₦airaland Forum

His supporters point to projects and interventions spread across the wards of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte as evidence that he has not treated the constituency as a place he merely visits during elections.

But beyond projects, there is another reason his continued participation matters.

The Question of Democratic Fairness;
The APC primary reportedly produced Barr. Chukwudi Anyanwuocha as its candidate for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte. Subsequently, however, the party announced Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe as its nominee.

This development raises a legitimate question: what happens when a candidate accepts the outcome of a party primary, chooses not to defect, and yet the political ticket eventually goes elsewhere?

The strength of a legislator is not measured solely by the number of motions sponsored or speeches delivered on the floor. It is also reflected in the relationships he builds, the confidence he inspires among his colleagues, his ability to navigate the institutional structure of the National Assembly, and, most importantly, his capacity to translate legislative opportunities into tangible benefits for his constituents. Hon. Emeka Chinedu has demonstrated these qualities.

Today, a critical assessment of the major players in Nigerian national politics today reveals a rather disturbing reality: *Mbaise nation is conspicuously absent from the centre of national political influence.* We are hardly represented among those who participate meaningfully in the conversations and decisions that shape the political direction of the country.

The Question of Democratic Fairness;
The APC primary reportedly produced Barr. Chukwudi Anyanwuocha as its candidate for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte. Subsequently, however, the party announced Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe as its nominee

Whichever SPV he chooses, we must not make the mistake of missing this opportunity. YPP is the vehicle and we should all board to get to our destination in order to sustain this tempo.”

He concluded his message with an unequivocal declaration of support:

“Hon. Emeka Chinedu – FOR ME, FOR YOU, AND FOR ALL!”

Hon. Emeka Chinedu: A Decent, Accessible and Responsive Leader Who Deserves Our Support for Better Dividends of Democracy.

31 August 2026

*By: Engr. Prince Fredrick C. Nwoha*
The Prince of Double Kingdoms

A cursory examination of Nigeria’s political landscape demonstrates the importance of parliamentary experience. *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Senator Hope Uzodinma,* among numerous other prominent political figures we have today, have significant backgrounds in the National Assembly. Their parliamentary experiences contributed substantially to their political development, national visibility, networks, and eventual emergence into higher leadership positions.

the National Assembly, that record has extended well beyond the immediate concerns of the constituency. His bills have addressed facilities management, healthcare, education, technical skills development, emergency response, project monitoring, pension administration, erosion control, housing and the creative economy. His motions have similarly engaged

national politics today reveals a rather disturbing reality: *Mbaise nation is conspicuously absent from the centre of national political influence.* We are hardly represented among those who participate meaningfully in the conversations and decisions that shape the political direction of the country.

This is precisely why I believe Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency cannot afford to lose the institutional experience and political capital that Hon. Emeka Chinedu has already accumulated.

*Strategic Representation, Not Sentimental Politics.*

*CHIEF CHIZIM ADIELE SINULO ENDORSES EMEKA CHINEDU, CALLS FOR CONTINUITY*

By Nnamdi Ukasanya

Chief (Sir) Chizim Adiele Sinulo, Okangaoziri II of Obizi, has publicly endorsed the re-election of Rt. Hon. Emeka Chinedu as the representative of Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.

In a strongly worded statement titled, “Why We Must Not Miss Hon. Emeka Chinedu – Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Deserves the Best,” Chief Sinulo made a compelling case for continuity, experience and effective representation.

According to him, experience and longevity matter in the National Assembly, particularly in the ranking system through which members advance to positions of greater influence.

He argued that returning Hon. Emeka Chinedu would ensure that Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte retains an experienced voice in Abuja rather than starting afresh with a first term representative.

Chief Sinulo also highlighted what he described as the incumbent lawmaker’s record of interventions across the constituency, including boreholes, civic centres, transformers, classroom blocks and other development projects.

He further praised Emeka Chinedu for his accessibility and continued presence among his constituents, stating:

“He is at home with his people all the time to feel their pulse. He does not represent us from Abuja, he merely lives with us.

