Ebonyi Central needs fair governance, not exclusion, Senatorial hopeful

As INEC gets ready to start campaigning for the January 16, 2027, National Assembly elections, everyone in Ebonyi is watching the Central Senatorial race between the current Senator Ken Eze and former SSG Prof. Benard Odoh. In an interview with EDWARD NNACHI, Odoh shares his reasons for running and promises to make his office more open.

Since you became the Nigerian Democratic Congress candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, what have you been up to?

Politics is not just about making noise; it is about preparing to serve. After the party primaries, I have spent my time talking to stakeholders, engaging community leaders, building our grassroots support, and creating a legislative agenda that truly reflects what the people of Ebonyi Central want. I have also focused on my business, which helps African businesses find international markets through technology. This has made me believe more that government should create opportunities for business and innovation, not be a barrier to productivity. Most importantly, I have been listening. Good leadership starts with listening to the people before speaking for them. Every important policy must come from the real needs and wants of those we aim to serve.

The NDC National Assembly primary was a tough competition. What was it like for you?

It was a very competitive race with serious candidates, each with great backgrounds and a real desire to serve. For me, the main lesson was that integrity, consistency, and credibility still count in politics. The delegates looked closely at our records, our vision, and our ability to represent the people before making their choice. I am thankful to every aspirant because the contest made our party stronger instead of dividing us. After the primaries, we all became one family with a shared duty to provide good leadership for our people. Democracy grows when healthy competition turns into unity and a common goal.

Your party's leadership reportedly resisted pressure to impose candidates and rejected money during the primaries. What does that mean, and should other parties follow this example?

This has given me confidence in our party's democracy. One big problem in our politics is the habit of imposing candidates and letting money influence the process. When party leaders resist these pressures and allow fair democratic processes to happen, they strengthen their party and democracy. I commend the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress for showing courage, fairness, and integrity throughout the primaries. I hope political leaders across Nigeria will adopt these values because democracy can only thrive when the people's will is stronger than money's influence.

Many in Ebonyi Central feel the district has not had the representation it deserves. If elected, what will you do differently?

My campaign is not about attacking people. Elections should focus on ideas and vision, not insults. If elected, my main goal will be to ensure accessible, accountable, and inclusive representation. I plan to set up a fully functional Constituency Office that will stay open throughout my time in office, allowing constituents to reach their Senator directly. Every year, I will publicly share a report on constituency projects, legislative activities, and how public resources are used. The people must know how their mandate is being used. Beyond that, I will push for laws that support education, youth employment, industrialization, agriculture, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. Representation must be clear. A Senator should always be visible, accessible, and accountable to the people.

There is talk on social media that your candidacy is gaining momentum before the election. What do you think is driving your popularity?

I cannot speak for my opponents or guess how they feel. My focus has always been on winning the people's trust, not getting validation through propaganda. I think the growing support comes from my public record. I served Ebonyi State as Secretary to the State Government, and during that time, I supported policies that would help our people, create opportunities, and lift many out of poverty. When I realized I could no longer agree with the government's direction, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I resigned, returned all government property, including my official vehicle, and left with my integrity intact. Such actions are rare in our politics, but I believe public office is a trust, not a personal right. I faced several audits, and there were no negative findings against me. I even invited anti-corruption agencies to investigate my actions while in office because I had nothing to hide. I appreciate my former boss for the chance to serve Ebonyi State. I hold no grudges against him or anyone else. Leadership should not be driven by bitterness. We must respect each other, even when we disagree on policies. Beyond public service, my journey through education, business, and leadership has been steady. People know what I stand for: integrity, competence, accountability, and service above personal gain. I believe that is why my support continues to grow. Our people want real leadership and true representation.

You recently said Ebonyi Central needs inclusive governance. What do you mean by that?

Inclusive governance means that government should belong to everyone. No community should feel left out because of politics, and no young person should miss out on opportunities just because they lack connections. Women should participate in governance, and people with disabilities deserve equal chances. Traditional leaders, professionals, religious leaders, and community groups should all have important roles in shaping our development. Leadership must bring us together, not divide us. Our diversity should be our greatest strength, not a reason for political exclusion.

