By: Chijioke Joshua I
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rep. Emeka Atuma, has continued his ward-to-ward campaign tour of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections, receiving endorsements and support from party stakeholders, community leaders and residents.
As part of the campaign activities, Atuma paid a brief visit to Chief K. O. Mgbeahuru, a native of Osuwa Ward 6 and also a former elected Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa LGA, who expressed his support for Atuma’s senatorial ambition.
In his response, Atuma thanked Chief Mgbeahuru for his sincere support and encouraged members of his team to broaden their horizons by building enduring friendships that transcend political affiliations.
The campaign train began its ward engagements at Osuwa Ward 6, where Atuma was received by Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, the APC candidate for Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency and a party stakeholder in the LGA.
Other prominent APC stakeholders present included Hon. Udo Alozie, the party’s candidate for Osisioma/Ugwunagbo/Obingwa Federal Constituency; Hon. Amarachukwu Nwafor, APC Chairman in Osisioma Ngwa LGA; Prince Enyinnaya Ubani (Opara Ezumezu); Chief Mrs. Nneoma Nwaigwe, Director of Women Affairs, Atuma Campaign Council; Hon. Clara Nwaobilor, APC Zonal Woman Leader; and Hon. Chuks Oriaku, Director-General of the Atuma Campaign Council in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. Other party leaders, campaign officials and supporters also accompanied the senatorial candidate.
In his welcome address, Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru called on the people to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, assuring Atuma that the party could count on the support of the people of Osisioma Ngwa. He described the LGA as a strategic electoral stronghold in Abia Central and expressed confidence that the support mobilised for Atuma would translate into votes at the polls.
Similarly, Hon. Barr. Ogumka Iheanacho urged the electorate to support APC candidates, expressing the view that the party offered a platform for political change and a new direction for Abia State in 2027.
Addressing the gathering at Ekeobasi Square, Osuwa, Atuma commended the people for their warm reception and urged them to support APC candidates at all levels, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the party’s candidates for governor, the Senate (himself), the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly.
He specifically mentioned Hon. Udo Alozie; Hon. Barr. Ogumka Iheanacho; and Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, calling on the electorate to support the party’s candidates across the board.
The campaign team subsequently proceeded to Okpula-Umugwo Ward 9, where Atuma was received by traditional rulers, including HRH Sir G. O. Nwala and Eze Chigozie Court Iyi II of Iyi-Ukwu Autonomous Community-Umumba, alongside party stakeholders and supporters. The traditional rulers expressed their endorsement of Atuma’s senatorial aspiration.
Speaking at the ward, Atuma highlighted his record in human capital development during his tenure as the representative of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. He said his legislative experience and commitment to people-oriented development would guide his proposed representation at the Senate if elected.
The APC candidate also pledged to pursue road infrastructure projects that would improve connectivity between the community and neighbouring Rivers State, stressing the importance of sustainable development and improved access for rural communities.
He further cautioned residents against politicians who, in his view, had previously made promises without fulfilling them, urging voters to assess candidates based on their records, capacity and commitment to service.
The campaign train later moved to Umuonuma-Amavonkwuogu Ward 1, where Hon. Barr. Ogumka Iheanacho, the APC candidate for Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency, welcomed Atuma and his entourage.
A major highlight of the visit was the massive defection of more than 70 members of the Labour Party and African Democratic Party to the APC, a development that campaign supporters described as a boost to the party’s mobilisation efforts in the ward.
In a symbolic gesture, the zealous crowd presented Atuma with a cutlass, representing their desire to clear obstacles on his path to victory in the 2027 senatorial election.
Addressing the gathering, Atuma again called on the electorate to support APC candidates from the presidency to the State House of Assembly. He maintained that electing candidates committed to development and effective representation would create opportunities for the people to benefit from the dividends of democracy.
The ward-to-ward campaign tour is expected to continue across other communities in Osisioma Ngwa LGA in the coming days as Atuma and his campaign team intensify grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
