Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia Central Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind former federal lawmaker, Sam Onuigbo, as their preferred candidate for the Senate, barely two weeks to the party’s National Assembly primaries.
The endorsement was the outcome of a strategic meeting held in Umuahia, where party leaders from the six local government areas of the zone assessed the credentials, experience and political influence of aspirants jostling for the ticket.
Abia Central senatorial seat is currently occupied by Austin Akobundu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who assumed office in November 2023 following a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the election of Darlington Nwokocha.
Led by Augustine Anyaegbu, the stakeholders said their decision was based on Onuigbo’s performance record, including his sponsorship of the Climate Change Act 2021, which they described as a landmark achievement.
Recall that Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the Eighth and Ninth House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, is widely recognised for his contributions to legislative development, particularly in climate policy.
Rising from the meeting, Anyaegbu stated that the stakeholders carefully reviewed the backgrounds, achievements and political strength of all aspirants before arriving at their position.
“We have therefore decided to advise the leadership of our great party, APC, to support the aspiration of Rep Sir Sam Onuigbo for the monumental achievements he recorded as a member of the Green Chamber, among other lofty reasons,” he said.
He further maintained that, among APC leaders in the zone, Onuigbo stands out for projecting the party to national and global prominence through legislative competence, adding that the former lawmaker joined the party at a time when its presence in the state was minimal.
The stakeholders stressed that the party requires candidates with strong electoral appeal and proven credentials capable of boosting President Bola Tinubu’s political agenda in the state.
“While other latter-day progressives were ensconced in their comfort zones, Onuigbo embraced APC and continued nurturing and promoting the party. Therefore, as far as Abia Central Senatorial ticket is concerned, Rep Sir Sam Onuigbo reserves the right of first refusal,” the group stated.
They also pointed out that despite the absence of tenure limits for lawmakers, Onuigbo voluntarily served only two terms in the House of Representatives, describing the decision as a demonstration of integrity and fairness.
According to them, eight years is sufficient for any committed legislator to make meaningful contributions through quality representation, adding that they are satisfied with Onuigbo’s performance and alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The stakeholders, however, urged the national leadership of the APC to avoid actions that could undermine party loyalty, warning against practices they described as “baboon dey work, monkey dey chop.”
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