Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, has called on political leaders and citizens in Ebonyi State to shift the 2027 political conversation from personality-driven exchanges to issues of development, accountability and the welfare of the common man.
Chukwu made the call while reacting to recent remarks by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, concerning former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and the political choices facing Ebonyi people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While acknowledging Umahi’s position that Ebonyi people are not “second-class citizens,” Chukwu said the assertion should be reflected in the everyday realities of ordinary citizens through better infrastructure, jobs, healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
He particularly cited the condition of a road in Ndiagu Amagu Ward, Ikwo, which he said was recently affected by severe flooding.
According to him, the condition of the road raises questions about the challenges confronting ordinary residents, including farmers transporting their produce, schoolchildren travelling to school and families requiring emergency medical services.
Chukwu said: “What does first-class citizenship actually mean to the ordinary Ebonyi man?”
He argued that the debate over the political records of Peter Obi, Umahi and other political actors should not overshadow the fundamental issues affecting citizens.
“Peter Obi’s public record can be examined. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record can equally be examined. Senator David Umahi’s record can be examined. My own record and promises should be examined by the people asking me to represent them,” he stated.
He maintained that no person seeking or exercising public office should be above scrutiny and accountability.
Chukwu also argued that while Obi, as governor of Anambra State, was primarily elected to govern Anambra, the 2027 political debate should focus on what every presidential contender offers Nigeria as a whole, including Ebonyi State.
He called for greater attention to industrialisation, rural infrastructure, electricity, agricultural processing and the integration of Ebonyi and the wider South-East into Nigeria’s emerging economic opportunities.
He said Ebonyi people should demand “economic recognition” alongside political recognition, stressing the need for industries capable of creating employment for young people and infrastructure capable of connecting rural communities to markets.
Chukwu also acknowledged ongoing federal road projects in Ebonyi and other parts of the South-East, saying genuine development should be appreciated while citizens continue to demand more.
“We can appreciate a road and still ask for industries. We can appreciate a bridge and still ask for jobs. We can acknowledge federal projects and still ask why many rural communities remain disconnected from basic infrastructure,” he said.
He further cautioned political leaders against using divisive language in disagreements, particularly references to “colonisation,” “Egypt” and liberation.
According to him, the creation of Ebonyi State should not be interpreted as separation from the wider Igbo family.
“Anambra is not our enemy. Enugu is not our enemy. Abia is not our enemy. Imo is not our enemy. And Ebonyi must never be anybody’s enemy,” he said.
Chukwu urged Ebonyi people to defend the dignity and interests of the state without creating hostility among neighbouring South-East states.
He also called for issue-based political participation ahead of 2027, urging citizens to use their votes and voices to demand roads, hospitals, quality schools, electricity, industries and accountability from public office holders.
He said the real measure of whether Ebonyi people are treated as first-class citizens should ultimately be seen in the lives of ordinary residents.
“After all the speeches, rallies and elections are over, there will still be that farmer in Ndiagu Amagu standing before a flooded road,” Chukwu said.
“He probably doesn’t care who wins an argument between Peter Obi and David Umahi. He wants to know when he can take his produce to the market. He wants to know whether his child can get to school. He wants to know whether an ambulance can reach his family in an emergency.”
Chukwu concluded that the welfare, dignity, opportunities and future of the common man should remain at the centre of the political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.
