Chief Emperor Ogbonna, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Dr Kasarachi Enyinna Michael Campaign Organisation, has called for new representation in Abia South Senatorial District, arguing that the incumbent senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, should give way to a younger candidate.

In an interview, Ogbonna said his support for Michael, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate, was based on his belief that the district needed more effective representation and leaders capable of delivering tangible development.

Abia South comprises Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East and Ukwa West local government areas.

Ogbonna described Michael, who hails from Ogwe in Ukwa West, as a competent technocrat with business interests in Abia State and a good understanding of Aba, where he grew up around Azikiwe Road.

“We are not looking at where a candidate comes from but at competence. Michael is a young man who, in our assessment, is competent and efficient,” he said.

Although Michael is about 40 years old, Ogbonna said his candidacy was not being presented under the Not Too Young to Run initiative. He described him as an achiever, a philanthropist and a friendly person who understands people’s needs.

He added that Michael had previously served as the vice-presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2023 and had maintained an interest in Nigerian politics and economic development.

According to Ogbonna, Michael also has a fintech company operating in Abia State.

The campaign spokesperson dismissed allegations that Abaribe was sponsoring Michael to split opposition votes and improve his chances of retaining the senatorial seat.

“That is a very false rumour. There is no truth in it. Nobody brought him out. He came out on his own, and we, the young people, are supporting him,” he said.

Ogbonna also linked the senatorial contest to the broader question of political change in Nigeria, arguing that a president would need sufficient support in the National Assembly to implement reforms.

Citing Peter Obi, he said that even if the former Anambra State governor became president, his ability to implement policies would depend partly on the composition of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“If you want a change, be the change yourself,” Ogbonna said, urging voters to consider the candidates contesting legislative seats alongside those seeking executive office.

On Abaribe’s performance, Ogbonna expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the limited visible development in Abia South. He said he could identify streetlights but struggled to point to major road projects initiated and completed by the incumbent senator.

“I have not seen much when it comes to constituency projects. What I have to be honest with him about is that I have seen streetlights,” he said.

He contrasted this with road projects he attributed to former Abia State governor and senator Orji Uzor Kalu, arguing that constituents should be able to identify tangible projects associated with their representatives.

However, Ogbonna acknowledged that Abaribe had made some efforts, even as he questioned whether the senator had done enough to justify another term.

He also referred to Abaribe’s reported application to withdraw as surety for detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, but said the issue should not be the central basis for assessing the senator’s performance.

Ogbonna disclosed that he had voted for Abaribe several times when the senator contested under different political parties. He nevertheless believes the time has come for Abaribe to retire from the Senate.

In the past, I voted for Abaribe several times. But today, I feel, ‘Oga, you have tried. It is better for you to retire.’ Let a younger person take over,” he said.

He maintained that his position was not motivated by personal hostility towards the incumbent but by his belief that political leadership should make room for new entrants.

Ogbonna urged Abia South voters to consider Michael’s candidacy, citing his youth, business experience and intellectual capacity. He expressed confidence that Michael could improve representation and help make the district a source of pride in Igboland.