Politics
Convention: Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi lead PDP chairman race
The PDP leaders, who are also involved in the transition process, that during the Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was agreed that the North-West zone should produce the party’s national chairman, while the three northern zones would this week decide on the consensus candidates for all key positions.
Party insiders disclosed that the North-West zone was expected to choose among former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with Turaki reportedly enjoying an early majority support in the contest.
A top party official said that Turaki was likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, adding that he enjoyed the backing of key stakeholders, including the few governors now left in the party.
He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.
“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.
“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.
It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.
“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman. Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.
“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions. Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”
The North currently occupies key National Working Committee positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, as well as the National Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.
Although the party has resolved to hold the event in Ibadan, dissatisfaction persists particularly among supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who remains displeased with the leadership of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
Wike’s loyalists are reportedly angered by the lingering leadership disputes in the South-South, battles over control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as disagreements surrounding the micro-zoning of elective offices ahead of the convention.
FHC adjourns hearing
These internal crises have now escalated into a legal confrontation. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election procedures.
The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 following a disagreement over who was legally authorised to represent the PDP.
The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) claimed to be the rightful counsel. This made the judge to direct them to present evidence of authorisation before the next hearing on October 20.
Meanwhile, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed the decision to remove Ajibade and appoint Chief Uche (SAN) as his replacement. Ajibade, however, maintained that only a national convention had the authority to remove him.
In a fresh twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed October 31 for judgment of the suit seeking to halt the Ibadan convention over alleged violations of the party’s constitution.
Justice Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments for and against the suit filed by three aggrieved party members.
The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — are asking the court to stop the convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected.
The plaintiffs alleged that the planned convention breached the PDP Constitution.
The nine defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission; the PDP; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the National Working Committee; the National Executive Committee; Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the convention, warning that he would not hesitate to nullify any action taken in violation of the court’s directive.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court not to dismiss the case as a mere internal party matter but to view it as an effort to enforce compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution.
Daudu argued that the Nigerian Constitution mandated INEC to monitor the congresses of political parties before they can be deemed valid.
However, the party’s acting chairman, Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that issues relating to conventions and congresses were internal party affairs.
This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who represented the PDP’s NWC and NEC, insisting that the courts lacked the authority to intervene in the party’s internal matters.
In a related development, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Inspector- General of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services, denying that he signed the August 29 letter notifying INEC of the planned convention and requesting an investigation into the alleged forgery of the letter.
Regardless of the party’s dismissal of Anyanwu’s claims and endorsement of a probe of his allegation by the Department of State Services, the developments have deepened uncertainty over the convention, raising fears that the internal wrangling, forgery allegations and court disputes could derail the preparations for the PDP’s leadership transition.
Consensus arrangement
Speaking on the consensus arrangement that would lead to the emergence of the next party chairman, a PDP chieftain from the North-West, explained that the decision does not stop anyone from contesting, noting that any party member from any zone who is unhappy with the arrangement is free to run for any position of his choice.
“The PDP constitution allows for both consensus and open contest, giving stakeholders room to agree while respecting the rights of others to contest,” he added.
Another party leader from the North, who also corroborated the development, told The PUNCH, “During our recent meeting, the majority agreed that the position of national chairman should be zoned to the North-West.
“Other positions were also micro-zoned in a kind of swap arrangement; some offices initially allocated to the North-West were moved to other geopolitical zones. The leaders of the three northern zones – North-West, North-East, and North-Central – will now convene separate meetings within their zones this week to decide on consensus candidates for the various positions.
“As of now, the former Minister of Special Duties (Turakin) is in the race and may emerge chairman as he enjoys majority support, while some party leaders are also supporting Lamido for the position of national chairman. Also in the race from the North-West is former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
“When the North-West leaders meet later this week, they are expected to agree on a consensus candidate. However, that will not prevent others from contesting as anyone who disagrees with the consensus is free to participate. That is the beauty of democracy. So, that is the stage we are at now.”