The community leader maintained that the constituency has not experienced representation of this quality before, insisting that:

“We can no longer afford representation that merely occupies a seat. Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte deserves representation that delivers RESULTS.”

Chief Sinulo also made his position on the political platform clear, urging constituents to support the Young Progressives Party (YPP) as the vehicle for returning Emeka Chinedu to the National Assembly.

In his words:

“Whichever SPV he chooses, we must not make the mistake of missing this opportunity. YPP is the vehicle and we should all board to get to our destination in order to sustain this tempo.”

He concluded his message with an unequivocal declaration of support:

“Hon. Emeka Chinedu – FOR ME, FOR YOU, AND FOR ALL!”

Chief Sinulo’s endorsement joins a growing number of voices across Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte calling for continuity, experience and effective representation, with stakeholders increasingly making the case that the constituency should preserve the experience, institutional relationships and momentum already established in the National Assembly.

As the 2027 election approaches, the emerging argument is becoming increasingly clear: the choice is not simply about who occupies the seat, but about the quality of representation the constituency wants to sustain.

Why Hon. Emeka Chinedu Must Run: When the People’s Mandate Is Bigger Than Party Politics.

There are moments in politics when a person must decide whether to remain silent for the sake of convenience or stand up for what he believes is right. For Hon. Emeka Chinedu, the 2027 election in the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency appears to be one of those moments.

This is not simply about seeking a third term. It is about democratic choice, fairness, performance and the right of the people to decide who represents them.

Hon. Emeka Chinedu has represented Ahiazu/Ezinihitte in the House of Representatives for two terms. His emergence in 2019 and subsequent re-election in 2023 were mandates given to him by the electorate. Indeed, his 2019 victory was challenged by Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, but the election petition was dismissed by the tribunal. His 2023 victory was also challenged by the same person, with the Court of Appeal affirming his election.

Over these years, Hon. Chinedu has built a political identity around constituency representation and visible intervention.

His supporters point to projects and interventions spread across the wards of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte as evidence that he has not treated the constituency as a place he merely visits during elections.

But beyond projects, there is another reason his continued participation matters.

The Question of Democratic Fairness;
The APC primary reportedly produced Barr. Chukwudi Anyanwuocha as its candidate for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte. Subsequently, however, the party announced Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe as its nominee.

This development raises a legitimate question: what happens when a candidate accepts the outcome of a party primary, chooses not to defect, and yet the political ticket eventually goes elsewhere?

For Hon. Emeka Chinedu, the situation is even more consequential because he was not the person who lost the APC ticket or was shortchanged , He was not seeking to overturn the APC’s internal process. He was a participant in that contest, watching a political process unfold in which another aspirant, Barr. Anyanwuocha, emerged victorious.

If the political environment subsequently changes in a manner that creates a direct contest between Chinedu and Igbokwe, then the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte should be allowed to make the final decision at the ballot box.

That is where the YPP candidacy becomes more than a personal political ambition.

It becomes an opportunity for the electorate to say: Let the people decide.

Zoning Cannot Be Used Selectively;
Those arguing against Chinedu’s third-term bid cannot simply invoke zoning as though it automatically settles the matter.

Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe already represented Ahiazu/Ezinihitte in the House of Representatives for eight years, from 2011 to 2019. Hon. Emeka Chinedu has also now served eight years.

Therefore, if the argument is that one individual should not continue indefinitely because other parts of the constituency deserve an opportunity, then that principle must be applied consistently.
No one person owns the constituency.
Zoning should promote equity, inclusion and fairness; it should not become a weapon selectively deployed against one aspirant while another former two-term representative is presented as the preferred alternative.

The real question should therefore be:
Who has the competence, record, acceptance and capacity to serve the entire constituency?

And ultimately, that question belongs to the people.
Eight Years Should Be Judged by Performance.
Politics should not be reduced to slogans about first term, second term or third term.
A representative should be judged by what he has done with every year entrusted to him.

