For persons living with disabilities, struggling traders and other residents seeking better economic opportunities, the question of who represents them in the National Assembly goes beyond political promises. It is about access to opportunities, inclusive governance and a representative capable of translating public office into tangible benefits.
Against this backdrop, former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Aba Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, has taken his campaign message to five groups across Aba North and Aba South, making a case for his return to the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups comprise the Special Citizens of Aba South Persons Living with Disabilities, participants at the Aba Business Fair, All Citizens Movement (ACM), Progressive Family Aba North and APC Ngwa Road Marketers from Aba North and Aba South.
At the separate engagements, Azubuike said that Aba needs more than political rhetoric and election-season promises. He maintained that the constituency deserves a representative with demonstrable experience, established connections within federal institutions and a record of attracting opportunities to the people.
The former lawmaker highlighted his previous interventions in public office, particularly in employment generation, education, market development, infrastructure and human capacity development.
He disclosed that while serving as Commissioner for Agriculture in Abia State, he facilitated employment for 72 persons, comprising 50 graduates and 22 non-graduates, through the Agricultural Development Programme. He also claimed to have secured employment for 25 graduates through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
His employment record, according to him, extended to his tenure in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, when he facilitated jobs for 139 graduates through the Public Complaints Commission.
He further recalled interventions through federal agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service.
On education, Azubuike cited his role in facilitating the construction of a classroom block and what he described as the largest auditorium at Abia State Polytechnic, now Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic. He also recalled facilitating an Entrepreneurship Development Centre equipped with 120 modern computers.
The former lawmaker added that four beneficiaries secured federal scholarships to study abroad through his intervention, while his empowerment initiatives at Uratta Integrated Market included the provision of 22 cars to beneficiaries.
On infrastructure, he pointed to the construction of an access road along the Power Line axis leading to Ariaria International Market, which he said helped improve access to the commercial centre for traders and residents.
Azubuike argued that his previous legislative and administrative experience gives him an advantage over aspirants whose political ambitions may not be backed by comparable records of public service. He maintained that effective federal representation requires more than occupying a seat in the National Assembly; it demands the ability to influence decisions, attract projects, facilitate employment and ensure that constituents benefit from government programmes.
He challenged other political candidates to present verifiable accounts of their previous contributions to the constituency, insisting that voters should interrogate candidates’ records rather than be swayed by campaign slogans and last-minute political promises.
Azubuike also met with the Special Citizens of Aba South Persons Living with Disabilities at his residence, where their group Leader, Ifeanyi G. Sunday. He further engaged participants at the Aba Business Fair, organised by the Academy for Creating Enterprise at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aba South, with their Leader, Excellence Onyekachi Uchechukwu and other participants were in attendance.
Similarly, members of the All Citizens Movement (ACM) received him at Tiger Bar, opposite Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba North, where Ndukwe Nweke represented the group. He also held discussions with members of the Progressive Family in Aba North before meeting APC Ngwa Road Marketers from Aba North and Aba South, represented by Ezeogo Chukwu.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the groups welcomed Azubuike’s consultations and appreciated his willingness to engage different segments of the constituency. They emphasised the need for accessible representation, inclusive governance, economic empowerment and sustained attention to the challenges facing their members, particularly persons living with disabilities, traders and other residents.
For the former lawmaker, the consultations provide another opportunity to place his previous record before the electorate and explain why he believes he deserves another mandate.
Azubuike is seeking the mandate of Aba Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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