Confirming the micro-zoning arrangement, a former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar Tsauri, explained that the positions initially zoned to the North-West had been further micro-zoned to the North-East, while those for the North-Central have been allocated to the North- West.
Tsauri, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated, “Yes, the majority agreed that the national chairman should go to the North-West, but a few people have reservations and say they have a minority stance. But the majority agreed with that. In fact, as far as the Northern Caucus is concerned, the position has been micro-zoned to the North-West.
“The North-Central wanted to have the national chairman, but the majority supported the North-West because the contest was between North-Central and North-West. What the party leaders for the North did was: all the positions currently occupied by people from the North-West go to the North-East, and those from the North-East go to the North-Central; the positions of the North- Central have been zoned to the North-West. It is now the prerogative of the zones to do what we call consensus.”
When asked about the candidates, the former PDP national secretary explained that the zonal leaders would make an announcement soon.
He stated, “You’ll have to wait until the time comes. It’s not for you to know now because this is an internal matter. We don’t bring it out until we finish, likely before Monday, you will be able to know.
“Even without asking me, you’ll know those who are interested or the person they’ll zero in on. Each zone will look at who is going to take which position and report when the Chairman of the Convention Committee calls us. Definitely, whatever is going to be done will be done within the week.
“All those positions zoned to North-Central, North-West, and North-East will be brought to the same Northern Caucus. Then, we’ll announce the consensus candidate who are going to contest.
“But if someone feels uncomfortable with the arrangement, he’s free to contest. Zoning is only meant to avoid unnecessary conflicts. That’s our interest, that’s why we are micro-zoning.”
Reacting to the situation in the party, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed talks of a crisis, stating that the November convention would mark the beginning of a renewed and stronger party.
He stated, “There are no issues in our party. Everything happening shows that the party is a democratic one, and it allows people to contest their opinions, express their views, and abide by their interests. And that’s what is important.
“What is important to us is that the convention will hold on November 15 and 16 as scheduled in Ibadan, and we are going to elect a new set of leaders. This convention will pick new leaders that will position the party, and Nigerians are interested in what is going on.
“They are interested in the affairs of the party. They are interested in what the party leadership is doing. They are interested in the convention because they are tired of the clueless All Progressives Congress administration, and they are looking up to the PDP to return and change things for good.
“So, the convention will produce new leadership that will bring in competent leaders who will run on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general elections.”
Politics
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu: Bringing Enterprise, Experience and Grassroots Leadership to Ezza South/Ikwo
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, popularly known by his traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, political leader, community mobiliser, philanthropist and development advocate seeking to represent the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His journey from entrepreneurship and community service to political leadership has been shaped by a commitment to enterprise, grassroots development, human capital and a firm belief that effective representation must translate into tangible opportunities for the people.
Hon. Chukwu hails from Enyim Agalagu, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was born into the distinguished family of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, a respected entrepreneur and founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
Growing up under a father whose life reflected discipline, enterprise, hard work and responsibility had a profound influence on him. From an early age, he learnt that success carries an obligation to society and that leadership is ultimately measured by the positive difference a person makes in the lives of others.
His family background also exposed him to the diversity of Nigeria. With maternal roots in Northern Nigeria and significant relationships across different parts of the country, he developed an appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse cultures, traditions and communities.
That national exposure, however, has never weakened his connection to his ancestral home. He has remained deeply rooted in Ikwo and maintains strong relationships with youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Education and Preparation for Public Leadership
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu holds a degree in Political Science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
His interest in democratic governance, elections and legislative institutions led him to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Elections and Party Politics.
He is also commencing a PhD programme at NILDS, further deepening his academic engagement with democratic institutions, elections, legislative governance and public leadership.
His academic training complements years of practical experience in business, political organisation, community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
For Chukwu, politics is not simply about occupying public office. It is about understanding the institutions of government and using them effectively to deliver meaningful development.
