26/07/2026
AN INTERVIEW WITH HON. UCHE McRICHARD ONUNAKU (GOD'S ORACLE): FAITH, SERVICE AND THE JOURNEY AHEAD
Introduction
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku, is a philanthropist, community leader and politician from Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State. Widely recognised for his humanitarian service, youth empowerment initiatives and commitment to good governance, he has earned the respect of many through years of supporting widows, assisting students, providing healthcare support for vulnerable families and championing community development.
In this exclusive interview, Hon. Onunaku reflects on his political journey, his transition to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), his unwavering support for Mr Peter Obi, the lessons from his party's internal process, and his enduring vision for the people of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency.
Interviewer: Before your decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), how would you describe your relationship with the party's leadership, stakeholders and members?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: My time in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remains a memorable chapter in my political journey, and I look back on it with gratitude. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with warmth, respect and genuine acceptance by the leadership, stakeholders and members of the party. I sincerely appreciate the confidence they reposed in me and the opportunity they gave me to contribute to the growth and development of the party. Throughout my time in the ADC, I enjoyed cordial relationships with members across different levels, and I was privileged to interact with many accomplished leaders whose wealth of experience enriched my understanding of public service and responsible leadership. One of the greatest blessings of that period was the privilege of meeting and working alongside distinguished personalities such as His Excellency Chief Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State, and Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, former Deputy Governor of Imo State. They are experienced leaders whose dedication to public service, political maturity and commitment to democratic values deserve recognition. Beyond politics, they treated me with kindness, dignity and respect, and I remain sincerely grateful for every opportunity I had to learn from them. I also appreciate every stakeholder and member of the ADC who showed me love, encouragement and friendship throughout my stay in the party. Those relationships remain valuable to me, and I will always remember them with gratitude.
Interviewer: Considering the cordial relationship you enjoyed with His Excellency Chief Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona and many other respected leaders in the ADC, how do you think they felt when they learnt of your intention to leave the party? Was it an easy decision for you to make?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: Leaving the ADC was certainly not an easy decision. Whenever you have built meaningful relationships with people who have shown you genuine love, respect and support, deciding to move on naturally becomes difficult. Although I cannot presume to speak for how any individual felt because I know they weren't happy about it. I felt the disappointment in their faces and voices but at the same time, I believe they understood that my decision was not driven by anger, resentment or personal disagreement. It was a decision I reached after deep reflection, prayer and careful consideration of my political convictions and the direction I believed God was leading me.
I have always maintained that political parties may differ, but mutual respect, friendship and good character should never be sacrificed on the altar of politics. My admiration and respect for His Excellency Chief Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona and many other distinguished leaders in the ADC remain intact. I continue to appreciate their contributions to our state and our democratic process. Politics should never create permanent enemies. We may belong to different political platforms, but we are all sons and daughters of Imo State and Nigerians working, in our respective ways, towards the progress of our people and our nation. As I moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I carried with me the lessons, friendships and experiences I gained in the ADC. Those experiences have helped shape my political philosophy, and I remain grateful to everyone who played a positive role in that journey.
Interviewer: Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku, thank you for speaking with us. Many people have followed your recent political journey with great interest. Looking back, what motivated your aspiration?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: Thank you very much. My aspiration was never about titles or personal recognition. It came from a conviction God placed in my heart many years ago to serve humanity. By His grace, I have quietly supported families, paid school fees, assisted with medical bills, cared for widows, encouraged young people and contributed to community development. I believed that public office would provide a broader platform to expand those efforts and positively impact even more lives. For me, leadership is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those willing to serve selflessly.
Interviewer: How would you describe your philosophy of leadership?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: I believe leadership begins with listening. A true leader exists to serve rather than to be served. Leadership should be rooted in humility, integrity, accountability and compassion. The trust of the people is earned through consistent service, honest decisions and genuine concern for their welfare. My desire has always been to lead by example and to leave every community better than I met it.
Interviewer: One of the questions people continue to ask is why you moved from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). How would you answer that?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: I understand why people ask that question, and I believe they deserve an honest answer. My decision reflected my personal convictions about leadership and the future of our country. I believed it was the right step at that stage of my political journey.
I joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress because I made a deliberate decision to continue supporting the leadership vision of His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, whom I sincerely believe possesses the competence, discipline, integrity and patriotism required to lead Nigeria at this critical moment in our history. I have always believed that leadership should be based on character, capacity and a genuine commitment to national development rather than personal interests.
