The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma, has formally set the tone for his 2027 election campaign, pledging to run an issue-based campaign anchored on truth, dignity, transparency and responsible representation.
In a message to the people of Abia Central on Wednesday, August 19, Atuma said the commencement of campaigns offers candidates and citizens an opportunity to engage constructively on the future of their communities rather than resort to bitterness, misinformation and personal attacks.
The former federal lawmaker said his campaign would be driven by facts, verifiable records and a proper understanding of the responsibilities of a senator, promising to avoid exaggerated campaign promises and empty political rhetoric.
According to him, his engagement with the electorate will focus on the challenges confronting communities across Abia Central and practical legislative and developmental measures capable of addressing them.
“I will not seek your mandate through exaggerated promises or political rhetoric. Rather, I will engage our people honestly on the challenges confronting our communities and the practical legislative, developmental and collaborative measures required to address them,” Atuma said.
He identified human capital development, employment and economic opportunities, quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, technology and innovation among his major priorities.
Atuma said that, if elected, he would leverage the opportunities available in the National Assembly to advocate for projects, policies and interventions capable of delivering sustainable development across Abia Central.
He also pledged to establish constructive relationships with relevant government institutions, agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to attract opportunities to the senatorial district.
The APC candidate stressed that elective office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people rather than an avenue for personal advancement.
“If entrusted with the mandate, I will regard the office not as a privilege for personal advancement, but as a solemn responsibility to the people,” he stated.
Atuma promised to remain accessible, consultative and accountable to his constituents, with regular engagements aimed at identifying their priorities and ensuring their concerns receive appropriate attention at the national level.
He argued that effective representation goes beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly, saying it requires listening to constituents and translating their needs into meaningful legislative and developmental action.
According to him, the 2027 election should provide the people of Abia Central an opportunity to assess candidates on competence, character, experience, vision and capacity rather than political division or rhetoric.
“This election presents an opportunity for us to reflect carefully on the kind of representation we desire for Abia Central. It should be a choice about competence, character, experience, vision and capacity to serve,” he said.
Atuma consequently called on political leaders, youths, women, professionals, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders across the senatorial district to support a peaceful campaign centred on ideas and issues.
He maintained that political differences should not overshadow the collective desire for peace, progress and prosperity across Abia Central.
“Let us demonstrate that politics can be conducted with dignity and that public service can be pursued with humility, integrity and a genuine sense of duty,” he added.
The APC candidate expressed optimism that collective action could produce an Abia Central where communities are adequately represented, citizens are valued and development is pursued fairly and sustainably.
Atuma concluded by formally seeking the support and mandate of the electorate, pledging to make truth, service and responsible representation the defining principles of his campaign for the Abia Central Senatorial seat.