Entrepreneurship and Private-Sector Leadership
As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lykombop Nigeria Limited, Hon. Chukwu has been involved in infrastructure, transportation, technology, energy, investment facilitation and strategic development partnerships.
His entrepreneurial outlook is centred on identifying opportunities that can create jobs, attract investment, open markets and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
One of his notable technology initiatives is the Made in Nigeria Mobile App (MIN), conceived as a digital ecosystem designed to connect Nigerian manufacturers, producers, entrepreneurs and service providers with consumers and markets.
The initiative reflects his broader advocacy for local content, indigenous enterprise, digital inclusion, industrialisation and job creation.
His belief is straightforward: Nigeria must strengthen its capacity to produce, promote and consume Nigerian-made goods while creating an environment in which local businesses can grow.
Championing Technology and Sustainable Transportation
Chukwu’s development interests extend beyond conventional business into emerging technologies and sustainable transportation.
As Coordinator of the Electric Vehicles for Africa (EWEVA) initiative, he has promoted conversations around electric and alternative-energy transportation, charging infrastructure, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.
His engagements in this area have broadened his network across Africa and internationally while reinforcing his belief that African countries should not remain passive consumers of emerging technologies.
He advocates greater African participation in the industries, skills, infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the continent’s economic future.
Grassroots Development and Human Empowerment
For Hon. Chukwu, development begins with people.
Through the Ochiri Ozua Youth Foundation and various personal interventions, he has supported initiatives involving youth development, education, mentorship, economic empowerment and community advancement.
His approach to community leadership is based on accessibility. Despite his exposure to business, political and international circles, he remains comfortable engaging directly with ordinary citizens, community elders, young people and grassroots stakeholders.
Those who know him describe him as sociable, approachable and willing to interact freely with people regardless of their social standing.
He believes that leaders lose touch with their responsibilities when they become disconnected from the people they seek to serve.
From Community Engagement to Politics
Hon. Chukwu’s political journey evolved from years of community involvement, political participation and advocacy for development.
His experiences have given him exposure to party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, electoral competition, political negotiation and the complexities of democratic representation.
Over time, he became convinced that sustainable change requires not only private-sector initiatives and community interventions but also effective participation in the institutions where laws, budgets and national priorities are determined.
That conviction informed his decision to seek election to the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.
Following consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women and supporters, he emerged as the NDC candidate for the constituency after a competitive primary process.
For him, the nomination is not the destination. It is an opportunity to build a wider movement around effective representation, accountability and constituency development.
A Vision for Ezza South and Ikwo
At the centre of Chukwu’s political proposition is the belief that representation must go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly.
He believes an effective representative must understand the legislative process, contribute meaningfully to lawmaking and oversight, attract opportunities and interventions to the constituency, and remain accessible to the people throughout the tenure.
His development priorities include:
- Education and human-capital development;
- Youth and women empowerment;
- Agriculture and agro-processing;
- Healthcare;
- Infrastructure development;
- Technology and digital inclusion;
- Entrepreneurship and employment creation;
- Community security; and
- Greater economic opportunities for families and businesses.
He places particular emphasis on young people, whom he regards as the constituency’s greatest long-term asset.
His vision is to equip young people with education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurial opportunities and access to networks that can enable them to compete across Nigeria and internationally.
He also sees enormous potential in the agricultural strength of Ezza South and Ikwo. According to this vision, agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence production through better processing, storage, market access, infrastructure and investment.
Building Bridges Between Government and Enterprise
Chukwu’s private-sector experience has shaped his belief that government cannot solve every developmental challenge alone.
He argues that effective representation should create bridges between government institutions, communities, businesses, investors and development organisations.
Such partnerships, he believes, can unlock opportunities that may not be available through government funding alone.
His objective is therefore to position Ezza South and Ikwo to benefit from government programmes, private investment, technology, development partnerships and emerging economic opportunities.
