By Our Reporters
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has responded to a recent statement credited to the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, urging him and his media team to stop misleading the public with what he described as “false and unverifiable claims.”
Chukwu, who spoke with journalists, said it was unfortunate that political differences were being used to present what he described as misleading narratives to the people of Ezza South and Ikwo, particularly in the build-up to the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to him, while Ogah has every constitutional right to seek a third term, the electorate also has the right to assess his eight-year record and decide whether they want continuity or a fresh direction.
“I have read the response credited to my brother and the Honourable Member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, concerning my recent comments on the forthcoming House of Representatives election.
“Let me begin by saying that 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.
“However, there are certain statements credited to my brother which I believe should be properly clarified so that our people can deal with facts rather than assumptions and political false narratives.
“Concerning his third-term bid, he is correct that there is no constitutional two-term limit for membership of the House of Representatives. My point is therefore not that he is constitutionally prohibited from contesting again. He has every right to seek another mandate.
“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.”
people deserve projects that work.
“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.”
Responding to claims concerning financial assistance he received from the lawmaker, Chukwu acknowledged that Ogah once gave him N150,000 after he personally sought assistance.
“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.
“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.
“I was his constituent. I asked my representative for help when I needed it. He helped me, and I thanked him. That is the truth. It neither makes him my political sponsor nor gives anybody ownership of my political future.”
Chukwu also spoke about his background and source of livelihood, saying his political ambition was not motivated by a desire to make politics his means of survival.
“Since questions have now been raised about my finances and the genuineness of my aspiration, perhaps it is also necessary to remind our people where I come from.
“I am the son of Late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna, a businessman and entrepreneur whose history, enterprise and contributions are known.
“I grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, and I inherited that spirit of enterprise from my father.
“Throughout my adult life, I have remained in business, pursued investments, established enterprises and built relationships within and outside Nigeria. 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.
“I have worked, struggled, invested, succeeded, encountered setbacks, recovered and continued moving forward through enterprise. That is part of my story.”
The NDC Reps Candidate said he would not be distracted by what he described as falsehoods and personal attacks, promising to unveil his manifesto and focus his campaign on issues affecting the constituency.
“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.
“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 said.
