Lawmaker Erondu Jnr Heeds Call to Contest Abia South Senate Seat

The lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has responded to mounting calls from constituents and political stakeholders to contest the Abia South Senatorial seat, pledging purposeful representation and accelerated development across the district.

Erondu Jnr made his intention known today during consultative meetings with party executives and stakeholders in Obingwa, Aba North, and Aba South Local Government Areas (LGAs). He noted that the increasing demand for him to step forward informed his decision to join the race.

A stakeholder at one of the meetings, Mr. Godwin Nnah, described the lawmaker as a man of proven capacity who has distinguished himself in office and is well-suited for higher responsibility. He noted that Erondu Jnr’s grassroots appeal, accessibility, and humanitarian disposition set him apart as a leader who understands the needs of the people across Obingwa LGA, Abia South, and the state at large.

Responding, Erondu Jnr expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, recalling the support he received during the 2023 elections. He said persistent appeals from constituents and stakeholders played a decisive role in his acceptance of the challenge.

In his words, “I have lived a life of service and I am born to serve. I am always fulfilled when I see people happy. At times, I go as far as borrowing to assist people and solve their problems.”

He highlighted his empowerment initiatives, stating that he has built 43 houses for indigent families, constructed several council halls for communities, and distributed hundreds of motorcycles, cars, tricycles, buses, and tippers, among other support items, to improve the livelihoods of his constituents.

The lawmaker said his senatorial ambition is driven by a desire to provide effective representation and attract meaningful development to Abia South. He identified education as a key priority, promising to facilitate the establishment of a government-owned university in the district.

Erondu Jnr lamented the absence of such an institution in Abia South, noting that it has limited access to higher education for many young people. He also expressed concern over stalled initiatives, including the proposed upgrade of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, to a university, as well as the transformation of Abia Polytechnic, now Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, which he said has yet to yield tangible results.

He further promised to establish skill acquisition centres for women and youths to promote wealth creation, empower young people, and curb youth restiveness.

He urged party leaders and stakeholders to support his aspiration, assuring them that the welfare and interests of the people would remain central to his legislative agenda.

In separate remarks, the APC Zonal Chairman, Chief Chinedu Ihesiulo; Obingwa LGA APC Chairman, Elder Uzoma Ikuka; Aba South APC Chairman, Hon. Ifeanyi Mbakwe; and Aba North APC Chairman, Hon. Uche Ekwereonye, among others, welcomed his decision with enthusiasm and expressed optimism about his candidacy. They commended his consistent grassroots engagement and pledged their full support.

They also applauded the former Chairman of Obingwa LGA for consulting widely before making his decision, describing it as a reflection of responsive leadership, and reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for his ambition.

Also speaking, a stakeholder in Aba South LGA, Hon. Victor Ubani, noted that Aba residents have closely observed Erondu Jnr’s extensive empowerment programmes and would be pleased to have him represent them in the 11th Senate come 2027.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of all Ward Chairmen in Aba South, Mr. Ekele Maduka, alongside his counterpart in Abia North, Mr. Jerry, assured that they would mobilise massive support for the Uhie-born legislator.

Recall that APC and PDP stakeholders, led by former Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief Don Ubani, had earlier called on the lawmaker to contest the Abia South Senatorial seat. They decried nearly two decades of ineffective representation and stressed the need for a vibrant and youthful leader like Erondu Jnr, who is under 50, to reposition the district.