The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma, has intensified his grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, receiving defectors from opposition parties and pledging improved infrastructure, youth employment and effective representation for communities across Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
Atuma made the commitments during his ongoing ward-to-ward campaign tour, which took him and his entourage to several communities, including Osuwa, Osokwa, Umunneise and Nkwogu, where he engaged traditional rulers, political stakeholders, women, youths and other residents.
At Osuwa Ward 6, the former federal lawmaker paid a courtesy visit to Chief K. O. Mgbeahuru, a former elected chairman of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, who expressed support for his senatorial ambition.
Atuma thanked the former council chairman for the reception and encouraged members of his campaign organisation to build lasting relationships with community leaders and residents, irrespective of political differences.
Addressing supporters at Ekeobasi Square in Osuwa, Atuma called for support for APC candidates at all levels, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate and its candidates for the National and State Assemblies.
The APC senatorial candidate, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, said his ambition was driven by the desire to strengthen representation and attract developmental opportunities to Abia Central.
He urged residents to assess candidates based on their records, experience and commitment to public service, while promising to pursue road construction, employment opportunities, scholarships, empowerment programmes and improvements in electricity supply if elected.
Atuma maintained that effective representation should translate into tangible benefits for constituents, adding that he would work with other elected officials and relevant federal institutions to pursue projects capable of improving living conditions and stimulating economic activities.
The campaign train subsequently visited Okpuala-Umugwo, where traditional rulers, party stakeholders and community members received the APC candidate.
During the engagement, traditional rulers expressed support for his senatorial ambition, while Atuma highlighted his previous legislative experience and involvement in human capital development as part of the record he hopes to build upon.
He also pledged to advocate road infrastructure that would improve connectivity between communities in Osisioma Ngwa and neighbouring Rivers State, stressing that accessible roads are essential for commerce, transportation and rural economic development.
At Umunneise, Atuma and his entourage were received by community members and representatives of traditional institutions.
Other APC candidates who addressed the gathering included Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, candidate for Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency; Hon. Barr. Ogumka Iheanacho, candidate for Osisioma Ngwa South State Constituency; and Hon. Udo Alozie, candidate for Osisioma Ngwa/Ugwunagbo/Obingwa Federal Constituency.
The candidates outlined their political aspirations and urged residents to support the APC in the forthcoming elections, promising to prioritise infrastructure, economic opportunities and improved governance if elected.
Atuma reiterated his commitment to people-oriented representation, saying the welfare of constituents and the development of underserved communities would remain central to his legislative agenda.
The campaign later moved to Nkwogu Ward 17, the home community of Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, where party members, community stakeholders and supporters gathered to receive the senatorial candidate.
A major highlight of the tour was the reported defection of members of opposition political parties to the APC.
According to accounts provided by the campaign organisation, more than 40 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) joined the APC during one of the engagements, while over 70 members of the Labour Party and African Democratic Party (ADC) reportedly defected in another ward.
The figures were provided by the campaign organisation and have not been independently verified.
Welcoming the new members, Atuma expressed appreciation for their decision to join the APC and encouraged them to participate actively in the party’s political activities ahead of the general elections.
The tour also featured cultural performances and symbolic presentations by women and community supporters.
In Nkwogu, women led by the Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area Woman Leader, Hon. Mrs. Mary Chimezie, presented Atuma with an Avor, described by the organisers as a traditional symbol associated with the dignity and cultural identity of women in the community.
In another ward, supporters presented the candidate with a cutlass, which they described as a symbolic expression of their determination to overcome political obstacles ahead of the elections.
The presentations were accompanied by traditional songs and cultural displays, while community representatives expressed their political support for Atuma’s senatorial ambition.
Addressing supporters, Atuma described the APC’s broom symbol as representing the party’s commitment to addressing what he characterised as poor representation and developmental challenges.
He assured residents that he would work to justify their confidence if elected, while calling for continued grassroots engagement and cooperation among party members.
The campaign tour was attended by several APC leaders and officials, including Hon. Udo Alozie, Hon. Iheyinna Mgbeahuru, Hon. Barr. Ogumka Iheanacho, Director-General of the Emeka Atuma Senatorial Campaign Organisation, Hon. Chidi Nwosu, Hon. Chuks Oriaku, Prince Enyinnaya Ubani, Chief Mrs. Nneoma Nwaigwe, Hon. Amarachukwu Nwafor and other stakeholders.
The Osisioma Ngwa engagements form part of Atuma’s ongoing ward-to-ward consultations across Abia Central Senatorial District as political parties and candidates continue to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
