Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu Emerges ADC Abia Central Senatorial Candidate

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has elected Austin Okwudiri Akobundu as its consensus candidate for the Abia Central Senatorial District seat in the National Assembly.

This was made known by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Onyebuchi Chukwu, who declared that the total number of votes collated from the six Local Government Areas was six hundred and fifty-three (653) during the ADC Abia Central Senatorial District primaries held at Kolping Society on Thursday.

His emergence followed a motion moved by the ADC South-East National Assistant Youth Leader, Paul Ogechi Nwagbala, for the affirmation and adoption of Senator Akobundu as the sole candidate of the ADC for the Abia Central Senatorial District, based on the results received from the various local government areas.

The motion was seconded by Obinna Nwaogwugwu, who affirmed that Senator Austin Akobundu was the party’s consensus candidate.

According to the election collated under the supervision of INEC officials, including Okamene Kelechi, Mgbeahuruike Favour, Emefu Glory, Ogbuehi Ifeoma, Ariwodo Mariam, Augustine Chinedu, Okereke Chinwe, Onuoha Ahamotu, and Chioma Utokandu, the results were as follows: Isiala Ngwa South – 144 votes, Isiala Ngwa North – 102 votes, Umuahia South – 106 votes, Umuahia North – 132 votes, Osisioma – 103 votes and Ikwuano – 106 votes.

In his appreciation speech, Senator Akobundu thanked God for the victory and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the exercise.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. What we witnessed from the wards was collective enthusiasm, which led to the smooth conduct of the process. Honourable members were elected unopposed peacefully and unanimously under the party, and it was through unity and peace that this was achieved,” he said.

He also commended those involved in the collation of results, noting that the party has committed leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless conduct of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senatorial District primaries.

Senator Akobundu further appreciated the security agencies for ensuring that the exercise was peaceful.

“Today, you have endorsed me for a second term under the platform of the ADC. I joined the Senate six months after others, but when you compare my achievements with theirs, you will see that it was the right decision to return me to the Senate,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the party, Kalu Kalu Agu, emphasised that the primary election was conducted by the National Electoral Committee sent by the National Chairman of the party, David Mark.

Members of the committee included Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Onyebuchi Chukwu; Secretary, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya Onu; Catherine Nwutoko; Kingsley Onyekwere; Chukwuemeka Okpotu; Ike Bishop Okonkwo; Ugochukwu Nwagbara; and Emole Onwusoanya.

The Chairman, Onyeduruchi Chukwu, stated that the party is determined to take over Aso Rock and assured members that they are in the right party, expressing confidence that the ADC would produce the President next year.

Also present at the event were Ukandu Suleiman, Mrs Frances Tabitha Ogbonnaya representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Godslight Mbakwe, Barrister Ben Emeruwa, Chief Anaba (piper) Ejim Chibuzor representing Umuahia South State Constituency and other elected House of Assembly members under the Party.