An Ebonyi born journalist and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Hon. James Nwogha Nwite, has received his Certificate of Return ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring his readiness to contest the senatorial seat and calling on journalists to take a more active role in democratic governance.
Nwite, who disclosed this while interacting with journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, said his political ambition was driven by his commitment to grassroots development, social justice, human rights advocacy and the pursuit of people-oriented representation.
The senatorial hopeful, who received his certificate on Monday, October 26, 2026 in Abuja, expressed confidence in his political aspiration, attributing his optimism to his longstanding relationship with the people and his contributions to community development across Ebonyi State.
He maintained that his years of professional engagement as a journalist, during which he traversed rural communities and local government areas, had exposed him to the developmental challenges confronting ordinary citizens, particularly those in underserved communities.
According to him, his experience in rural journalism, human rights advocacy and interventions in the affairs of disadvantaged persons had strengthened his understanding of the socio-economic realities of the constituency and the urgent need for responsive legislative representation.
Nwite also cited his previous service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority and his leadership experience as President of Ndiegu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area as additional platforms through which he had contributed to public service and community development.
He said these experiences had equipped him with the requisite exposure to champion policies and legislative interventions capable of addressing the developmental needs of Ebonyi North.
Outlining his legislative priorities, the NDC candidate promised to pursue people-centred legislation, facilitate employment opportunities, promote youth empowerment and attract critical infrastructure to the district.
He identified road construction and rehabilitation, educational advancement, improved healthcare delivery, agricultural development, entrepreneurship, rural industrialisation and economic revitalisation as priority areas requiring sustained legislative attention.
Nwite further pledged to promote scholarship opportunities, vocational and technical skills acquisition, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, improved access to healthcare and interventions for vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities and indigent households.
He emphasized that effective representation should extend beyond parliamentary debates and political pronouncements to measurable interventions that directly improve the living conditions of constituents.
The senatorial candidate also urged journalists to move beyond conventional reporting responsibilities and become more actively involved in democratic development, insisting that members of the profession possessed the intellectual capacity, public credibility and institutional experience to contribute meaningfully to governance.
He encouraged media practitioners to consider participating in elective and appointive positions, noting that their professional exposure and understanding of public accountability could enrich democratic institutions and strengthen policy formulation.
"Journalists must rise to the responsibility of defending democracy through objective, courageous and investigative reporting. Beyond reporting the activities of government, we must also recognise that we have a responsibility to contribute directly to governance.
"Journalists should not limit their contributions to observing and criticising the political process. Those with the requisite capacity and commitment should also be encouraged to seek elective and appointive positions where they can bring their experience to bear on national development," he said.
Nwite expressed concern over the country's socio-economic challenges, particularly insecurity, rising living costs, unemployment and corruption, which he attributed to leadership and governance shortcomings.
He called for greater accountability, transparency, institutional discipline and policies that prioritise the welfare of citizens, stressing that public office should be treated as a responsibility to serve rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
The NDC candidate also commended the party's presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, for his town hall engagement with residents of Ebonyi State in Abakaliki, describing the interaction as an opportunity for direct engagement between political leadership and citizens.
He said the engagement underscored the importance of accessibility, public consultation and citizens' participation in democratic processes, adding that political leaders should regularly create platforms for Nigerians to express their concerns and receive responses on issues affecting their lives.
According to him, the town hall meeting demonstrated the value of taking political conversations beyond campaign platforms to direct interaction with the electorate.
Nwite urged political parties and their candidates to prioritise issue-based campaigns, policy articulation and constructive engagement rather than political intimidation, personality clashes and divisive rhetoric.
He called on his supporters and the people of Ebonyi North to remain committed to peaceful political participation and continue to support the NDC, while assuring them that his aspiration was anchored on a vision of inclusive development, accountability and improved living standards.
He further pledged to champion the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly and ensure that the concerns of rural communities, young people, women, farmers, traders, artisans and other vulnerable groups received adequate legislative attention.
Nwite said his ultimate objective was to contribute to reversing the developmental challenges confronting Ebonyi North through purposeful representation, strategic partnerships and sustained engagement with relevant federal institutions.
He urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and make informed decisions based on candidates' track records, policy proposals, capacity for public service and commitment to democratic accountability.
