Sen Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon Emeka Atuma


Leading contender for Abia state governorship on the flagship of the APC, Hon Emeka Atuma, Monday counseled aspirants for various offices who are holding political appointments to resign now in order not to run foul of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

According to him, his party, the APC must be wary of offending  the recent judgement that supported the section of the Electoral Act which stipulates that government appointees should resign thirty days to the party's primaries.

Atuma, former member of the House of Representative for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency gave the advise at Igbere, the country home of the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during his consultation with the APC stalwart over his aspiration  for Abia governorship in 2023 election.

The guber hopeful who comes from Abia Central Senatorial District also waved aside the controversy over zoning of the governorship contending that it has bred mediocrity in governance

"Abians did not any day sit down to decide where the State governor will come from", he argued,adding that the State needs restoration and rejuvenation to  at par with other fast developing States

The former lawmaker said he is running because it is an opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the State: "If I don’t take steps in addressing such issues of deplorable state of affairs in our developmental index in my generation, it will not be fair to my person.

“Like I said earlier, I am supremely qualified and very prepared to contest and win, not to grandstand.

“The contest actually is a contest to win. Abia is in a worse state at the moment in the hands of the PDP and the government that has been in existence in the last four years

“So I’m very prepared, I’m very confident. Abians are ready for change at this time.

“Moreso, with the enactment of the 2022 Electoral Act, winning election will be as a result of your popularity and preparation. Abians will have to choose what they desire.  

"We will ensure that there won’t be any promotion of voter apathy. We will ensure that the votes of Abians count this time.

“I am standing for this election to redeem and reform Abia. A new Abia is possible,” he affirmed