A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and senatorial aspirant for Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne, has called on the incumbent lawmaker, Enyinnaya Abaribe, to prepare to exit the Senate following his decision to re-contest the election in 2027.
Abaribe, who has represented Abia South in the Red Chamber for nearly two decades, has, according to Ikonne, failed to deliver meaningful development to the district.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday shortly after obtaining his nomination and expression of interest forms, Ikonne pledged to offer effective representation from 2027 if elected. He urged Abaribe to step aside, insisting that the time had come for a change in leadership.
Ikonne, a former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, said his entry into the race was driven by the urgent need to reposition Abia South through quality representation. He argued that the senatorial district has experienced years of under-performance at the National Assembly.
Reaffirming his commitment, Ikonne said his ambition was rooted in service, development, and a desire to restore purposeful representation to the people.
When asked about his chances, he took a swipe at the incumbent, stating that Abaribe’s long stay in the Senate had not translated into tangible progress for the constituency.
He said: “If you are familiar with Senator Abaribe very well, you will realize that he is an attention seeker and a media creation. He has long lost touch with the grassroots and our people are saying enough of his noise-making, it is time for him to return to village.
“Currently, Abia South does not look like a district with his representation in the Senate. That is why I have stepped forward, to offer real representation, align our people with the federal government, and attract the federal presence and development our district deserves,” Ikonne stated.
He added that his focus would be on translating representation into measurable outcomes through infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives, strategic interventions, and enhanced national relevance for the district.
Ikonne also expressed optimism about the 11th Senate, describing it as a consolidating assembly that would build on the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive Nigeria’s progress.
He called on Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, to support the President’s reform agenda, which he said is aimed at laying a sustainable foundation for national growth and prosperity.
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