Abakwue is the son of the late Chief and Mrs. Abakwue Ahuma. His home is Ohanze-Isiahia, Aba, Nigeria. He is a Christian and was brought up in a Christian family. He attended Ohanze Community School and Esiama High School in Aba. From 1979-81 he worked at Lever Brothers Nigeria Ltd. as a Cost Accounting staff. In 1981 he left Nigeria for the USA to study to become a medical doctor.