Former governor of Abia State and Senator-elect, Abia North senatorial district,  Dr. Orji Kalu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dedicated his victory in the February 23 National Assembly elections to Abians.

Kalu polled 31, 201 votes while the incumbent, Mao Ohuabunwa, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief David Ogba of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) scored 20, 801 and 11, 410 votes, respectively.

The result was announced at the Abia North Collation Centre, Ohafia, yesterday. Kalu won  in four, of the five local government areas that make up the Abia North, including Arochukwu, the PDP candidate’s home local government, where he scored  1,166, to beat Ohuabunwa’s vote of  843.

In  Ohafia, Kalu got 5,523 votes, against  Ohuabunwa’s 4,861; in Isuikwuato, 8,317 to PDP’s 4,609; Bende, Kalu’s home local government, he polled 10,701 to PDP’s 4,875.

It was only at Umunneochi that PDP had 5,613 against that of APC’s 5,496.

He stressed that his victory in the poll is testament to the robust goodwill he (Kalu) enjoys among the electorate.

In a statement issued and signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewunmi, yesterday, the former governor, urged his co-contestants in other political parties to join hands with him in advancing the cause of Abia North.

He said: “The people of Abia North senatorial district came out en-masse to cast their votes for President Muhammadu Buhari, my good self and other APC candidates in the presidential and national assembly elections.

“I salute the courage, boldness and patriotism displayed by the electorate in choosing their preferred candidates .

“The people of Abia North senatorial district had been deprived of qualitative representation for many years.

“I will use my network of contacts and political dexterity to uplift our communities.

“The challenges facing our people have been diligently articulated with possible solutions highlighted.

“Having served in different capacities in the public sector, I will bring to bear my experience in discharging my duties.

“Politics is not a do-or-die affair and, as such, I will adopt, as always, an all- inclusive and participatory approach in my legislative responsibilities.”

The former governor, while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, international and local observers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for ensuring a  hitch-free and credible poll, promised to live up to expectations.

Kalu equally applauded chieftains and members of the APC for demonstrating maturity, despite the provocation and intimidation by the PDP, and stressed that the ideals of the APC are based on genuine leadership and good governance…