Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has been urged to cede the seat to his younger rival, Dr Philips Nto, in the spirit of inclusiveness.
Dr Nto made the appeal at Igbere, hometown of the former governor, in continuation of his consultation visits ahead of the senatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning asked Orji Uzor Kalu to emulate his Sokoto State counterpart, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who has also ceded the position to a commissioner in the state.
According to him, as an elder statesman, Dr Kalu ought to retire from active politics to encourage the younger ones to grow.
He told the crowd: “Please help me to plead with your son, His Excellency, to offer me this opportunity to represent the good people of Abia North. I will always come around to consult him as our father.”
Dr Philips Nto, a former Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that he contributes to making laws that would positively impact the people.
He also pledged to ensure that he bridges the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create opportunities for employment for the youths.
While canvassing support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Philips Nto described the APC as the vehicle through which Nigeria will grow its economy and stabilize the political space.
In their separate responses, a retired Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice S. N. Imo; a former Chairman of Bende Local Government Council, Hon Emmanuel Onwuchekwa; the pioneer APC Women Leader; and the APC LGA Chairman, Bende, all commended Dr Philips Nto for his courage in seeking to represent Abia North in the Senate come 2027.
They also promised to deliver his message to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to cede the Senate position to him in 2027.
Justice Imo, in particular, vouched for the integrity of Dr Nto, describing him as a fellow Ambassador of the Kingdom who will always stand on the side of truth.