Hon. Emeka Chinedu can point to constituency projects and interventions across the wards of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte. The argument is straightforward: if a representative has remained accessible, attracted projects, empowered constituents and continued to demonstrate commitment to the people, then the electorate should not be denied the opportunity to assess his record simply because he is seeking another term.

Eight years in office does not automatically make a politician undeserving of another mandate.
Neither does it automatically make a former representative entitled to return.
Performance should compete with performance. Capacity should compete with capacity. And the people should make the choice.

This Is Bigger Than the Political Party.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Hon. Emeka Chinedu’s decision to contest under the Young Progressives Party is that it can be framed not as an attempt to cling to a particular political platform, but as a decision to remain available to the electorate.

Political parties are vehicles. The constituency is permanent.
If a man believes that the people he represents still have confidence in him, and he believes that circumstances within his former political environment have created an unfair situation, there is nothing inherently undemocratic about taking his case to the electorate through another platform.

The ballot should be the ultimate equalizer.

Let Chinedu present his record.

Let Igbokwe present his record.

Let every other aspirant present his or her vision.

Then allow the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte to decide.

Hon. Emeka Chinedu’s candidacy therefore matters for three reasons.

First, it preserves the right of the people to choose. Political parties can determine their candidates, but ultimately, elected representatives derive their legitimacy from voters.

Second, it puts performance on trial. If Hon. Emeka Chinedu’s eight years have genuinely produced value across Ahiazu/Ezinihitte, then the people should be able to reward or reject that record themselves.

Third, it challenges selective application of political principles. If zoning is invoked, it must be applied fairly. If experience is valued, it must be valued consistently. If performance matters, then every candidate’s record should be examined honestly.

This is why the 2027 contest should not be presented simply as “Emeka Chinedu wants a third term.”

The more important question is:

“Should the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte be allowed to decide whether Emeka Chinedu deserves another mandate?”

The answer should be an emphatic yes.

Let him run.

Let the people judge the projects.

Let them judge the accessibility.

Let them judge the representation.

Let them judge the experience.

Let them judge the alternatives.

And when the votes are counted, let the winner be the person the people genuinely choose—not merely the person a political structure prefers.

In a democracy, the final ticket belongs to the people.

Let Hon. Emeka Chinedu go to the people. Let Ahiazu/Ezinihitte people decide.

WHEN A CONSTITUENCY HAS A RECORD TO REMEMBER: THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR*

An election is often presented as a choice between candidates. But when a sitting representative seeks a renewed mandate, the choice is not made on names alone. The electorate is also called upon to weigh a record: what a mandate has produced, how it has been exercised and what more it may yet accomplish.

Sending a political greenhorn to the National Assembly at this critical juncture in our political history would be *regressive rather than progressive.*

In Nigerian politics today, irrespective of how many votes a particular region contributes to the emergence of a President, or how much effort that region invests in the political cause, such contributions may amount to very little if the region does not have credible and influential representatives at the centre of national decision-making, particularly where the distribution of national opportunities and resources is determined. Without wasting most of your time, it is a glaring fact that, without building a strong presence at the National level, a people can easily be forgotten when important national decisions are being made.

Hon. Emeka Chinedu: A Decent, Accessible and Responsive Leader Who Deserves Our Support for Better Dividends of Democracy.

31 August 2026

*By: Engr. Prince Fredrick C. Nwoha*
The Prince of Double Kingdoms

With my several years of experience serving within the National Assembly as a legislative aide, I have had the privilege of observing the legislative process closely and witnessing different legislators come and go. I have therefore learned to distinguish between mere political presence and genuine legislative capacity, accessibility, responsiveness, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across political divides.

Against this background, I make it bold to state that *Hon. Emeka Chinedu* is one legislator whom many National Assembly staff and lawmakers would readily describe as accessible, decent, responsive, and easy to work with. His cordial relationship with his colleagues is not accidental; it is a reflection of his character and his leadership style.

