2027: Why I Want To Represent Arochukwu/Ohafia In The House Of Reps — Kalu
Hon. Ukpai Philip Kalu, a candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) seeking to represent the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has explained that his decision to contest the seat is driven by what he described as a desire to bring meaningful development, empowerment and stronger representation to the people of the constituency.
Speaking during an interview, Kalu said his aspiration was particularly motivated by the need to create opportunities for young people, women and other vulnerable groups across Arochukwu and Ohafia.
According to him, the constituency requires a representative who will place greater emphasis on grassroots development, employment opportunities, infrastructure and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“As a young man and as a youth, my aspiration was borne out of the desire to impact my people,” Kalu said.
He alleged that successive years of representation had not adequately addressed some of the pressing needs of the people, particularly in the areas of employment, youth development, women empowerment and infrastructure, saying, he strongly believes that it is the turn of Ohafia to produce a member to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives this time around.
Kalu argued that political representation should go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly, insisting that elected representatives must be able to demonstrate tangible benefits to their constituents.
He said representation must translate into dividends of democracy.
The Action Alliance candidate said that, if elected, his administration of representation would focus on what he described as the practical delivery of the dividends of democracy.
He identified infrastructure, basic amenities, youth empowerment, economic development and support for elderly people and women as areas requiring urgent attention.
Kalu also raised concerns about the implementation of some projects he said were earmarked for the constituency.
He specifically referred to a proposed garri and oil-mill processing project which, according to him, was expected to benefit residents of the area.
He questioned the progress of the project and called for greater accountability in the execution of constituency-related initiatives.
Kalu also cited road infrastructure as another area of concern, alleging that work on a road project around Ebem Community had not progressed as expected.
Kalu said youth empowerment would be at the centre of his legislative agenda if elected.
According to him, the constituency has a large pool of young people with educational qualifications, vocational skills and entrepreneurial abilities who require support to become economically independent.
He explained that his proposed youth development programme would seek to identify people according to their abilities and provide appropriate support.
“If you are a graduate or you have a skill, or anything that you can do better, we will equip you and empower you to be able to feed yourself and your family,” he stated.
He said his vision would not be restricted to university graduates, stressing that young people with vocational and technical skills would equally receive attention.
Beyond political representation, Kalu said he intends to promote an environment where residents can develop sustainable sources of income.
He said investment in small businesses, vocational skills and local enterprises could help reduce unemployment and strengthen the economic base of communities within the constituency.
According to him, government representation should create pathways through which young people can become employers of labour rather than remaining dependent on government employment.
He also linked economic development to improved infrastructure, arguing that good roads and other basic amenities would make it easier for farmers, traders and small businesses to move their goods and access wider markets.
Kalu expressed confidence that a single four-year tenure would provide sufficient time to establish and pursue a meaningful development agenda for the constituency.
“Four years is enough to do what I want to do for the people of Arochukwu and Ohafia Federal Constituency,” he said.
He maintained that his proposed representation would be guided by inclusiveness, arguing that no section of the constituency should be left behind.
As the 2027 general election approaches, Kalu said he is presenting himself to voters as a younger alternative focused on youth empowerment, economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare and grassroots representation.
To actualise his vision for the constituency if elected, he said he would do that by partnering with the World Bank, and the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), among other agencies and institutions.
