The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the constituency, Mr. Kelvin Chukwu, to stop questioning his decision to seek re-election and instead present his manifesto and political agenda to the electorate.
Ogah spoke while reacting to Chukwu’s reported questioning of his eligibility to seek another term in the National Assembly.
The lawmaker maintained that elections into the National Assembly are governed by the Constitution, arguing that there is no constitutional provision limiting a member of the House of Representatives to two terms.
“The National Assembly is a constitutional matter. There is no constitutional provision that says a member of the House of Representatives cannot seek a third term,” Ogah said.
He stressed that the electorate should be allowed to determine who represents them, regardless of the number of candidates in the contest.
“I am not against anybody contesting. Let everybody present himself before the masses and let the masses vote,” he said.
Ogah therefore challenged Chukwu to focus on his campaign agenda and tell constituents what he intends to offer if elected.
“Instead of questioning my candidacy, let him present his manifesto, his political agenda and tell the people what he intends to do for them,” he said.
Defending his record in office, Ogah said his representation had attracted various development projects and interventions to communities across the constituency.
He listed bridges, solar streetlights, a 500KVA transformer and other projects among the interventions, adding that some of them were located in areas politically associated with his opponents.
The lawmaker also recalled his victories in previous elections, saying he defeated his opponents even in their own polling units.
“I won the election in 2019 when I was in the opposition, and I also won in his polling unit. In 2023, he was in another political party, yet I won in his polling unit,” Ogah stated.
He further claimed that about 15 persons from Chukwu’s village had secured federal appointments through his interventions.
Ogah urged the electorate to assess all candidates based on verifiable records, capacity, contributions and vision rather than political rhetoric.
He also called on eligible voters to protect their democratic rights by using their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to freely elect candidates of their choice.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 election, Ogah said the ultimate decision would be made by the people.
“Let the masses vote. The electorate know who they trust. I have confidence in my people, and I know the result will speak for itself,” he said.
The lawmaker maintained that the contest should be about who has earned the confidence of the electorate through credible representation, measurable achievements and a clear vision for the future, rather than arguments over who should or should not contest.
