Former Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Justice Ogbonna, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obingwa East State Constituency in Abia following the party’s recently concluded House of Assembly primaries.
Ogbonna, from Ward 11, polled 1,744 votes to defeat his closest rival, Valentine Etonyeaku of Ward 7, who garnered 51 votes. George Ubani of Ward 8 finished with 33 votes.
Speaking to newsmen after his victory, Ogbonna commended the peaceful and transparent conduct of the primaries, describing the APC as a well-organised party.
“I am impressed with the conduct of the election. Our party is well-organised, and the process was handled professionally,” he said.
He noted that party members in his ward arrived as early as 8 a.m. and waited patiently for the returning officers and electoral committee.
“When they arrived at my ward, they were impressed with the level of decorum and the arrangements on ground.
“Ward 11 is one of the largest wards in APC Abia in terms of e-registration, and our members came out en masse to cast their votes,” Ogbonna said.
He said the strong showing from Ward 11, combined with support from other wards, secured him an overwhelming victory.
Now that he has secured the APC ticket, Ogbonna said the party is returning to the drawing board to strategise for the main election.
“The APC in Abia is in opposition, but looking at the calibre of candidates on our platform, it is clear we are coming out in full force. It will be a political tsunami,” he said.
The ex-DSS officer expressed confidence that the APC would record resounding success in the 2027 general elections, scheduled for January and February.
Ogbonna also called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the president has good intentions for the country.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will bring massive transformation to Nigeria. I urge all Nigerians to stand with him in 2027,” he added.
He appealed to aggrieved party members to set aside their differences and work for the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
“I urge those who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the election to sheathe their swords.
“Let us come together as one united family so that victory will be ours in all ramifications in 2027,” Ogbonna said.
