The lawmaker representing Bende South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, popularly known as Ijiriji Bende, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Bende Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The seat is currently occupied by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Ndubuisi said his decision to join the race followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and constituents, noting that he is driven by a desire to expand his impact and attract more development to Bende.
Highlighting his achievements, the lawmaker said he facilitated the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP) market in Bende to boost economic activities and encourage indigenes to return home. He added that the Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, is constructing the market alongside a 22-kilometre access road.
He further disclosed that he has awarded bursaries to students and distributed palm seedlings to promote agriculture, stressing that he is not satisfied with his current level of impact and aspires to do more at the national level.
Speaking during his declaration at Uzuakoli Practicing School, Ndubuisi expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his mentorship, noting that Kalu’s performance has redefined legislative responsibilities.
According to him, Kalu’s representation has demonstrated that lawmakers can attract tangible development, including roads, healthcare facilities, and educational projects.
“I have decided to contest for the Bende Federal Constituency seat. I will consolidate on the solid foundation already laid.
The groundwork has been done, and I am prepared to build on it,” he said.
Ndubuisi described Bende South as a strategic gateway, citing its proximity to Umuahia and its link to Abia North, which he said makes it critical for effective representation.
He also revealed that leaders from the six political wards in Bende South unanimously endorsed his candidacy, adding that he has received support from Bende North.
“I will represent you well and ensure Bende continues to have a strong voice at the Green Chamber. I want to prove that Bende sons are capable and ready to deliver,” he added.
In his remarks, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, assured aspirants of a transparent and fair primary process, stressing that the party would not impose candidates.
He described Ndubuisi as a compassionate and dedicated leader and expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections. Chukwu also welcomed defectors from other parties, assuring them of equal opportunities within the APC.
Earlier, stakeholders from Bende South, led by Chief P.C. Mbah, and leaders from Bende North, represented by Prof.
Hagler Okorie, endorsed Ndubuisi’s ambition, describing him as capable of sustaining and advancing the achievements of the current occupant.
They pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Benjamin Kalu, and Ndubuisi ahead of the elections.
The declaration event also featured the reception of new APC members, including Chief Emeka Ochiobi and Chief Chimeremeze Odoemenam (Onwa Bende), who pledged continued support for the party and Ndubuisi’s candidacy.
Ndubuisi maintained that his ambition is anchored on service and the desire to attract greater dividends of democracy to the people of Bende through effective representation at the National Assembly.
Also speaking with newsmen, Chief Chimeremeze Odoemenam pledged to sustain his support for Ijiriji Bende and the party at large.
He added that his support would go beyond financial and moral, but also promised to carry his supporters along.
