The Umunna-Nsulu Political Forum in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came during a political gathering in Umunna-Nsulu, where community leaders, women, youths and other residents received Atuma alongside the APC governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Eric Opah, and other party candidates.
The event featured cultural performances, music and expressions of solidarity as members of the forum formally declared Atuma their preferred candidate for the Abia Central senatorial seat.
Speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the Umunna-Nsulu Political Forum, Chief Chijioke Ozems, said the organisation was established in response to what he described as years of political neglect, inadequate development and the need for stronger representation of the community’s interests.
According to Ozems, despite the community’s human resources, political participation and contributions to electoral processes, residents have continued to express dissatisfaction over the level of development and government attention received.
“For years, Umunna-Nsulu has been rich in people, rich in talent, rich in votes, but poor in dividends of democracy. Our sons and daughters have been used during elections and abandoned after elections,” he stated.
Ozems explained that the forum emerged from consultations involving elders, women and youths who resolved to create a common platform for advancing the political and developmental interests of Umunna-Nsulu.
“We sat down, our elders, our youths, our women, and we asked: When will Umunna-Nsulu speak with one voice? That question gave birth to this Forum. We came together, not as individuals, but as Umunna — one blood, one family, one destiny,” he said.
He maintained that the forum would support political candidates whose programmes and development plans align with the needs of the community, stressing that political participation should produce measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Ozems said the group would intensify political sensitisation and grassroots mobilisation while encouraging residents to participate actively in the electoral process.
“We are here to mobilise, to sensitise, and to empower our people politically. We are here to ensure that our votes count, and that our votes bring development to our land,” he added.
The forum subsequently declared its support for Atuma’s senatorial ambition and other APC candidates, expressing confidence in their ability to address the community’s development concerns if elected.
Responding, Atuma thanked the people of Umunna-Nsulu for the reception and endorsement, describing their gesture as an encouragement to his senatorial ambition.
The former House of Representatives member also expressed appreciation for the community’s support for its son, Dr. Eric Opah, who is seeking election as governor of Abia State on the APC platform.
Atuma described Opah’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate as a significant political development for Umunna-Nsulu, attributing it to divine providence.
“It’s evident that the mighty is being raised from the body of the weak, and that is what is happening in the land of Umunna-Nsulu today because God’s hands are upon your son,” he said.
The APC senatorial candidate expressed confidence in Opah’s governorship ambition and argued that having the same political party in control of the federal and state governments could strengthen cooperation in the execution of development projects.
According to Atuma, effective collaboration between a state governor and members of the National Assembly is essential to attracting federal interventions, addressing infrastructure challenges and advancing the interests of constituents.
“I don’t want to be a member of a National Assembly without a governor in his state. It will be a disaster. You may never understand. I want to complement and supplement the efforts of the governor in developing the state,” he stated.
Atuma explained that his desire was to work alongside a governor with whom he could coordinate development priorities and pursue projects capable of improving the living conditions of the people.
He further called on residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, Opah’s governorship ambition and other APC candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
Atuma expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects at the polls and encouraged party members to strengthen their grassroots mobilisation activities across the various communities.
Some residents at the gathering also expressed appreciation for Atuma’s previous tenure in the House of Representatives, citing what they described as his record of constituency representation and expressing hope that he would build on that experience if elected to the Senate.
The event also featured a moment of silence in honour of the late Professor Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State for the 2023 general elections, who died before the election.
Participants offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, reflecting on his contributions to education and public service in Abia State.
The Umunna-Nsulu endorsement forms part of ongoing political consultations and grassroots engagements across Abia Central Senatorial District as candidates and political organisations prepare for the 2027 general elections.
