Hon. Chief Joseph Ikunna is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta, Oru West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives election of 2027. In this interview with DRUMAFRICANEWS, he explains his agenda and several things he has to offer to his constituents if elected.
Beyond party lines, what is your four-year legislative agenda specifically for your constituency, and how will you measure if you’ve succeeded?
I am not contesting simply to represent people in Abuja. I am contesting to fundamentally change the economic direction of our constituency. My agenda rests on five pillars: security that allows businesses and families to thrive; Jobs through industrialisation, not government handouts; Education and skills for the industries of tomorrow; Proper utilisation of our gas, agriculture and mineral resources; and transparent and accountable representation.
For years, our constituency has exported resources while importing poverty. That model must end. Success should not be measured by how many motions I move or how many pictures I take in Abuja. It should be measured by real outcomes: Thousands of new jobs, more federal investments, better roads, improved electricity, modern skills centres, more businesses, reduced youth unemployment, and higher household incomes.
At the end of four years, I want people to say their standard of living improved significantly because of policies we fought for. My campaign slogan says a lot: “Creating Wealth”. We cannot continue exporting our resources and importing poverty at a time when technology has reduced the barriers to entry, and international financial institutions are eager to invest in Africa. Isn’t this why we have the Dangote refinery today?
If federal allocations or projects are delayed or diverted, what exactly will you do?
Representation means more than making speeches. The National Assembly has constitutional oversight powers. If projects meant for our people are delayed, abandoned or diverted, I will use every constitutional tool available. I will demand explanations from the responsible ministries. I will raise motions on the floor of the House. I will push for investigations through the relevant committees. I will work with colleagues across party lines where necessary. Most importantly, I will keep the people informed. Government performs better when citizens know the truth. Transparency is one of the strongest weapons against corruption.
Youth unemployment is at crisis level. What two bills or policies will you sponsor to reduce it?
The first bill I intend to champion is a National Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Skills Development Bill. The future economy belongs to countries that prepare their young people for AI, robotics, cybersecurity, software engineering, digital manufacturing and advanced technology. Nigeria must not miss that opportunity.
The second is an Energy and Industrial Development Bill. Communities that produce oil and gas should become centres of industrial manufacturing, petrochemicals, data centres, fertiliser production, advanced agriculture and clean energy. Our constituency should not simply produce gas. We should produce jobs. That is the difference.
How will you unite such a diverse constituency?
Development has no tribe. Poverty has no religion. Unemployment does not ask which political party you belong to. My responsibility will be to represent every community equally.
Whether someone voted for me or not, they deserve quality representation. Federal projects will be pursued based on need, fairness and long-term economic benefit. I want every community to feel that they have a representative, not just my supporters. That is how trust is built.
Why now, and what have you done without public office?
Leadership begins long before holding office. For years I have invested my own time and resources in mentoring young people, supporting education, encouraging innovation and promoting practical economic ideas. Long before declaring my ambition, I had already developed detailed plans for industrialisation, agriculture, energy, technology, skills acquisition and investment attraction.
I already established a 100-tonne daily palm kernel crushing plant, which was closed due to a lack of electricity and the rising price of diesel. I have also embarked on the provision of solar street lighting through NDDC in Port Harcourt, Mbaeri and Uzinaumu. Many people enter politics asking what government can do for them. I entered politics asking what I could build for society. I believe public office should be used to multiply opportunities, not personal wealth. Personal wealth should come from one’s hard work and business acumen and not politics.
How will you balance national interests with constituency interests?
Fortunately, the two are usually aligned. A stronger Nigeria creates stronger constituencies. Likewise, stronger constituencies build a stronger Nigeria. Whenever difficult decisions arise, I will ask one simple question.
Does this policy ultimately improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians while protecting the legitimate interests of my constituents?
If the answer is yes, I will support it. If not, I will oppose it and argue my position respectfully. My loyalty is first to the Constitution, then to the people who elected me. Those two responsibilities should never be in conflict.
When your tenure ends, what is the one thing you want people to remember?
I want people to say this. “Ikunna changed what we believed was impossible.” For decades we accepted that our role was simply to produce crude oil and gas while other places created industries, technology and jobs. I want history to record that our constituency became known not only for its natural resources but also for producing wealth, innovation, entrepreneurs and skilled young people. If I can help transform Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta and Oru West into one of Nigeria’s leading centres for energy, technology, manufacturing and enterprise, then I will consider my service worthwhile.