A Bridge Across Communities and Generations
One of Chukwu’s defining characteristics is his ability to operate across different social, cultural and professional environments.
His roots are firmly established in Ikwo, while his maternal heritage and national exposure have given him relationships across different parts of Nigeria.
His business engagements have also connected him to national and international networks, while his grassroots activities have kept him closely connected to the communities he seeks to represent.
These experiences have shaped a worldview that is local in commitment but national in outlook.
He sees Ezza South and Ikwo as communities that should be connected to opportunities across Nigeria and the wider global economy.
The Man Behind the Public Profile
Away from politics and business, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu is a family man, husband and father.
He values friendship, loyalty, compassion and respect for people irrespective of their social standing.
His traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is an important part of his public identity and relationship with the grassroots. To him, traditional recognition is not merely a privilege but a responsibility to remain accessible, protect community interests and use one’s influence for the advancement of others.
His faith in God also remains central to his personal philosophy, with his journey in enterprise, community leadership and public service shaped by perseverance, divine grace and the support of people who have believed in him.
A New Proposition for Representation
As he seeks the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu presents himself as more than a politician seeking office.
He brings to the contest a combination of entrepreneurial experience, academic preparation, grassroots engagement, community leadership and national and international networks.
His message is built around a simple proposition:
Representation must be visible.
Representation must be accessible.
Representation must attract opportunities.
Representation must produce measurable results.
He believes that elected representatives must remain connected to the communities that gave them their mandate and must continually demonstrate the value of that mandate through action.
For Ezza South and Ikwo, his aspiration is to build a constituency where the people have a stronger voice in Abuja, young people have clearer pathways to opportunity, communities attract meaningful development, and elected leadership remains accountable to the people.
Guided by the values of hard work, courage, integrity, compassion, enterprise, loyalty and service, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, seeks to bring his experience and networks to the service of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and, ultimately, to the service of Nigeria.
His Philosophy
“Leadership is a sacred trust. Its true measure is not the position a person occupies, but the opportunities created, the lives improved and the legacy left for generations yet unborn.”
Politics
2027: Kevin Chukwu Challenges Chinedu Ogah, Says Ezza South/Ikwo Deserves a Fresh Direction
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has responded to recent comments by the incumbent lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, urging voters to compare their records, capacity and programmes ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Chukwu described Ogah as his brother and said he respected his right to seek another term, but maintained that he equally had the democratic right to present himself as an alternative to the electorate.
According to him, the 2027 election should not be about personal rivalry but about allowing the people of Ezza South and Ikwo to decide who should represent them.
On Ogah’s bid for another term, Chukwu clarified that his argument was not based on any constitutional restriction on the number of terms a member of the House of Representatives could serve.
Rather, he said, after eight years in office, Ogah’s record should be subjected to public scrutiny to determine whether constituents wanted continuity or a fresh direction.
Chukwu also disputed Ogah’s claim that he defeated him in his polling unit in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
He explained that he supported Ogah during both elections and actively worked for his victories.
“You cannot defeat someone who was working for your victory,” Chukwu said, adding that the circumstances would be different in 2027 because both men would be seeking the same mandate.
He challenged Ogah to allow voters to determine the winner at the polls.
Chukwu also questioned Ogah’s claim that about 15 people from his village, Enyim Agalagu, secured federal employment through his intervention.
He said he had made enquiries within the community but could not identify anyone who benefited from such intervention.
The NDC candidate challenged the lawmaker to publish the names of the alleged beneficiaries and the federal establishments where they were employed, promising to publicly acknowledge Ogah if the claims were verified.
On the 500KVA transformer reportedly installed at Ukwuinyinma Village, Chukwu acknowledged that the transformer was physically present but questioned its impact on the community.
He claimed that Ukwuinyinma had never enjoyed electricity supply from the transformer and argued that a project should be measured by its functionality and impact on residents.
Chukwu also addressed Ogah’s reference to a N150,000 financial assistance he once received from him.
