shape vision. Words unite people. Words communicate plans. Words reveal capacity,” she noted, adding that leadership requires the ability to clearly explain direction, inspire confidence, and articulate developmental strategies for the people.

Describing her message as a call for conscience and reflection rather than mere political rhetoric, Dr. Martina Ononiwu appealed to party stakeholders not to miss what she termed a historic opportunity to embrace fairness, competence, inclusion, and a fresh strategic direction for the constituency.

The statement concluded with optimism and confidence ahead of the primary, as Dr. Martina Ononiwu declared her readiness to win while also highlighting growing support from women across Ikwuano/Umuahia.

“May wisdom guide our leaders. May fairness guide our party. And may the interests of the people remain above personal ambition,” she concluded.

®2026: Martina Martins Media Team