The strength of a legislator is not measured solely by the number of motions sponsored or speeches delivered on the floor. It is also reflected in the relationships he builds, the confidence he inspires among his colleagues, his ability to navigate the institutional structure of the National Assembly, and, most importantly, his capacity to translate legislative opportunities into tangible benefits for his constituents. Hon. Emeka Chinedu has demonstrated these qualities.

In his current committee assignment, where he serves as Chairman, the committee has more than 80 members. The level of confidence and cooperation he enjoys among his colleagues is noteworthy and speaks to his capacity to manage people, coordinate diverse interests, and provide leadership within a complex parliamentary environment.

This should not be dismissed as ordinary political arithmetic. Accessibility, consultation, responsiveness, and the ability to maintain productive relationships with colleagues are strategic assets in legislative politics. A representative who enjoys the confidence of his colleagues is naturally better positioned to build coalitions and advance the interests of his constituency.

This is precisely why I believe Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency cannot afford to lose the institutional experience and political capital that Hon. Emeka Chinedu has already accumulated.

*Strategic Representation, Not Sentimental Politics.*

As we approach the 2027 general election, our decision should transcend sentiment, outdated political calculations, and rigid interpretations of zoning that do not necessarily serve the long-term interests of the constituency.

Politics is ultimately about interests, representation, negotiation, capacity, and results.

If Hon. Emeka Chinedu returns to the 11th Assembly, he would not be entering the institution as a stranger. He would return with experience, established relationships, institutional knowledge, and a network of colleagues with whom he has already worked.

These assets matter enormously when conversations about committee leadership, principal offices, presiding positions, constituency projects, federal appointments, and other opportunities for political advancement begin to take shape.

We should therefore ask ourselves a simple question: do we want to send someone who will first spend years building institutional relationships, or do we want to retain someone who has already built them?

The answer should be guided by the strategic interests of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte.

*Projects and Constituency Development*

On constituency projects and empowerment, Hon. Emeka Chinedu has also demonstrated commendable commitment despite the broader challenges associated with the implementation of federal projects.

Across Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, his interventions have touched different communities and political wards. His efforts in attracting projects, facilitating empowerment initiatives, and responding to the needs of constituents deserve recognition.

It is equally important to place these achievements within the broader reality of federal budget implementation. Since the current administration came into office in 2023, implementation challenges have continued to affect the execution of appropriated projects across the country. Yet, within these constraints, Hon. Emeka Chinedu has continued to push for interventions that can positively affect our constituents. That, to me, is an indication of commitment.

Now, consider the possibilities.

If Hon. Emeka Chinedu can achieve these results without occupying one of the most influential leadership positions in the National Assembly, what more could he accomplish if he returns to the 11th Assembly and is positioned among the principal or presiding officers?

The difference could be substantial.

A legislator who already understands the workings of the National Assembly and has established relationships with colleagues is arguably better positioned to convert political capital into legislative influence and constituency development.

This is an opportunity we should examine carefully rather than allow to slip away because of political sentiments or an outdated zoning argument.

Experience Is an Asset

I am not suggesting that experience automatically makes one superior to every other aspirant. Rather, I am arguing that experience should be considered a valuable political asset, particularly when the objective is to secure stronger representation at the national level.

The National Assembly is not merely a place for making speeches. It is an institution where relationships, negotiation, committee assignments, institutional knowledge, legislative strategy, and political capital can significantly determine how effectively a representative serves his people.

Sending an inexperienced newcomer into such an environment means starting the institutional learning process all over again.

Other constituencies across Nigeria are increasingly thinking strategically about representation. They are asking themselves what their communities stand to gain from the experience, influence, relationships, and positioning of their representatives.

Ahiazu/Ezinihitte should not be different.

We must begin to think beyond immediate political gratification and consider what will produce the greatest long-term benefits for our people.

*Let Us Make a Strategic Choice in 2027.*

Having spent several years within the National Assembly as a legislative aide, I have seen enough to understand that effective representation requires more than good intentions. It requires competence, accessibility, institutional understanding, relationships, strategic thinking, and the capacity to convert opportunities into tangible results.