He confirmed receiving the money after approaching Ogah for assistance during a difficult period, but rejected the suggestion that the assistance amounted to political sponsorship.
According to him, receiving help from an elected representative does not mean a constituent forfeits the right to disagree politically or contest against the representative in a future election.
The NDC candidate further defended his financial capacity and political ambition, describing himself as the son of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
He said he grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and had remained involved in business, investments and enterprise throughout his adult life.
Chukwu also defended his ability to speak Hausa, describing his connections and ability to communicate across Nigeria as an advantage that could help him attract opportunities and partnerships to Ezza South and Ikwo if elected.
He said his manifesto would focus on education, employment, agriculture and agro-processing, electricity, infrastructure, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, legislation, oversight and effective constituency representation.
Chukwu accepted Ogah’s challenge to present his manifesto and urged both candidates to take their programmes directly to the people.
He said the electorate should compare Ogah’s eight-year record with his own experience, capacity and plans for the constituency.
“I am not contesting to make up numbers. I am not in this race to negotiate with anybody. I am contesting to win the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and to offer a fresh direction in representation,” he declared.
Chukwu appealed for a peaceful and issue-based campaign, insisting that the election should focus on records, ideas, capacity and the future of the constituency.
He stressed that regardless of the outcome, Chinedu Ogah would remain his brother and that the legitimate choice of the electorate must be respected.
“The people will have the final word,” Chukwu said.
In Hausa-language video interview shared on 𝕏, Atiku said after securing the presidential ticket in 2007, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande, and three others, to meet with him, requesting to be his running mate.
Atiku said he opposed Tinubu’s proposal because a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be in the best interest of the country.
He said, “He said he would back me to secure the ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent five elders among them Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others. They told me that Tinubu wanted to be my running mate. I told them that, as Christians they should understand that it was inappropriate for me to pick a Muslim as my running mate.
“I asked them why they could not tell him that. I told them that I could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, because it would not be of the best interest of our country. He broke away and backed the late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, may his soul rest in peace.”
Speaking further, Atiku said they parted ways and did not find themselves in the same political camp until 2014 during Buhari’s campaign.
Atiku said late Buhari solicited for his support during a meeting at his (former Vice President’s) residence, and he gave a condition that Tinubu must not be his running mate.
According to Atiku, Buhari agreed to the condition but Tinubu got upset over the late former President’s failure to keep to his promise.
Atiku also said that Buhari declined to work with a female running mate when Tinubu suggested his wife, Oluremi, who is a Christian.
He added, “I returned to Abuja after the convention and Late President Muhammadu Buhari visited me at my residence. He told me that he had contested the primary election and won, but needed support to win the secondary election, saying he could not win without my support.
“I gave him one condition because I learnt that Tinubu wanted Buhari to pick him as his running mate. I assured him I will support on the condition that he will not do Muslim-Muslim ticket. After about five minutes of thought, he assured me would not.Executive Branch
“Tinubu was so upset, saying that Buhari had not kept his promise, and so on. He was eventually calmed down. He later asked Buhari to pick his wife since she is a Christian, but Buhari declined to work with a female running mate.
“Clerics were involved in the ensuing disagreement, but in the end, Tinubu was convinced to nominate Osibanjo who was his Attorney-General and a Christian and Buhari accepted the nomination.”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Chukwu, has declared that he is contesting the election to win and provide what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Chukwu made the declaration while reacting to social media reports alleging that he was being sponsored by political opponents or merely contesting to secure recognition as a candidate.
The NDC candidate dismissed the claims as attempts to distract the electorate, insisting that he enjoys strong grassroots support across the constituency and is fully focused on building a formidable campaign ahead of the election.
He said he would soon unveil his manifesto and campaign strategies, which, according to him, would focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo.
“Those saying I am not serious or that I am not contesting to win are jokers sponsored by my opponents to distract the electorate. I am prepared to launch my grassroots campaign, where I will unveil a people-centred manifesto that will speak directly to the needs of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency,” he said.
