03/09/2026
2027 Elections And PDP's Resolve To Develop Okigwe Zone
By Lancelot Obiaku
There are tangible reasons today to be convinced that the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has well broken loose from the web of internal battles to an enviable position where it is not just a united and focused group, but also a formidable one. The new lease of life and the refined way of doing things that the party has imbibed are quite reassuring. For honest watchers, PDP in Imo is the closest today to offering what a political party should be, setting the right examples and pointedly showing the people of the State that the one who seeks to propel positive change should begin from within. This, the party demonstrated, inter alia, in conducting the cleanest primaries for the 2027 general elections. To date, there is no reported post-primary election crisis anywhere around the Imo PDP. No one would say he or she was ripped off in the push to become a candidate, and the party's tickets obviously weren't for sale to the highest bidder in Imo.
And once the candidates emerged, they echoed quality all round. In Okigwe Zone, the party did not choose strangers out of the blue to serve the people. It chose from among them relatable men of substance who are undeniably involved in service and community development and are indeed drivers of a new Okigwe Zone. After all, the ultimate goal of politics is not just winning elections, but also delivering quality service that transforms society for good. So, when PDP was deciding its standard-bearers in the zone, the focus wasn't just about winning elections; it bore the people in mind. It opened its platform to credible men whose character, history and achievements drum integrity, competence and service audibly enough even in the land of the deaf, leaving no chance for ambiguity or confusion regarding who the voters should queue behind.
Below, therefore, is a cursory look at how the men who hoist PDP's flag in Okigwe Senatorial Zone and its two Federal Constituencies synchronize with the determination to develop Okigwe Zone.
OKIGWE SENATORIAL DISTRICT — CHIEF MIKE EJIOGU
Let us begin this way. Any well-meaning Okigwe son or daughter who closes his or her eyes and imagines Chief Mike Ejiogu as the Senator of Okigwe Zone for a moment would immediately see an assurance of presence, leadership drive, impact on the people, development, aura and class. No kidding!
Remarkably, it appears that leadership comes to Mike Ejiogu naturally, and there are enough facts to prove this. First, he started early in life to lead successful businesses in multiple sectors, including hospitality and real estate. Earlier in his business career, he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Western Travels & Tours Ltd (1999–2008), and in 2002 established Snow Water Production Ltd, where he also served as MD/CEO until 2008.
Also, a passion for Mike Ejiogu is to see Okigwe Zone, Imo State and Igbo land as a whole developed and the lives of their people bettered. This must have been the preoccupation of his mind when, in May 2024, he founded the Akuluno Brothers United Association. The group, which is a coalition of philanthropic elites from the South-East region of Nigeria, was formed to be dedicated to the development of the region, with emphasis on human capital development through providing support for vulnerable people and mentoring and supporting younger ones to become successful in their careers and businesses.
Under the leadership of Mike Ejiogu, they have not just emphasised and practicalised the “onye aghala nwanne ya” spirit of a true Igbo man; they are entrenching a culture of bringing investments home.
Mike Ejiogu believes in democratising wealth and, having founded the Mike Ejiogu Free Education Foundation, which for the past fifteen years has sponsored students into tertiary institutions across Nigeria, the real estate magnet is building young people to be successful through access to higher education and practically by mentoring many others. In him is not a cosmetic man or emergency philanthropist. He is just one earning his living through legitimate means and living out of his passion for many decades. It is hard to see how he would not make impacts with his experience, network, academic and social qualifications, character, aura, courage, history of natural compassion and passion for the good of others.
OKIGWE NORTH (HOUSE OF REPS) — CHRIS ONYE
Chief Chris Onye, who hails from Ofeahia, Umuduruegbeaguru in Onuimo LGA and seeks to represent the Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency, is another gift the PDP is presenting before the people. Reading his manifesto, one can see a young man who came prepared to show his constituents what legislative representation actually means. It oozes a deep understanding of the challenges and peculiarities of Okigwe North from the point of view of one who grew up there, interacts with the environment and experiences first-hand the pulse of the constituents.
Chris Onye also comes in with huge experience and is not new to leadership. While he lived and did business in Benue State over a period of time, the people of Gboko, Benue State, made him their President-General.
An authentic check on his background showed that it was a responsibility given to him on merit at a time the Igbo community sought an honest leader who would organise them and represent them before the government and host communities. And Chris Onye did not disappoint. The consensus is that he ended up winning more hearts through selfless service, integrity and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his people. Chief Onye was always at the forefront of defending the interests of the Igbo community, promoting peaceful coexistence with their host communities, and providing purposeful leadership that earned him widespread respect across ethnic and political divides.
Through Chief Onye's proactive leadership, the Igbo community in Gboko benefited from several developmental interventions and welfare initiatives. These included stronger engagement with government authorities on issues affecting the community, enhanced security and protection of lives and property, improved representation in matters concerning the welfare of Igbo residents, and the facilitation of community development projects and support programmes that positively impacted many families and businesses. These qualities of courage, compassion, humility and effective leadership leave no one in doubt that Chief Chris Onye possesses the experience and capacity required to provide quality representation for the people of Okigwe North Federal Constituency. In recognition of his great efforts, he was conferred with EZE KA IBEYA and EGBE EJI EJE OGU by the Gboko Igbo Traditional Council and the Imo community in Gboko respectively.
OKIGWE SOUTH (HOUSE OF REPS) — BARR. IKENNA EMERUEM
In Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, the story is not different. The PDP candidate there, Barr. Ikenna Emeruem, is an accomplished international lawyer, businessman and employer of labour who has seen it all during a huge career spanning over 22 years. Barr. Emeruem speaks about service in the sense that it is what leadership revolves around. He has passionately said many times that he has come to a stage in his life when he now thinks beyond himself. His idea is that success cannot be properly defined for what it is if it does not create meaningful opportunities for others. No doubt, this is the mindset of a leader who gives everything to deliver.
It has not taken Barr. Ikenna Emeruem, an illustrious son of Ehime, anything to win the hearts of Okigwe South people. He is today the frontrunner, the rallying point in the Federal Constituency, hailed for competence, accessibility, humility and deep relationship with the people, who see 2027 as an opportunity to elect one they can really trust; yes, because he symbolises a shift from rhetoric to real impact on the lives of the people. Barr. Emeruem represents a new idea and clear commitment to the people.
These men paraded by PDP are not the regular or average Nigerian politicians. They are politicians who are passionate about service, the people, development, results and impact. And it helps in all shades that they have shown in many ways through their own lives. PDP is leading an interesting revolution to develop Okigwe, and Chief Mike Ejiogu, Barr. Ikenna Emeruem and Chief Chris Onye are leading the line with promise.