*I therefore make this appeal to the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte: let us approach the 2027 election with strategic consciousness.*

Let us consider what Hon. Emeka Chinedu has already achieved, the relationships he has established, the institutional experience he has acquired, and the possibilities that could emerge if he returns to the 11th Assembly with even greater political influence.

This should not be about personal loyalty. It should be about the collective interest of our constituency.

In 2027, let us make the choice that positions Ahiazu/Ezinihitte for greater influence, stronger representation, and better dividends of democracy.

For me, based on my experience and understanding of the National Assembly, Hon. Emeka Chinedu represents a strategic opportunity that Ahiazu/Ezinihitte should not take for granted.

Let us make the sacrifice today for the greater political and developmental benefits of tomorrow.

Hon. Emeka Chinedu deserves our consideration, our support, and the opportunity to continue serving the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte in the 11th Assembly.

*2027 is not merely about choosing a representative; it is about choosing the direction of our constituency.*

The record is equally visible at home. Interventions during his tenure have included educational facilities, health centres, water projects, market amenities, civic infrastructure, roads, erosion control, electricity transformers and solar-powered streetlights. Skills acquisition, agricultural training, business support and employment-related programmes have further widened the scope of constituency development.

Sending a political greenhorn to the National Assembly at this critical juncture in our political history would be *regressive rather than progressive.*

In Nigerian politics today, irrespective of how many votes a particular region contributes to the emergence of a President, or how much

WHEN A CONSTITUENCY HAS A RECORD TO REMEMBER: THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR*

An election is often presented as a choice between candidates. But when a sitting representative seeks a renewed mandate, the choice is not made on names alone. The electorate is also called upon to weigh a record: what a mandate has produced, how it has been exercised and what more it may yet accomplish.

For Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to look beyond declarations and campaign promises and consider the qualities that give representation

we continue recycling political newcomers at every election cycle, we risk permanently relegating Mbaise nation to the margins of national politics. Rather than continually starting afresh, we should develop a system that allows capable leaders to grow, mature, attain positions of influence, and ultimately create opportunities for the next generation.

This principle is not peculiar to Nigeria. Across established democracies, influential legislators are often recognised and respected because of the years they have spent mastering parliamentary procedures, building institutional relationships, serving on strategic committees, and demonstrating leadership within their respective chambers.

The record is equally visible at home. Interventions during his tenure have included educational facilities, health centres, water projects, market amenities, civic infrastructure, roads, erosion control, electricity transformers and solar-powered streetlights. Skills acquisition, agricultural training, business support and employment-related programmes have further widened the scope of constituency development.

The consequences are obvious. While other communities deliberately nurture their political leaders through sustained legislative participation. In our case, we often replace experienced representatives with newcomers before they have the opportunity to attain ranking positions and establish themselves as influential national political actors.

Lionel Messi scores 4 in 7-1 rout of CF Montréal, seizes MLS Golden Boot lead

Kari Anderson
Updated Sun, August 30, 2026 at 3:00 AM GMT+1.

Lionel Messi is unstoppable. The Inter Miami star once again had a night to remember on Saturday, scoring four goals as the Herons thrashed CF Montréal 7-1.

With the haul, Messi hit 17 goals on the season, a number that pulls him to a lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Inter Miami captain tied and then passed FC Dallas forward Petar Musa for the sole spot at the top of the scoring standings.

Two of Messi's goals came off free kicks, one of the veteran forward's specialties. Messi pulled Miami back into the lead in the 40th minute with a curving shot that was mishandled by the Montréal defense.

Lionel Messi could make MLS history in 2026 as Miami star named among MVP favourites
Josh Barker
Updated Fri, August 28, 2026 at 1:30 PM GMT+1.

Former soccer player Sacha Kljestan has backed Lionel Messi to be among the favourites for this year's MLS MVP award.

Ahead of the weekend's action getting underway, Messi already has 14 goals and nine assists to his name this year.

Now, when sharing his MVP rankings, Kljestan has listed the Argentine as the most likely to win the award in 2026.

He put Messi first in his top-five list and wrote: "Messi and Evander are again locked in a neck-and-neck battle for MVP. And while it feels impossible to choose one right now, I am giving Messi the slight edge.

the National Assembly, that record has extended well beyond the immediate concerns of the constituency. His bills have addressed facilities management, healthcare, education, technical skills development, emergency response, project monitoring, pension administration, erosion control, housing and the creative economy. His motions have similarly engaged issues

Sending a political greenhorn to the National Assembly at this critical juncture in our political history would be *regressive rather than progressive.*

In Nigerian politics today, irrespective of how many votes a particular region contributes to the emergence of a President, or how much effort that region invests in the political cause, such contributions may amount to very little if the region does not have credible and influential representatives at the centre of national decision-making, particularly where the distribution of national opportunities and resources is determined. Without wasting most of your time, it is a glaring fact that, without building a strong presence at the National level, a people can easily be forgotten when important national decisions are being made.

Sending a political greenhorn to the National Assembly at this critical juncture in our political history would be *regressive rather than progressive.*

The record is equally visible at home. Interventions during his tenure have included educational facilities, health centres, water projects, market amenities, civic infrastructure, roads, erosion control, electricity transformers and solar-powered streetlights. Skills acquisition, agricultural training, business support and employment-related programmes have further widened the scope of constituency development.

For his supporters, the call for his return is rooted in their assessment of his performance in office and their belief that the experience acquired through public service remains valuable to the next phase of representation. They see continued legislative service as an opportunity to deepen the constituency’s engagement with national institutions and strengthen advocacy for its interests.

WHEN A CONSTITUENCY HAS A RECORD TO REMEMBER: THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR*

An election is often presented as a choice between candidates. But when a sitting representative seeks a renewed mandate, the choice is not made on names alone. The electorate is also called upon to weigh a record: what a mandate has produced, how it has been exercised and what more it may yet accomplish.

Mbaise May Continue to Lack Recognition in National Politics If We Fail to Develop Players in National Politics.

*By: Engr. Prince Fredrick C. Nwoha*
The Prince of Double Kingdoms
*29 August 2026*

Sending a political greenhorn to the National Assembly at this critical juncture in our political history would be *regressive rather than progressive.*

In Nigerian politics today, irrespective of how many votes a particular region contributes to the emergence of a President, or how much effort that region invests in the political cause, such contributions may amount to very little if the region does not have credible and influential representatives at the centre of national decision-making, particularly where the distribution of national opportunities and resources is determined. Without wasting most of your time, it is a glaring fact that, without building a strong presence at the National level, a people can easily be forgotten when important national decisions are being made.

Today, a critical assessment of the major players in Nigerian national politics today reveals a rather disturbing reality: *Mbaise nation is conspicuously absent from the centre of national political influence.* We are hardly represented among those who participate meaningfully in the conversations and decisions that shape the political direction of the country.

Over the years, the National Assembly has served as one of the most important institutions for grooming and developing political leaders in Nigeria. Many of the influential figures occupying key positions in government today built their political careers through parliamentary experience. The National Assembly provides an environment where politicians acquire legislative expertise, build networks, demonstrate leadership capacity, and establish the national visibility required for higher responsibilities.
Experience matters. Within the National Assembly, *ranking is a significant component of legislative influence and institutional recognition.* A member who has accumulated years of parliamentary experience is better positioned to understand the workings of the legislature, secure important committee responsibilities, assume leadership positions, and compete effectively with colleagues from across the country.

*This is where Mbaise has unfortunately struggled.*

We have repeatedly withdrawn our representatives from the National Assembly just when they are beginning to attain the level of experience and influence necessary to compete effectively on the national stage, largely because of rigid and outdated interpretations of zoning arrangements. By doing so, we continually interrupt the political development of our own people.

The consequences are obvious. While other communities deliberately nurture their political leaders through sustained legislative participation. In our case, we often replace experienced representatives with newcomers before they have the opportunity to attain ranking positions and establish themselves as influential national political actors.