Chukwu also criticised the current representation of the constituency, arguing that the incumbent, who he said had served two terms, should give way to another person in 2027.
“We all know the current person occupying the position. He has been there for two tenures, and it is time for him to come back home for another person to go, because we don’t do third term in our constituency,” he said.
He further alleged that the incumbent’s programmes and projects had not been sufficiently inclusive, claiming that the benefits had largely been limited to a section of the constituency.
According to Chukwu, “the people are already tired of his representation and are ready to bring him home in 2027.”
The NDC candidate urged his supporters and other constituents not to be discouraged by what he described as “fake speculations,” assuring them that his campaign would soon commence at the grassroots.
“I wish to call on all our supporters and people of our constituency not to be discouraged by their fake speculations or be intimidated by the APC thugs. By the grace of God, our grassroots campaign will showcase the plans of NDC, and I am certain that all NDC candidates will emerge victorious, right from the presidential candidate down to the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Chukwu also disclosed that he would soon unveil his campaign team as part of preparations for the 2027 election.
He promised that, if elected, his legislative agenda would prioritise human empowerment, infrastructural development and the promotion of laws and policies designed to improve the welfare of residents of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency.
He added that his legislative representation would also seek to contribute to the broader development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Kwankwaso said this when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.
He explained that his experience from the 2023 election had helped him understand Obi better and that he was convinced that both of them could work together in the interest of the country.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the decision was also influenced by the need to allow the South to retain the presidency for another term after the completion of the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.
“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,” he said.
He said the decision was reached after consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.
He said the groups believed that the country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.
Kwankwaso said the security challenges confronting the country, alongside declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure, had further strengthened his resolve to support a political arrangement capable of bringing democratic change.
He said economic hardship had particularly affected farmers, especially in Northern Nigeria, where agricultural production had become increasingly difficult and unprofitable.
The former Defence Minister said the dilapidation of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas such as Lagos, was another reason for accepting to pair with Obi.
He said the current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.
Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a combination of regional balance, competence and credibility.
“Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today,” he said.
He explained that agreeing to serve as vice-president was not a setback for him, despite his extensive political experience, including serving as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, governor, minister and senator.
“I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted,” he said.
Kwankwaso said his decision was based on broader national interest rather than personal ambition, stressing that public office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve.
“To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.
He said the agreement with Obi was for the South to produce the president for one term, after which the political arrangement would return to the North.
Kwankwaso cited historical examples of political leaders who had accepted positions below what they could have attained, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria rather than becoming Prime Minister.
He also said Nigerians should understand that service could be rendered at different levels, including as councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president or president.
According to him, political leaders should be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, rather than considering certain offices beneath them.
He dismissed claims by political opponents that his political engagements with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were contingent on securing either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Kwankwaso said discussions he held with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about working together and not about abandoning the NNPP or securing a particular position.
He said he had previously played a major role in the APC’s electoral victory, particularly through the votes recorded in Kano in 2015, but became disappointed with the party’s leadership after the election.
The former governor said his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was strengthened by what he described as Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.
He said the arrangement would also ensure that the North would not be disadvantaged, stressing that the one-term understanding was important in securing the confidence of his supporters.
Kwankwaso said he was confident that Obi would respect the agreement and work with him as a partner rather than treat the vice-president as a “spare tyre.”
He said his experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had taught him the importance of allowing deputies to function effectively.
According to him, a president or governor who gives his deputy meaningful responsibilities ultimately strengthens the government because the success of the deputy also benefits the principal.
He said he was therefore comfortable with the proposed arrangement and had confidence that Obi would allow him to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Kwankwaso said the alliance would prioritise competence in the appointment of ministers and other officials, with power shared according to the needs of the country rather than for political patronage.
“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember.
“We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone,” he said.
The former governor said an NDC administration would need technocrats, professionals and experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges. (NAN)
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