The Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known as Bourdex, has embarked on a series of courtesy visits to traditional institutions in Abiriba and Ohafia, where he formally presented himself as the party’s senatorial candidate and sought the prayers, blessings, and support of the monarchs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The visits, held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, took the Labour Party standard-bearer first to the Enachioken-in-Council and the traditional rulers of the 17 villages of Abiriba before proceeding to the palace of the Udumeze of Ohafia and the 26 Ezie Ogos of Ohafia.
At the palace of the Enachioken of Abiriba, Bourdex, accompanied by party leaders and stakeholders, said he deemed it necessary to pay homage to the custodians of the people’s culture and traditions before officially commencing his campaign across the senatorial district.
Speaking during the visit, the Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, described Bourdex as the Labour Party’s consensus choice for Abia North and appealed to the people of Abiriba, Ohafia, and Mkporo to rally behind his candidature.
He expressed confidence that Bourdex would emerge victorious in the 2027 election, adding that his close working relationship with Governor Alex Otti would attract greater development to Abia North.
Also speaking, the Supervisory Councillor for Health in Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Evangelist Chidinma Umeh, urged residents who appreciate the developmental strides of Governor Alex Otti to extend the same support to Bourdex.
According to her, electing the Labour Party senatorial candidate would strengthen collaboration between the state and federal levels of government for the benefit of the people.
Responding, Bourdex assured the traditional rulers and people of Abiriba that he would not betray the confidence reposed in him if elected.
He pledged to provide purposeful representation and thanked Governor Alex Otti for his leadership, while urging residents to support all Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The senatorial hopeful noted that communities that demonstrate strong electoral support often enjoy greater government attention, urging the people to remain united during the polls.
At the palace of the Udumeze of Ohafia, Ezie Awa Udonsi, the Mayor of Ohafia again appealed to the traditional rulers to support Bourdex, describing his candidature as an opportunity for Ohafia and Abia North to secure effective representation in the Senate.
Addressing the royal fathers, Bourdex said he had come before them as their son to seek fatherly prayers and blessings.
He stressed that sustainable development requires collective responsibility and appealed to the monarchs to continue promoting peace, unity, civic responsibility and active participation among their subjects.
The Labour Party candidate also called on communities across Ohafia to speak with one voice during the elections and strengthen democratic participation.
“As your son, I make this solemn covenant before you. If elected, I will serve with humility, remain accessible to the people, create opportunities for our youths, and pursue meaningful development across every community in Abia North,” he said.
He further promised to work towards giving Ohafia a new look through people-oriented representation and development-focused legislation.
In his response, the Udumeze of Ohafia, speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, assured Bourdex of their goodwill and prayers.
He prayed for God’s protection over the Labour Party candidate and wished him success in the forthcoming senatorial election.
Following the royal visits, Bourdex joined youths of Ohafia at the Jobberman Soft Skills Building Career for Workplace Success Training, organised by the Wife of the Mayor of Ohafia in partnership with Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation.
Welcoming participants, Mayor Eleanya Kalu commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of young people.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by acquiring practical skills that would improve their employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
The Mayor also encouraged the youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in the democratic process, and reject every form of electoral violence or criminal activity.
Addressing the participants, Bourdex praised the organisers for investing in youth development, noting that the greatest investment any society can make is in its young people.
He urged the youths to take the training seriously, reminding them that entrepreneurship and skills acquisition have become the new pathway to economic success.
According to him, successful entrepreneurs started by learning, making mistakes, and continuously improving themselves, adding that no skill is too small to create wealth and employment.
Bourdex said that if elected senator, one of his priorities would be to promote education, skills acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship and access to finance for young people across Abia North.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful leadership, citing improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
The Labour Party senatorial candidate urged the youths to reject violence, drug abuse, idleness and other social vices, while embracing integrity, hard work and excellence.
He expressed optimism that many of the participants would grow into successful entrepreneurs, professionals and future leaders who would contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia State and Nigeria.
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