Onuigbo declares for Senate, urges Abia to reject mediocre candidates

Former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has declared that Abia State must not elect “persons of doubtful pedigree” or “intellectual Lilliputs” to represent it in the Senate come 2027.

Onuigbo called for the emergence of credible and experienced lawmakers, in line with the expectations of Nigerians and the vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a star-studded National Assembly. He stressed that the next set of senators must be individuals who have been “tried, tested, and not found wanting in character, carriage, and comportment.”

The former lawmaker, who represented the Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency for two consecutive terms, made the remarks at Odoziobodo Hills in his Obuohia Obi Ibere community, Ikwuano Local Government Area, while declaring his intention to contest the 2027 senatorial election for Abia Central on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He appealed to his constituents for support, stating that his ambition is to bring his experience to bear in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“My aspiration to the Nigerian Senate is to invest my rich experience and inspire hope as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. I assure you that I will reflect humility, integrity, honour, and diligence in discharging your legislative mandate,” he said.

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Reflecting on his time in the National Assembly, Onuigbo described his tenure as impactful, noting that he served as a worthy ambassador of his constituency, state, and the nation through what he termed a string of notable achievements.

He highlighted his sponsorship of Nigeria’s Climate Change Law, which he said positioned the country prominently on the global stage in sustainability. According to him, the legislation has earned him recognition and awards from both local and international organisations.

Onuigbo, who currently represents the South-East in the North-East Development Commission, maintained that Abia State must prioritise quality representation in the next National Assembly.

“Abia State, as God’s Own State, cannot afford to send intellectual Lilliputs or persons of doubtful pedigree to the next National Assembly. Only those who have been tested and proven in character and competence deserve your support,” he said.

He further pledged that, if elected, he would continue to operate on his guiding principles of Effectiveness, Accessibility, and Responsiveness (EAR).

Recalling his electoral history, he noted that he was elected in 2015 to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency and was re-elected in 2019, making him the only lawmaker to have served two consecutive terms in the constituency.

Onuigbo added that consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda would depend largely on the presence of capable and high-quality lawmakers in the 11th National Assembly.