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 in the House of Representatives.

The seat is currently occupied by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Ndubuisi’s declaration is coming amid growing interest from several political figures across Bende, seeking to represent the constituency in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking during his declaration at the Uzuakoli Practicing School, Ndubuisi expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his mentorship and leadership, noting that Kalu’s performance has redefined legislative responsibilities.

According to him, the Deputy Speaker gave him the ladder to rise politically, expressing gratitude over the achievements of Rt Hon Kalu, which he said cut across Nigeria.

He said through the representation of the Deputy Speaker, he has seen that a legislator could attract real development, roads, healthcare centres, schools, creating measurable impacts.

Hon Ndubuisi described Bende South as a strategic gateway constituency, highlighting its proximity to Umuahia, the state capital, and its link to Abia North, stating that this positioning makes it critical for effective representation and development.

The Lawmaker equally revealed that after extensive consultations with stakeholders and constituents, he decided to join the race for the federal seat, so he can have the platform to attract more dividend to his people.

“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 stated.

He also disclosed that leaders from the six political wards in Bende South recently unanimously endorsed his candidacy, adding that he has received significant support from Bende North as well.

“I will represent you well. I will carry forward the legacies already established and ensure that 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 All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, assured aspirants of a transparent and fair selection process, emphasizing that the party would not impose candidates.

According to him, the party will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants, adding that beyond capacity, the party is focused on fielding candidates who are experienced, popular and capable of winning elections.

He commended Ndubuisi for his courage in declaring for the race and expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. He also welcomed defectors from other political parties, including the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring them of equal treatment and inclusiveness within the APC.

Earlier, stakeholders from Bende South (Ikwuisi), represented by Hon. P.C. Mbah, and leaders from Bende North (Umunna), represented by Prof. Hagler Okorie, publicly endorsed Ndubuisi’s candidacy. They described him as experienced and capable of sustaining and advancing the achievements recorded by the current occupant of the seat.

In an interview, Ndubuisi highlighted his track record at the Abia State House of Assembly, noting that he has executed several people-oriented and economically viable projects aimed at accelerating development.

He explained that his ambition to move to the National Assembly is driven by a desire to expand his impact.

“The House of Representatives offers a broader platform to attract more development and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people of Bende”, he said.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Party’s symbol to the new entrance of the party, among those received into the party, were Chief Emeka Ochiobi, and Chief Chimeremeze Odoemenam (Onwa Bende).