APC chieftains back ex-NALDA boss for Senate

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress in Abia South Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Prince Paul Ikonne, for the Senate.

The party leaders, in a statement read by Elder Chinwe Nwanganga on Tuesday, also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee for conducting “a free, fair and credible primary election.”

The group argued that the real congresses held were those that produced Ikonne as the APC candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, and Sam Nwogu as the candidate for Ukwa Federal Constituency.

The leaders said the choice of Ikonne reflects over 20 years of experience in public service, noting that he is regarded by Abia people, especially in the Old Aba Zone, as a politician whose strength lies in preparation and service rather than rhetoric.

 The statement read, “This is a note of appreciation to our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Working Committee, NWC.

On behalf of Abia South Senatorial District, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your impartiality, diligence and commitment to democratic values during our party’s just-concluded primary elections._

“Your leadership ensured a transparent, credible process that has strengthened internal democracy and given our party clear direction.

We also thank the president and the NWC for listening to the people’s quest for equity and for the restoration of their mandate.”

The group noted that in the last 28 years of the current political dispensation, Obingwa Local Government Area has held the Abia South Senate seat for 20 years. It added that President Tinubu’s appointment of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain was a bold honour to the people of Abia South.

The leaders cited Ikonne’s his tenure as Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA from 2020-2025, saying his experience in managing agricultural and land development nationwide puts him ahead of other contenders for the Senate seat.

“We expect that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in repositioning our senatorial zone that has clamoured for change and adequate representation at the Senate,” the statement added.

The party leaders pledged full support for all APC candidates, from President Tinubu to Chief Eric Opah, Prince Paul Ikonne, and all House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates.