The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Nweke Kingsley Chizoba, “Oda-Opuo” as popularly known, has pledged to pursue people-centred and purposeful representation if elected to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.

Chief Nweke made the commitment on Monday, August 31, 2026, at a press conference organised by the Oda-opuo Campaign Organisation at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Enugu., where he outlined his vision for the senatorial district and responded to questions from journalists on his campaign, youth empowerment, electoral integrity, community development and his commitment to the PDP.

The event was attended by members of the media and led by Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Chapter.

The Enugu East Senatorial District comprises Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas.

NUJ Chairman Highlights Candidate’s Record

Speaking at the event, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka said the people of Enugu East Senatorial District deserved quality and purposeful representation in the National Assembly.

Ogbuka highlighted what he described as Nweke’s record of humanitarian intervention, youth empowerment and community development, including initiatives such as the Coal Camp Carnival, Bọọlụ Ọ̀gbe, skills-acquisition programmes and medical interventions.

The NUJ Chairman argued that the 2027 election should be based not only on campaign promises but also on the records, character and capacity of individuals seeking elective office.

He said Nweke’s community interventions predated his current political ambition and described them as part of the candidate’s broader commitment to human development.

Chief Nweke: “The People Come First”

Responding to questions about his engagement strategy, Nweke said he would continue consulting political stakeholders while placing greater emphasis on direct engagement with the electorate.

He said his consultations would extend to youths, traditional rulers, palace institutions, residents and citizens across Enugu East Senatorial District.

“I believe the people are the ones whose approval I need the most. We still need the stakeholders, and I will continue to engage with them, but my priority is the people.”

The candidate said his campaign philosophy, “Anyi Ejebego,” reflects his desire for inclusive participation and collective progress.

Youth Empowerment and Employment

Nweke identified youth empowerment as a major component of his agenda, saying young people must be provided with opportunities to develop their skills and participate meaningfully in the economy.

He pointed to youth-focused initiatives and said more could be done in areas such as entrepreneurship, sports, technology, information technology and artificial intelligence.

“My commitment is to making sure that our youths are engaged and given opportunities.”

He said his interest in youth development was not solely connected to the 2027 election, describing it as part of his broader commitment to community development.

Candidate Speaks on Electoral Integrity

On the 2027 election, Nweke said protecting the integrity of the electoral process would be essential.

He said voters must be prepared to protect their votes and participate actively in the democratic process.

“The last function of a politician is rigging. If rigging is allowed, nobody would be campaigning.”

Nweke said his campaign was putting measures in place to ensure that the mandate of the electorate was protected, expressing confidence that the will of the people would prevail when voters actively participate in the process.

Focus on Development and Technology

The PDP candidate also outlined areas he believes can contribute to the development of Enugu East, including infrastructure, sports, culture, youth development and emerging technologies.

He expressed particular interest in expanding opportunities for young people through sports and technology, including artificial intelligence and information technology.

According to him, representation should focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people rather than personal interests.

“It should be about Enugu and not about personal interests.”

Commitment to PDP

Nweke also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the PDP in Enugu State.

He said his involvement in the party was not simply because he was contesting an election, but because he wanted to contribute to strengthening the party’s structures and reconnecting it with the people.

“The effort I am putting in is not just because I am a candidate. The effort I am putting in is to make sure that PDP becomes the largest and strongest party in Africa.”

“The Time Is Now to Get It Right”

Nweke said the people of Enugu East deserved leadership that was accessible, accountable and responsive to their needs.

He acknowledged concerns about past shortcomings in governance and representation but maintained that the situation could be changed through collective action and responsible leadership.

“A lot of things have gone wrong, but the time is now to get it right.”

He called on youths, traditional leaders, community leaders and other citizens to participate actively in the political process and make their choices based on competence, character, track record and capacity.

The candidate thanked journalists for the opportunity to present his vision and respond to questions about his candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.