A cursory examination of Nigeria’s political landscape demonstrates the importance of parliamentary experience. *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Senator Hope Uzodinma,* among numerous other prominent political figures we have today, have significant backgrounds in the National Assembly. Their parliamentary experiences contributed substantially to their political development, national visibility, networks, and eventual emergence into higher leadership positions.

The lesson for Mbaise is clear: *we must begin to think beyond the immediate electoral cycle and deliberately invest in the long-term development of our political leaders.*

This is the fundamental reason behind my support for *Hon. Emeka Chinedu for a third term.* His continued representation would provide him with the opportunity to attain ranking status, deepen his legislative experience, strengthen his national networks, and position himself for greater responsibilities within the National Assembly and beyond.

With my years of experience in the National Assembly, I am convinced that sending inexperienced politicians into the system repeatedly, without allowing them sufficient time to develop, is not a sustainable political strategy. A newcomer may possess enthusiasm and ambition, but national political influence requires *experience, institutional knowledge, relationships, credibility, visibility, and a proven record of performance.*

If we continue recycling political newcomers at every election cycle, we risk permanently relegating Mbaise nation to the margins of national politics. Rather than continually starting afresh, we should develop a system that allows capable leaders to grow, mature, attain positions of influence, and ultimately create opportunities for the next generation.

This principle is not peculiar to Nigeria. Across established democracies, influential legislators are often recognised and respected because of the years they have spent mastering parliamentary procedures, building institutional relationships, serving on strategic committees, and demonstrating leadership within their respective chambers.

*Mbaise nation must therefore change its political strategy.*

We must stop measuring political progress solely by who occupies a particular seat at a particular moment. Instead, we should ask a more important question: *Who are we deliberately grooming to become major national political players in the next five, ten, or fifteen years?*

If we truly desire greater national recognition, stronger political influence, and better dividends of democracy for our people, then we must allow competent representatives to grow within the system.

*Hon. Emeka Chinedu is better positioned to attain ranking status if elected for a third term.* His continued presence in the National Assembly could provide Mbaise nation with an opportunity to develop a stronger and more influential voice at the national level.

This is therefore bigger than an individual ambition or a single election. It is about the strategic political future of the Mbaise nation.

Let us think beyond today. Let us invest in experience. Let us develop our own political leaders. Let us position our people where national decisions are made.

For a stronger, more influential, and better-positioned Mbaise, we must support experience, continuity, and strategic political development.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, has formally declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate to represent the constituency on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The decision marks a new chapter in his political journey and coincides with the emergence of The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu, an organised support movement bringing together community leaders, professionals, youths, women and other citizens who identify with his record of public service and approach to constituency representation.

*WHEN A CONSTITUENCY HAS A RECORD TO REMEMBER: THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR*

An election is often presented as a choice between candidates. But when a sitting representative seeks a renewed mandate, the choice is not made on names alone. The electorate is also called upon to weigh a record: what a mandate has produced, how it has been exercised and what more it may yet accomplish.

For Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to look beyond declarations and campaign promises and consider the qualities that give representation its real value: character, relationships, acceptability, capacity, record and the possibility of doing more.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu enters that contest with a record that did not begin with his election to the National Assembly. It is rooted in established goodwill and has since found expression in legislative work, constituency development, empowerment, philanthropy and sustained engagement with the people.

In the National Assembly, that record has extended well beyond the immediate concerns of the constituency. His bills have addressed facilities management, healthcare, education, technical skills development, emergency response, project monitoring, pension administration, erosion control, housing and the creative economy. His motions have similarly engaged issues of tertiary education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, consumer protection and community concerns. Beyond the legislature, his empowerment initiatives and philanthropy have provided sustained personal intervention and community support.

The record is equally visible at home. Interventions during his tenure have included educational facilities, health centres, water projects, market amenities, civic infrastructure, roads, erosion control, electricity transformers and solar-powered streetlights. Skills acquisition, agricultural training, business support and employment-related programmes have further widened the scope of constituency development.

