The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) rolled out the drums on Friday January 10, 2025 in celebration of Chief Kelvin Jombo Onumah, the latest big shot in Abia to join the party.
Emboldened by the influx of big shots into its fold, APC which is among the Abia opposition parties, declared that it would take control of Abia government house come 2027.
The self-assured declaration was made at Abiriba Stadium in Ohafia Local Government where the party faithful gathered to celebrate the latest “big catch” in APC net, Chief Kelvin Jombo Onumah.
The accomplished businessman and CEO of Sumblime Group of Companies was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before his defection to APC hence the euphoric celebration of his membership.
Chairman of Abia APC, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu used the occasion to showcase the party’s poster chieftains, saying that the party would leverage their performances and achievements to take control of Abia in two years time.
He specifically cited the performances of Senator Orji Uzor, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, among others.
According to him, these “star performers” of APC in elected and appointed public offices have been doing well and their achievements would propel the party to make a clean sweep of Abia in the next general election.
Ononogbu said that Abia APC had taken stock of its performance in the 2023 election and has corrected all mistakes that led to its failure to win the gubernatorial seat hence it has become more formidable.
“We expect that if we take over Abia State in 2027, you will see more actions, verifiable actions,” he said.
Senator Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, was in palpable euphoria while welcoming Jombo to APC, which he described as “the largest political party in Nigeria”.
He hinted that Jombo would be gunning for the House of Representatives un 2027 to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency.
The former Abia Governor urged the people of Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency to help in actualising Jombo’s political ambition, saying, “ask yourself what Kelvin wants and take action to support him”.
He stated that Jombo has “earned your trust and deserves to be your representative” having contributed so much in community development, human capital development and philanthropy.
Kalu said that the APC administration headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to take Nigeria out of the woods, adding that the ongoing economic reforms would make the nation better.
According to him, APC is not only the biggest party in Nigeria but also “confident in our ability to win elections”, adding that “what people say on social media” would count less.
He said: “We will reclaim our honour, not just here, but throughout Abia State, Anambra, and other states. We are committed to working for the well-being of the common man and strengthening our institutions. We will also create opportunities for individuals to regain seats in government”.
In his address, Chief Jombo explained that he chose to cross over to APC, Nigeria’s ruling party, in order to attract development to his people of Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency and Abia North in general.
The high caliber new member of APC assured the party leadership that he has come to add value to the party and enhance its winning capacity in Abiriba, Abia North zone and the entire Abia State.
Before the grand reception at Abiriba, Chief Jombo had been received by the state executives of APC at the party secretariat in Umuahia when he was presented to the party leaders on Wednesday January 9, 2025.
A leader of the party in Ohafia Local Government, High Chief Uche Ogboso, while presenting the new high profile member, said that Ohafia zone was gradually becoming an APC zone with the influx of people into the party.
He affirmed that Jombo had gone through the process of registration at the ward and LG level before coming to the state secretariat to conclude all formalities as a member of the party.
After receiving the broom from Abia APC Chairman, Dr Ononogbu, who expressed delight in having Jombo as APC member, the new member pledged to be a good party man.
He said: “When it comes to character, I won’t be found wanting and if certain things in the party do not work in my favour, I promise to remain a party man. I join APC at this point because I began to realize that the party vision aligned with my own vision. I promise not to disappoint”.