ADC Affirms Akobundu as Consensus Candidate for Abia Central Senate Seat

ADC Affirms Akobundu as Consensus Candidate for Abia Central Senate Seat

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed Senator Austin Okwudiri Akobundu as its consensus candidate for the Abia Central Senatorial District ahead of the forthcoming National Assembly election, in what party leaders described as a major step towards strengthening the party’s political base across the zone.

The senatorial primary election, held on Thursday in Umuahia, attracted delegates, party stakeholders, electoral officials and supporters from the six local government areas that make up Abia Central Senatorial District.

Declaring the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Onyebuchi Chukwu, announced that Senator Akobundu secured a total of 653 votes collated from the participating local government areas in what officials described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.

Akobundu’s affirmation followed a motion moved by the ADC South East National Assistant Youth Leader, Paul Ogechi Nwagbala, for his adoption as the party’s sole candidate for the Abia Central Senatorial District seat.

The motion, which received overwhelming support from delegates and stakeholders, was seconded by Obinna Nwaogwugwu, who reiterated the party’s confidence in Akobundu’s candidature.

Results announced under the supervision of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that Isiala Ngwa South recorded 144 votes, Isiala Ngwa North 102 votes, Umuahia South 106 votes, Umuahia North 132 votes, Osisioma 103 votes, while Ikwuano recorded 106 votes.

Party leaders said the outcome reflected growing unity and internal cohesion within the ADC in Abia State as members rallied around a common senatorial ticket.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Akobundu expressed gratitude to party faithful, delegates and supporters for what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of trust, confidence and unity.

He stated that the conduct of the primaries across wards and local government areas reflected the party’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation and collective progress.

According to him, the peaceful emergence of candidates in several categories of the primaries underscored the spirit of cooperation among party members and stakeholders.

The senator also commended members of the electoral committee and party leadership for ensuring the smooth conduct of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senatorial primaries across the state, while appreciating security agencies for maintaining order during the exercise.

Reflecting on his first tenure in the Senate, Akobundu said his record in office would continue to guide his political engagement and representation of the people of Abia Central Senatorial District.

Earlier, the Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Kalu Kalu Agu, disclosed that the primary election was conducted by a National Electoral Committee constituted by the party’s national leadership under David Mark.

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

Speaking during the exercise, Electoral Committee Chairman, Onyeduruchi Chukwu, said the party remained focused on strengthening its national presence and expanding its democratic structures across the country.

The event attracted several party stakeholders, including Ukandu Suleiman, alongside elected candidates Frances Tabitha Ogbonnaya, Godslight Mbakwe, Ben Emeruwa and Ejim Chibuzor, as well as other party officials and House of Assembly members elected under the ADC platform.