Akobundu who gave the assurance at the unveiling of his manifesto in Umuahia, stated that the party members have any reason not to vote for Atiku , stressing that it is a convention in politics that a party member must support the candidate once he emerges from the primaries.
He pledged to empower 1,500 youths and another 1,000 students free education and skill acquisition, if elected.
Akobundu who is a former minister of state for Defence, further pledged to attract federal presence to address the poor state of infrastructure across the Abia Central district.
He said; “My campaign is centered on citizens’ empowerment, human capital and infrastructure development which shall drive stronger production of goods and services through effective legislation and oversight.”
He disclosed that he decided to publish his manifesto to enable the electorate to hold him accountable on his campaign promises.
On whether his ambition is not against the rotational agreement between the Ngwa and Ikwuano/Ikwuano blocs, Akobundu explained that PDP there was an understanding among the stakeholders that since the PDP governorship ticket had been ceded to the Ngwa clan in Abia Central district, the senatorial slot should go to Ikwuano clan.
He further stated that out of the three LGAs in Ikwuano/Umuahia bloc, only Ikwuano LGA is the one yet to produce a senator in the zone.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the Government of Abia State, Chris Ezem, described Akobundu as a good candidate with great experience while the Director General of Akobundu Campaign Organization, Pastor Emeka Enyama, said Akobundu possess the capacity to represent the zone effectively.
At the poll, Akobundu would be squaring up against Hon. Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party; Dr. Chuku Wachuku of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Chief Sam Onuigbo of the APC, among others.