Ex-Abia speaker backs Tinubu, declares Senate bid

Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Christopher Enweremadu, on Saturday announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while also declaring his plan to contest for the Abia Central Senatorial District seat.

He made the announcement during a large political gathering that included members of the All Progressives Congress and other political groups in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Enweremadu explained that his decision to support Tinubu for another term was based on the policies introduced by the President since he assumed office.

According to him, although Nigerians are facing economic hardship, the policies of the current administration are aimed at strengthening the country’s position among other nations.

He encouraged residents of Abia State, especially those in the South-East, to give the President stronger support in the next general election.

He said that voting massively for Tinubu in 2027 would strengthen the relationship between the President and the Igbo people. Enweremadu also admitted that support for Tinubu from Abia State during the last election was not strong enough, but he expressed confidence that the situation would change during the next presidential poll.

He predicted that the President could receive a very large share of votes from the state if political leaders mobilise residents effectively.

During the meeting, Enweremadu also announced his ambition to represent Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He said the decision was connected to the long-standing political complaints from Isiala Ngwa North, which he said has not produced a senator since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, the local government area is one of six that make up the senatorial district, yet it has remained without representation in the Senate for many years.

He explained that the community believes it is now their turn to produce a senator and that political leaders from the area are determined to correct the situation.

Enweremadu stated that he has played a role in supporting other politicians from the zone in their own journeys to the Senate in the past, mentioning that he contributed to the success of figures such as Chris Adighije, Bob Nwanunu and Nkechi Nwaogu. He said he expects similar support from political leaders and stakeholders when the time comes for the next election.

The former speaker also addressed criticisms about his age and suitability for the Senate. According to him, some people have suggested that he is too young to occupy the position. He responded by saying that he is currently 59 years old and will turn 60 next year, arguing that he has gathered enough political and administrative experience over the years.

Enweremadu added that if he eventually secures the ticket of his party and wins the election, he plans to use his experience in government to pursue the interests of the Abia Central Senatorial District. He said his priority would be to ensure that communities in the district receive the benefits and development projects they deserve.

He also explained that he previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party but decided to join the All Progressives Congress because he believed it would help his community connect more closely with the federal government.

According to him, aligning with the ruling party would create opportunities for his people to benefit from the political environment at the national level.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General and Coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Isiala Ngwa North, Tony Otuonye, described Enweremadu as a political figure committed to building stronger relationships between his local government area and other parts of Abia State.

Otuonye said the movement would support efforts aimed at improving the political influence of the area.

Several other speakers at the event also spoke about Enweremadu’s political career and leadership. Among them were Chiefs Uzoma Onwauka, Lucky Nwaogu, Okey Nguma, Joshua Onyenkwere and Elizabeth Esochaghi.

They described the former speaker as a dedicated leader and pledged their backing for his senatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.