The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Rt. Hon. Edwin Anayo Nwonu, has expressed confidence in his electoral chances, declaring that he would win the House of Representatives seat even without embarking on an electioneering campaign.
Nwonu, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the constituency for eight years, attributed his confidence to what he described as his track record in public service and enduring relationship with constituents across the 27 wards of the federal constituency.
He made the declaration on Friday in Abakaliki during an interview, where he also accused his successor of failing to meet the expectations of the people, alleging that the constituency had witnessed a decline in democratic dividends under the current representation.
Explaining his decision to return to the National Assembly, Nwonu said he was motivated by what he described as a leadership vacuum and the need to restore effective representation to the constituency.
"I saw a vacuum. I saw a lot of gaps in the representation of the person occupying the seat today. There are no democratic dividends coming to the grassroots and stakeholders of Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency," he said.
The former federal lawmaker maintained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by appeals from constituents who, according to him, wanted him to return and consolidate on his previous achievements.
Responding to questions on why he was seeking a return to the House of Representatives rather than aspiring to the Senate, Nwonu said he was more concerned about delivering effective representation than pursuing higher political offices.
"I'm not an ambitious person. I believe in sincerity, and I believe in the people. The people called me to come and contest this election because they believe their current representative is not doing what he is supposed to do," he stated.
On concerns about the political challenges confronting opposition parties, particularly the alleged difficulties associated with campaigning against a ruling party, Nwonu dismissed the prospect of political intimidation, insisting that his electoral strength was rooted in grassroots support rather than party affiliation.
"I don't believe in opposition. I believe in performance, the people and the grassroots. You will see what will happen in this election. No matter what they do, even if I don't campaign, I will win this election because I have left something behind," he declared.
He further claimed that his previous representation was felt across the constituency's 27 wards through federal projects and employment opportunities, adding that his interventions had established a political connection with the people.
Recalling his achievements during his eight-year tenure, Nwonu said he facilitated federal employment opportunities for more than 70 constituents within his first four years in office, while also attracting projects to the various wards during his second term.
He argued that his electoral victory for a second term was evidence that constituents had acknowledged his performance during his first tenure.
"During my first four years, I gave over 70 people federal jobs. In my second four years, there were projects across the 27 wards. That was what I used to campaign for my second tenure," he said.
Nwonu, who promised to improve on his previous interventions if re-elected, said his experience and understanding of the workings of the National Assembly would enable him to attract more federal employment opportunities and development projects to the constituency.
He identified youth unemployment as one of the major challenges confronting the area, arguing that effective legislative representation required the ability to attract federal opportunities for constituents.
"If you don't know how to get jobs for the people, you cannot operate. I know the workings of the National Assembly and national politics. National politics is not local politics," he added.
On education, the former lawmaker said he had previously supported pupils and students through scholarship programmes, provision of learning materials and payment of examination fees, particularly for candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He listed the provision of classroom furniture, books and other educational materials, as well as assistance to students in tertiary institutions, among his previous interventions.
According to him, he intends to sustain and expand such initiatives if returned to the House of Representatives, stressing that educational development remains critical to the future of the constituency.
Addressing concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nwonu appealed to youths to reject being used by politicians to perpetrate violence, warning that those who instigate electoral crises often shield their own children from the consequences.
He urged political leaders who recruit young people for violent activities to demonstrate their sincerity by allowing their own children and relatives to participate in such actions.
"I continue to sensitise our youths that anybody calling them for political violence should first bring out his son or daughter to lead the process before they follow. Politicians use other people's children to cause destruction, but at the end of the day, they abandon them," he said.
Nwonu maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement and peaceful participation rather than violence, insisting that young people should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of political manipulation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, urging constituents to prioritise their future and demand accountability from those seeking their mandate in 2027.