An APC member claimed you shared a private conversation you had with a politician in 2020 “to prove a cheap point.” What really happened?

I have always acted with integrity in my public and private interactions. The conversations in question became important only because false stories were being spread to mislead the public. In matters of public interest, truth should not be sacrificed for politics. I have no interest in personal attacks or distractions. My focus is on the future of Ebonyi Central and the opportunities ahead for our people.

There have been reports of harassment and intimidation against opposition politicians in Ebonyi State. What is your view on this? Have you and your supporters faced similar challenges?

Democracy can only thrive where people can participate in politics without fear or violence. There are reports that some members of the Nigerian Democratic Congress have faced attacks believed to be from APC supporters. Such behavior is unacceptable in a democracy and should be condemned by all citizens, regardless of party. I want to make it clear that while we will run our campaigns peacefully, we will not accept attacks or intimidation against our members. Politics is not a war. Political parties are competitors, not enemies. I urge all political leaders, security agencies, and authorities to ensure every party gets equal protection under the law. The 2027 elections should be about ideas, programs, and character, not fear or violence. We instruct our supporters to stay peaceful, respectful, and focused. We will act with dignity because Ebonyi deserves politics based on civility and respect for democratic values.

As a Professor of Geophysics, would you support a part-time legislature?

This is a discussion Nigeria needs to have openly and honestly. We must always look for ways to improve governance and reduce government costs. Whether that means a part-time legislature should come from a broad national dialogue and agreement. Whatever system we choose must strengthen legislative oversight, protect the National Assembly's independence, and ensure effective representation. If this national discussion heads that way, it should be based on evidence, constitutional principles, and what benefits the country. Our goal must be better governance and more value for the Nigerian people, many of whom feel they do not get enough value from public services.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has been criticized for underperformance and project issues as he nears the end of his first term. How do you see his administration?

The Governor still has time left in his first term, and the people of Ebonyi State will ultimately judge his administration. Like every government, there are areas where progress has been made and should be recognized, like the scholarship program for tertiary education. There are also areas where citizens see room for improvement. Instead of grading, I think constructive engagement is better for our state. Government should always welcome constructive criticism because accountability strengthens democracy and improves governance. As a Senator, I will work together when needed, provide effective oversight, and always prioritize the interests of the people of Ebonyi over party politics.

You were a key contender in the 2023 Ebonyi governorship election. How do you view that experience now?

The 2023 governorship election was a major moment in my political journey. I ran under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, a party that had almost no political presence in Ebonyi before that election. Along with many dedicated supporters, we built a strong political movement that gave hope across the state. Our performance, especially in Ebonyi Central, was historic. That movement led to one member in the House of Representatives and one in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly from APGA. These victories show the confidence our people have in our vision. The campaign was also one of the toughest times of my life. There were many attempts on my life, and sadly, some aides and supporters lost their lives. Their sacrifice is very painful, and I continue to honor them. Despite the difficulties, we remained peaceful, brave, and committed to democracy. We created a political legacy that cannot be forgotten. Today, I am one of the strongest political leaders in Ebonyi Central because the people know me, my journey, and what I stand for. Their support is not based on fear or bribes; it is earned through consistency, integrity, accessibility, and a strong commitment to the public good. Every experience, good or bad, has made me more determined to serve our people wisely and humbly.

As the 2027 elections approach, what message do you have for the people of Ebonyi, especially those in Ebonyi Central?

My message is simple: let us choose hope over fear, competence over propaganda, integrity over bribes, and unity over division. The future of Ebonyi belongs to us all. Every election is a chance to shape the future for generations to come. I humbly ask the good people of Ebonyi Central to support a vision based on accessible leadership, inclusive governance, accountable representation, and sustainable economic growth. Together, we can build a more prosperous, united, and secure Ebonyi Central, where everyone has a fair chance to succeed. History will remember us not for the promises we made, but for the future we created together.