Ex Abia Speaker, Orji, Wins APC Ticket For Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Pledges Support For President Tinubu

The former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, has expressed gratitude to God, his family, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their support and confidence in him.

Speaking on Saturday at his residence after accepting the party’s nomination, Orji thanked party faithful for standing by him and appreciated God for sustaining him and his family over the years. He noted that he has maintained a good record in public service.

He also paid tribute to his father, whom he described as an elder statesman, while appreciating his siblings and wife for their patience and support throughout his political journey.

The former Speaker commended the leadership of the APC, stressing that he is not a party sycophant but a committed member determined to contribute positively to the growth of the party.

He specifically thanked the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his leadership role in strengthening the APC in Abia State. He also appreciated former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha for their support and contributions to the party.

According to Orji, Benjamin Kalu has played a major role in building the APC in the state, urging members to continue supporting the party to make it a stronger political brand. He advised party faithful to embrace constructive criticism rather than engaging in destructive politics.

He maintained that among the aspirants, he remains the best candidate and promised to approach politics differently this time by focusing on hard work and telling the people what he intends to do differently.

Orji called on Southerners to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, noting that Tinubu is a Southerner like himself. He emphasized that the South-East alone does not have the numerical strength to produce a president without support from the North and the South-West.

He urged Abians and the South-East to support Tinubu’s second-term bid, saying it presents a major political opportunity for both the North and the East to work together for national progress.

The former Speaker described the Igbo people as intelligent and highly skilled in business management, adding that the South-East must also become more strategic and active in national politics just like the North and the West.

Orji said he accepted the party’s nomination with humility and the backing of stakeholders, promising to work tirelessly for the people. He appealed to anyone offended by him in the past to forgive him so they could work together for the progress of the APC.

He further stated that political power belongs to the grassroots and declared himself a proud son of Ibeku who would not be intimidated out of politics.

Orji warned his supporters against propaganda and encouraged them to remain peaceful and ready to apologize whenever they offend others. He urged them to take the APC campaign to the grassroots without engaging in destructive criticism.