The All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Hon. Emeka Atuma, has pledged to provide quality and equitable representation to the people of the district if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Atuma made the commitment while speaking at the 2026 Summit of the Ikwuano/Umuahia Women Community Leaders in Umuahia, where the women endorsed his senatorial ambition alongside other APC candidates, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji and the party’s Governorship candidate, Chief Eric Opah.
The APC candidate described the summit as a significant demonstration of the growing political awareness and participation of women in community development and governance.
He commended the women for coming together to deliberate on issues affecting their communities and assess candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that women have a critical role to play in shaping the future of society.
Atuma noted that women remain central to nation-building, particularly because of their influence in raising children, shaping families and mobilizing communities for development. He urged women to remain actively involved in political processes rather than being relegated to the background.
According to him, the decision of the women to assess political candidates and make informed choices demonstrates their increasing political savvy and commitment to securing development for their communities.
Atuma also described Abia Central Senatorial District as unique because of its composition, comprising the Ngwa and Ikwuano/Umuahia blocs. He said the political understanding between the two blocs had historically provided a mechanism for balancing the governorship and senatorial positions in the district.
He explained that whenever the governorship position is occupied by someone from Umunneato Ngwa, the senatorial seat traditionally goes to Ikwuano/Umuahia as part of an arrangement designed to maintain equity and peaceful coexistence between the two major blocs.
The senator said the women had reinforced this understanding by advocating that the governorship should remain with the Ngwa people while the Senate seat should be retained by Ikwuano/Umuahia.
He commended the women for insisting on equity and competence in choosing political leaders, stressing that development should not be sacrificed for mediocrity.
Atuma, who previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, said his record in office remained a major factor behind the women’s decision to support his senatorial bid.
He noted that despite leaving the House of Representatives about 19 years ago, some of the impacts of his representation remained visible, particularly in the lives of constituents who benefited from opportunities facilitated during his tenure.
The APC candidate said the endorsement by the women was also an indication of their confidence in the party’s capacity to deliver development, noting that they had endorsed President Tinubu, himself, Chinedum Orji, Eric Opah and other APC candidates.
He attributed some of the development being witnessed in the state to increased federal resources available to state governments under the Tinubu administration.
Atuma further assured the women that their interests would remain central to his representation if elected, promising to involve them in decisions affecting the district.
He pledged to prioritize human capital development, infrastructure and other initiatives capable of improving the economic and social wellbeing of the people.
The APC candidate further promised to work towards restoring prosperity to Abia Central and ensuring that the people receive effective representation at the National Assembly.
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