Traditional rulers in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, have conferred the chieftaincy title of “Ihie Ukwu Ohuhu” on the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Hon. Emeka Atuma.
The conferment took place during the 2026 Iwa Ji Ohuhu celebration, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders and other dignitaries.
According to the organisers, the title was bestowed on Atuma by the Ndi Eze Ohuhu in recognition of his relationship with the people, contributions to community development and commitment to public service.
The occasion also assumed political significance as traditional and community stakeholders expressed support for Atuma’s bid to represent Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate in the 2027 general election.
The honour, according to those behind the conferment, goes beyond the traditional title and reflects their confidence in Atuma’s leadership experience, accessibility and capacity for representation.
Among dignitaries at the event were former Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, Ambassador Empire Kanu; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Uzor Nwachukwu; member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha; and the Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Smart Ihuoma.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for the Ohuhu community to showcase its cultural heritage through the annual New Yam celebration while recognising individuals considered to have contributed to the development and advancement of society.
Atuma’s supporters described the conferment of the “Ihie Ukwu Ohuhu” title as an indication of his growing relationship with communities across Abia Central and expressed confidence that he would provide effective representation if elected.
They maintained that the senatorial district requires representation capable of articulating its concerns at the national level, pursuing developmental interventions and building relationships that could attract opportunities to communities across the district.
The APC candidate has anchored his senatorial campaign on the themes of truth, service and responsible representation, with emphasis on human capital development, economic opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.
The latest traditional recognition comes as political activities intensify across Abia Central ahead of the 2027 general election.
