Austin Akobundu
Austin Okwudiri Akobundu | |
|---|---|
| Senator for Abia Central | |
| Assumed office 15 November 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Darlington Nwokocha |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 March 1956 |
| Party | ADC (since March 2026)[1] |
Other political affiliations | PDP (Until March 2026) |
Austin Okwudiri Akobundu (ⓘ born 10 March 1956) is a Nigerian politician who is the current senator representing Abia Central.[2][3]
Biography
Austin Akobundu is a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army and former Minister of State for Defense under President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.[4] He is the current Senator representing Abia Central in the Senate. He replaced Darlington Nwokocha whose election was nullified by the Court of Appeal on 4 November 2023. He was sworn in on 15 November 2023.[5][6]
Since arriving in the Senate, Akobundu has been active in supporting access to education and recently facilitated scholarships for 113 students across Local Government Areas in Abia State[7] and trained 400 students on computer skills in Umuahia, Abia State.[8]
Initially representing PDP, [9] Akobundu defected to ADC in March 2026, participating in the Senate primaries ahead of 2027 Nigerian general election.[10]
References
- ^ "Nine Senators Defect To ADC". Galaxy Television. Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ^ Nwosu, Uche (2022-05-24). "Col. Akobundu Emerges PDP Flag Bearer For Abia Central Senatorial District". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Sen. AUGUSTINE AKOBUNDU". Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ^ "Ex-minister joins race for Abia senatorial seat". The Punch. 2022-03-31. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ Ogundapo, Abdulqudus (2023-11-15). "New Abia Central senator sworn in". Premium Times. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ Ume-Ezeoke, Gloria (2023-11-15). "PDP's Akobundu Sworn In As Abia Senator". Channels TV. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Enyinnaya, Victor (2024-07-01). "Abia Central Senator, Austin Akobundu Embarks On Fulfilling His Human Development Campaign Promises". Daily Sports. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Nwosu, Uche (2024-08-30). "FG, Senator Akobundu Foundation Train Over 400 Students In Computer Software In Umuahia". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Ogundapo, Abdulqudus (2023-11-15). "New Abia Central senator sworn in". Premium Times. Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ^ "ADC Primaries: Akobundu Promises More Democratic Dividends for Abia Central". 2024-08-30. Retrieved 2026-06-03.