A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and senatorial aspirant for Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne, has told the lawmaker representing the district, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to brace up for an exit from the Senate.
Abaribe has spent nearly two decades representing Abia South in the Red Chamber, a tenure Ikonne claims has not translated into meaningful development for the district.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday morning shortly after obtaining his nomination and expression of interest forms, Ikonne pledged to deliver effective representation for Abia South from 2027 if elected, while urging Abaribe to prepare to vacate the seat.
Ikonne, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) under former President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that his entry into the race stems from what he described as an urgent need to improve the quality of representation for Abia South. He argued that the district has endured years of under-performance at the National Assembly.
He reiterated that his ambition is anchored on service, development, and a commitment to restore purposeful representation for the people of the district.
Responding to questions about his chances, Ikonne issued a direct challenge to Abaribe, asserting that after almost two decades in the Senate, it was time for the incumbent to return to Ohuru village and focus on local matters, including settling land disputes, insisting that his prolonged stay in office has not yielded meaningful progress for the area.
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 further noted that his aspiration is focused on delivering tangible results through infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, strategic interventions, and enhancing the district’s national relevance.
Ikonne also expressed optimism about the role of the 11th Senate, describing it as one that would consolidate on the reforms and political gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to steer Nigeria in a positive direction.
He called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion, to support the President’s reform agenda, which he described as aimed at laying a foundation for long-term national transformation and prosperity.
With his acquisition of nomination forms, the race for the Abia South Senate seat appears to be gathering momentum, signaling a potentially decisive contest ahead.
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