Like many Nigerians, I believe every region of our country deserves fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity within our democracy. Many people in the South-East feel the region has not had a fair opportunity to produce the nation's leader, and those perspectives deserve thoughtful consideration within the broader national conversation. When Mr Peter Obi chose to continue his political journey through the NDC, I prayerfully and deliberately decided to follow because I believe in the ideals of accountable leadership, national unity and responsible governance. Today, I remain a proud and committed member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Whatever political platform one belongs to, integrity, service and love for humanity should always remain constant.
Interviewer: What was your greatest source of encouragement after joining the NDC?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: One of the greatest blessings of my journey has been the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with distinguished leaders who share a genuine desire for national progress. Among them are His Excellency Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State; Chief Martin Agbaso; Uche Onyeagocha; Mayor Eze; Dr ThankGod Ezeani; and many other respected leaders whose wisdom, experience and dedication to public service continue to inspire me. I remain grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such accomplished personalities in pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Interviewer: During that period, you met and worked with several respected public figures. What did that experience mean to you?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: It was a privilege to interact with experienced leaders from different backgrounds and to learn from their wealth of public service. Every sincere conversation about leadership, nation-building and community development presents an opportunity to grow. Those relationships reminded me that good ideas and genuine concern for people can be found across different political backgrounds, and I remain grateful to everyone who has positively influenced my journey.
Interviewer: Many people expected you to emerge from your party's internal process because of your reputation for transparency, compassion and service. The outcome was different. How did you receive it?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: The outcome did not favour my aspiration. Naturally, many supporters were disappointed, but I harbour no bitterness towards anyone. Politics should never destroy relationships, and differing outcomes should never weaken our commitment to peace, unity and mutual respect. Every political process has its own challenges, but I remain firmly convinced that God remains sovereign over the affairs of men. My faith teaches me that every experience carries a lesson and every delay has a purpose.
Interviewer: If given the opportunity to represent the people in the future, what would be your top priorities for Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: My priorities would focus on improving the quality of life of our people. I would place strong emphasis on youth employment and skills acquisition, educational scholarships, improved healthcare services, support for agriculture and small businesses, rural road infrastructure, women's empowerment and sustained assistance for widows, the elderly and vulnerable families. Representation should produce measurable results rather than empty promises. Our people deserve a representative who remains accessible, accountable and fully committed to delivering lasting development.
Interviewer: What would you like to say to the thousands of people who stood with you and believed in your vision?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: To the thousands of men, women and young people who stood with me, prayed for me, encouraged me and believed in this vision, I cannot thank you enough. Your confidence in me remains one of the greatest honours of my life. I do not take your love, sacrifices and unwavering support for granted. Our journey has always been about something greater than one election or one political season. I therefore appeal to every supporter and every lover of good governance to remain peaceful, hopeful and prayerful. Temporary disappointment should never replace enduring faith. God's timing is perfect, His wisdom is infinite and His purpose cannot be frustrated by temporary circumstances.
Interviewer: Has this experience changed your outlook on public service?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: As a servant of God, I have learnt that some doors open immediately, while others open after a season of preparation. I remain fully committed to serving humanity, supporting our communities and standing with our people irrespective of position or title.
Service neither begins with public office nor ends without it. This is not the end of our journey. It is simply another chapter in the story God is writing. We shall continue to build, encourage, pray, serve and believe. By God's grace, we shall return stronger, wiser and better prepared to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency and Nigeria.
Interviewer:
Finally, what message would you like to leave for the people of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency?
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku:
My message is one of gratitude, peace and hope. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers and your encouragement over the years. Let us continue to value unity, compassion and mutual respect. Let us build rather than divide, encourage rather than discourage, and remember that no act of kindness is ever wasted. To every young person who believes in a better future, never allow one disappointment to bury your dreams.
To every supporter and well-wisher, continue to pray for our constituency, Imo State and our beloved nation, Nigeria. I also encourage every Nigerian who sincerely desires a better nation to continue supporting the ideals of good governance, justice, accountability and national unity. Political seasons come and go, but the responsibility to serve our people never ends.
Whether in public office or as a private citizen, I shall continue to stand for truth, compassion and the progress of our people. By the grace of Almighty God, the best is yet to come.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time.
Hon. Uche McRichard Onunaku: Thank you for having me. May Almighty God continue to bless every family in Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, bless Imo State, bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and guide us into a future of peace, justice, unity and prosperity.
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for believing.
Faith. Compassion. Integrity.
Signed:
GOWHIC prayer network TV Comrade Kenneth Chukwuemeka Akunnakwe Darlington Chukwuebuka Ugwumbah NTA Network News USA Network Mr. Peter Obi Augustine Onunaku Uju Alice Onunaku Ezinne Onunaku
