The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Rt. Hon. Emeka Atuma, has declared that he did not join politics to enrich himself.
Speaking on Tuesday during a special radio interview in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, the former lawmaker said he was already an established man before entering partisan politics.
“Before arriving in public service, before joining partisan politics, I was already an established man. So I didn’t join politics in order to enrich myself. I didn’t join politics for what I would get. Rather, I came for what I would give,” Atuma stated.
Atuma, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, said his motivation for politics was human capital development, infrastructure, and improving the living conditions of his people.
“Representation is based on trust. If they’ve been able to trust you to represent them, you should be able to bring things that will meet their needs,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure in the National Assembly, Atuma said he focused on both infrastructure and human empowerment, especially by facilitating federal civil service jobs for young graduates.
According to him, some of those beneficiaries, who got jobs about 20 years ago through his intervention, have now risen to senior positions as Assistant Directors and Deputy Directors in the Federal Civil Service.
“Those that joined the Federal Civil Service through me 20 years ago, some of them are deputy directors, assistant directors,” he said.
He revealed that some of those same beneficiaries are now back to support his current senatorial ambition, describing it as proof of lasting relationships built through genuine representation.
The APC chieftain also listed road construction and school infrastructure as part of his achievements while in the House.
He stressed that quality must not be compromised in constituency projects and criticized the practice of public officials enriching themselves from contracts meant for their people.
“Public office should be regarded as an opportunity to improve lives, create lasting opportunities and honour the confidence reposed in elected representatives,” he added.
His remarks come as he continues consultations and grassroots engagements across Abia Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.