2027: APGA’s Irukwu Onwuka Challenges Orji Kalu, Other Contenders, Says Abia North Needs New Generation of Leadership

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Senatorial Candidate for Abia North, Chief Irukwu Onwuka, has unveiled a 16-point development agenda centred on education, job creation, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and investment, declaring that the senatorial district requires a new approach to leadership and development.

Onwuka made the declaration during a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State, where he presented his manifesto under the theme, “New Face. New Energy. New Development for Abia North.”

The entrepreneur and industrialist said his decision to seek election to the Senate in 2027 was informed by his experience in the private sector, spanning business, education, agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, real estate, hospitality and media.

He said he intended to apply his experience in enterprise development and institution-building to address what he described as gaps in infrastructure and economic opportunities across the five local government areas of Abia North.

The manifesto identifies Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi as areas to benefit from his proposed development agenda.

Onwuka pledged to promote the establishment of smart schools, improve access to basic education, provide scholarship opportunities and expand vocational, technical and digital skills training for young people.

He also promised to advocate youth enterprise grants, business-support programmes, access to finance for viable small businesses, and opportunities for apprenticeships and technology-enabled employment.

The APGA candidate said women, particularly market women, petty traders and owners of small businesses, would receive attention through proposed grants, cooperative development, vocational training and financial literacy programmes.

On infrastructure, Onwuka identified electricity, rural roads, water supply, markets and digital connectivity as priorities, insisting that communities across the district should have access to essential public services.

He specifically cited the absence of electricity in his village and water challenges in Uturu as examples of infrastructure deficiencies he believed required urgent attention.

According to him, alternative energy sources, including solar power, could provide practical solutions to electricity challenges in underserved communities.

The candidate also outlined plans to support primary healthcare facilities, maternal and child health programmes, medical outreaches and vulnerable elderly persons.

In agriculture, he proposed modern farming methods, agricultural cooperatives, agro-processing, improved storage facilities and better market access, arguing that the sector should generate employment and greater economic value beyond primary production.

Onwuka further promised to attract private-sector and diaspora investment into Abia North, promote small businesses and encourage partnerships between government, investors and local communities.

He said his broader ambition was to create an economic environment in which businesses could expand, jobs could be generated and residents would have greater opportunities to live and work within the senatorial district.

The candidate maintained that his proposed development model would focus on educating, empowering, connecting, investing in, creating opportunities for and protecting the people.

‘I Will Bring Private-Sector Experience to the Senate’

Addressing concerns about his lack of legislative experience, Onwuka argued that his nearly two decades in business had equipped him with practical knowledge that could contribute to legislative representation.

He said his experience in building businesses and institutions would bring a different perspective to the Senate, adding that public officeholders should be judged by their ability to deliver results.

Onwuka, who is associated with the Citiedge group of businesses and projects, said he intended to draw on his experience in enterprise development, investment and human-capital development.

He also argued that previous experience in elective office should not automatically prevent new entrants from seeking public office.

The APGA candidate, however, acknowledged that effective senatorial representation would require collaboration with the state government, irrespective of political differences.

He said constituency projects and development initiatives could achieve greater impact through partnerships that combine federal constituency funding with state government resources.

“Regardless of party, you don’t do party when you want to deliver dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.

Onwuka also stressed the need for accountability, declaring that public service should not be treated as a business venture for accumulating wealth.

He promised to maintain communication with constituents, monitor constituency projects and promote transparency in the use of public resources.

Onwuka Seeks Opportunity, Acknowledges Orji Kalu, Other Contenders

The APGA candidate called on established political figures contesting for the Abia North Senate seat to give younger aspirants an opportunity to serve.

He acknowledged the contributions of former Abia State Governor and incumbent Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, describing him as an elder statesman whose years in public office deserved recognition.

Onwuka noted that Kalu had served as governor for eight years and was approaching eight years in the Senate, arguing that the time had come for a new generation to contribute to the district’s development.

He made similar remarks about businessman Chief David Ogba (Bourdex) and former House of Representatives member Hon. Uko Nkole, acknowledging their respective backgrounds while calling for an opportunity to demonstrate what he described as a different approach to representation.

The candidate expressed confidence that his performance during a first term, if elected, would demonstrate the value of his proposed development agenda.

APGA Chairman: Politics Is About the People, Not Big Names

The Abia State Chairman of APGA, Ambassador Sunday Onukwubiri, expressed confidence in Onwuka’s candidacy, arguing that political success depends on a candidate’s relationship with the electorate rather than name recognition alone.

Onukwubiri said proximity to the people, an understanding of their needs and the ability to connect with them were important considerations in politics.

Using the biblical account of David and Goliath as an illustration, the party chairman said APGA was prepared to compete against more established political figures in Abia North.

He described Onwuka as a candidate representing a new generation and said the party was ready to mobilise support for his ambition.

Onukwubiri also advocated greater opportunities for young people in politics, arguing that age and established political status should not be the sole determinants of who occupies public office.

He maintained that the party’s platform would shape the direction of its candidates and said any potential political alliance involving APGA would depend on the position of its governorship candidate.