The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has rejected what he described as intimidation and false narratives, pledging to run an issue-based campaign focused on the development needs of the constituency.
Chukwu, who spoke against the backdrop of a recent statement credited to the incumbent representative of the constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into personal attacks or the dissemination of what he described as false and unverifiable claims.
He said his decision to contest the 2027 House of Representatives election was within his constitutional rights, just as Ogah was entitled to seek another term in office.
According to him, the ultimate decision on who represents the people of Ezza South and Ikwo remains with the electorate.
“Chinedu is my brother. I respect his right to seek the mandate of our people again, just as I expect him to respect my right to present myself before the same people as an alternative.
“Ultimately, neither Chinedu nor Kevin will decide this election. The people of Ezza South and Ikwo will,” he said.
Chukwu maintained that his opposition to Ogah's bid for another term was political rather than constitutional, stressing that the electorate had the right to assess the lawmaker's record after eight years in office.
“My position is political and very simple: after eight years of representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, our people equally have the right to examine his record and decide whether they want another four years of the same representation or whether the time has come for a fresh direction, renewed energy and a different approach.
“That decision belongs entirely to the electorate,” he said.
The NDC candidate also challenged politicians in the constituency to ensure that claims of achievements were backed by projects and interventions that were functional, measurable and verifiable.
He said he would not condemn any project merely because it was initiated or attracted by a political opponent, adding that genuine developmental interventions should be commended irrespective of their political source.
“Let me say this: I will never criticise a project simply because it was attracted by my political opponent. If Chinedu brings something that genuinely improves the lives of our people, I will commend him.
“But whatever we present as achievement should be functional, measurable and verifiable. Our people deserve projects that work,” Chukwu said.
Reacting to claims concerning financial assistance he had previously received from Ogah, Chukwu acknowledged that the lawmaker once gave him N150,000 after he personally sought assistance.
He, however, rejected any suggestion that the assistance amounted to political sponsorship or compromised his right to seek elective office.
“Yes, there was an occasion when I called Chinedu as my brother and as the elected representative of my constituency and asked him for money. He sent me N150,000.
“I appreciated his assistance then, and I remain appreciative of that gesture today. But I honestly do not understand how assisting your constituent with N150,000 at a particular moment suddenly translates into sponsoring that constituent’s political ambition,” he said.
Chukwu argued that receiving assistance from an elected representative did not mean that a constituent had surrendered his political independence or democratic rights.
“Does receiving assistance from your elected representative mean that you have surrendered your democratic and political rights to him forever?
“If a representative assists a constituent with school fees, medical bills, empowerment, employment, financial support or any other intervention, does that mean the beneficiary can never disagree with him politically or aspire to the same office tomorrow? Certainly not,” he said.
The NDC candidate further defended his background and source of livelihood, saying his political ambition was not driven by a desire to depend on politics for survival.
He identified himself as the son of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, whom he described as the founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna, and a businessman and entrepreneur.
Chukwu said he grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and had remained involved in business, investments and enterprise throughout his adult life.
“Politics has never been my means of survival.
“Like every businessman, there are good periods and difficult periods. There are moments of liquidity and moments when resources are tied down. There is absolutely no shame in that.
“But my political aspiration should not be reduced to whether somebody once assisted me with N150,000,” he said.
He said he had worked, invested and built enterprises and relationships within and outside Nigeria, adding that his business journey had included both successes and setbacks.
The candidate urged the electorate to focus on the issues that directly affect their lives rather than personalities and political exchanges.
“For the 2027 election, I will not be discouraged by the falsehood and intimidation of descending voices. Like I earlier said, I will soon unveil my manifesto and we shall engage in an issue-based campaign,” Chukwu said.
He expressed confidence that the electorate would make its choice through the ballot, stressing that the people remained the ultimate arbiters in a democratic contest.
“I am optimistic that the people will make their choice through the ballot, and by the grace of God, it will be in our favour,” he added.