During the COVID-19 crisis, when ordinary economic activity was severely disrupted, food and medical support were provided to constituents. In December 2025, two trailer loads of rice were provided, one for Ahiazu Mbaise and the other for Ezinihitte Mbaise, and handed over to the Ezuruezu leadership for distribution. These are not presented as proof that every need has been met. They are evidence of what representation has produced.

And that difference matters. Representation is larger than the visible inventory of projects. A federal legislator is not an executive office holder whose mandate is measured primarily by the physical execution of projects. The responsibilities of the office encompass legislation, oversight, advocacy and engagement with the institutions through which federal programmes are conceived, funded and implemented. It requires knowing what the people need, understanding where those needs belong within the machinery of government and pursuing them through the channels available to the representative.

No tenure can reasonably be expected to resolve every need. Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise will continue to require better roads, schools, healthcare, economic opportunities and infrastructure. The existence of those needs should invite further work, not a rewriting of history. What remains to be done should be weighed alongside what has already been accomplished.

There is, however, another dimension of representation that is less visible but no less consequential: institutional knowledge.

National institutions have their own language, procedures, relationships and unwritten rhythms. A representative learns, over time, how legislation moves, how committees function, how government institutions respond, where decisions are made and how an idea can be taken from a constituency concern to the point at which it receives institutional attention.

Emeka Chinedu's service in the 10th National Assembly has given him that experience. He has not merely occupied a seat; he has spent time inside the institution learning how its machinery works.

Experience matters, not because incumbency is inherently valuable, but because institutions have processes, relationships have histories and unfinished work has context. Experience is valuable precisely because it cannot be downloaded overnight.

Service in the National Assembly is therefore more than time spent in office. It is accumulated knowledge, judgement and relationships. It is familiarity with legislative procedure, an understanding of the workings of government and a growing ability to distinguish between what is desirable and what is practically achievable. Over time, those acquisitions cease to be merely personal advantages. They become resources that can be deployed on behalf of the constituency.

This is where continuity becomes consequential. A change of representative does not simply replace one name with another. It resets part of the institutional learning curve. Relationships have to be established. Processes have to be understood. Existing matters have to be picked up and followed through. A new representative must build a working record while learning the terrain on which that record is expected to be made.

None of this means that change is inherently wrong. Far from it. A new representative may bring a different temperament, fresh ideas or a different approach to the work. That is legitimate. But newness, by itself, is not progress.

The more important question is what each choice places within reach of the constituency.

If there is already a demonstrable record, established institutional capacity and unfinished work capable of being advanced, then continuity is not simply a question of retaining an incumbent. It is a question of whether accumulated public value should be interrupted or put to greater use.

There is a broader consideration still. Political representation can, over time, build institutional capital. Knowledge acquired, relationships developed, credibility earned and visibility established within a national institution do not necessarily have to remain the private assets of the individual who acquired them. Properly deployed, they can enlarge the political capacity of the people he represents.

That is the deeper case for continuity.
It is not a plea to preserve the past for its own sake. It is an argument for allowing proven capacity to mature, allowing relationships to deepen, allowing unfinished work to advance and allowing experience already acquired to yield greater returns.

Mbaise needs power brokers, not merely seat occupants.

The argument, therefore, is not that Emeka Chinedu should return simply because he has been there before. It is that the value of what has already been built should form part of the calculation about what comes next.

A constituency that remembers its record is not afraid of change. It is simply wise enough to distinguish between change and progress.

For Emeka Chinedu, the case for 2027 ultimately rests on evidence. The people can examine what has been achieved, what has been established, what remains unfinished and what existing capacity can still be brought to bear on the challenges ahead.

That is where electoral choice becomes meaningful: not in the noise of competing claims, but in the weight of what can be demonstrated and the value of what can be built upon.

An election does not require a constituency to forget what came before in order to decide what comes next. When a constituency has a record to remember, that record is where judgement should begin.

~ Nnamdi Ukasanya