The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma, has declared that his decision to venture into politics was motivated by a desire to serve humanity rather than accumulate personal wealth.
Atuma made the declaration on Tuesday during a special radio interview in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where he reflected on his political journey, achievements during his previous tenure in the National Assembly and his vision for effective representation.
The former federal lawmaker, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, maintained that he was financially established before entering partisan politics and had never considered public office an opportunity for personal enrichment.
“Before arriving in public service, before joining partisan politics, I was already an established man. So I didn’t join politics in order to enrich myself. I didn’t join politics for what I would get. Rather, I came for what I would give,” Atuma stated.
He explained that his involvement in politics was driven by a commitment to human capital development, infrastructure and improving the living conditions of the people he represents.
According to him, political representation is a responsibility built on public trust, which must be justified through meaningful projects, opportunities and programmes that address the needs of constituents.
“Representation is based on trust. If they’ve been able to trust you to represent them, you should be able to bring things that will meet their needs,” he said.
Atuma recalled that when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2003, his primary objective was to demonstrate that elected representatives could make a meaningful difference in the lives of their constituents through purposeful leadership and effective engagement with the Federal Government.
He argued that the true value of representation should be measured not merely by political statements or legislative activities but by the lasting impact of projects and opportunities delivered to the people.
Reflecting on his previous tenure, Atuma said he prioritised both infrastructure and human capital development, particularly by facilitating employment opportunities for young graduates in the Federal Civil Service.
He claimed that some of the beneficiaries of those interventions, who secured federal employment about two decades ago, had risen to senior positions, including assistant directors and deputy directors.
According to him, the career progression of those beneficiaries demonstrates the long-term benefits of sustainable youth empowerment.
Atuma further disclosed that some of the individuals who benefited from his employment interventions had returned to support his current senatorial ambition, describing their gesture as evidence of the enduring relationships established through his previous representation.
“Those that joined the Federal Civil Service through me 20 years ago, some of them are deputy directors, assistant directors,” he said.
The APC candidate also highlighted road construction and school infrastructure among the projects he said were facilitated during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
He maintained that public infrastructure should be executed to acceptable standards, stressing that elected representatives must prioritise quality and durability over personal financial interests.
Atuma criticised the alleged practice of public officials benefiting personally from contracts intended for their constituencies, arguing that such conduct could compromise the quality of projects delivered to communities.
He insisted that he had never compromised the standard of projects associated with his representation for personal gain.
The former lawmaker said his emphasis on quality infrastructure and sustainable human capital development remained central to his political philosophy and would guide his approach if elected to represent Abia Central in the Senate.
Atuma maintained that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to improve lives, create lasting opportunities and honour the confidence reposed in elected representatives.
His remarks come as he continues political consultations and grassroots engagements across Abia Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
