Stakeholders in Item Ward C of Bende North, Abia State, have unanimously called on Chief Orji Udeagha of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the State House of Assembly seat in the 2027 general election.
The endorsement followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, at Akanuitem, where community leaders, women representatives and opinion moulders from across the four clans that make up the ward, converged to deliberate on the political future of the area.
Speaking, the APC Chairman, Item Ward C, Mr Chukwuemeka Ogbonnaya, stressed that the meeting which transcended party lines, is “a collective decision driven by the interest of the people”.
The Party Chairman explained that the decision to draft Chief Udeagha into the race was based on his long-standing record of service, generosity and integrity within the community.
He further revealed that the enforcement followed consultations across the ward and was based on Chief Udeagha’s demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people.
The Party chairman who highlighted Chief Udeagha’s administrative competence, insisted that his leadership qualities and inclusive disposition set him apart, adding that “In terms of accountability, in terms of transparency, nobody you can compare with him”.
“This is a gathering of stakeholders, not mainly political. Participants here are leaders of thought, community leaders, women leaders from different sections that came together to tell our brother, we want you to come and run for House of Assembly election.
“Since he (Udeagha) was born in this community, he used to make his hand of fellowship wide to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Whatever thing that comes to him, he makes sure that it visited every person in this community”, Chief Ogbonnaya said.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the various clans, including Mr Desmond Ndukwe, Chief Eke Okoye, Mrs Jannie Igwe and the APC Publicity Secretary of the ward, Mr Okoroafor Appolos, described Udeagha as “a brave man, an achiever, a motivator and an illustrious son of Item,” pledging their full support for his emergence.
Responding, Chief Udeagha expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and assured the stakeholders of his readiness to heed their call.
“My people have shown me that my commitment to the services and the upliftment of my people is not in vain.
“They have pledged to give me all the support I needed and I assure them I will get the tickets by God’s grace”, he said.
Chief Udeagha also expressed confidence in his party’s internal process and pledged to provide inclusive representation if elected.
“Being a very strong and committed party man, I believe my party will consider me the best among all to fly their flag to victory.
He urged eligible voters to actively participate in the electoral process by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that “politics is not turn by turn but victory only emerges through balloting”.
