2027 Polls: Nigeria doesn’t need to borrow to excel economically — Abia North Senatorial Aspirant, Chief Kalu

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the political arena is heating up with aspirants outlining their visions for national and regional development. One such contender is Chief Dr. Emeka Kalu, former APGA governorship candidate in Abia State and founder of the ECK Foundation. With a focus on social welfare, youth empowerment, infrastructural revival, and economic self-reliance, Kalu is seeking to represent Abia North in the Senate. In this exclusive interview with Stanley Ihedigbo, he shares his motivations, blueprint for development, and why he believes Nigeria can thrive without resorting to borrowing. EXCERPTS:

What motivates you to run for the Abia North Senatorial seat, and what experience do you have that prepares you for this role?

In defence of humanity, I am highly motivated to run for the Abia North Senatorial election. Poor representation, basic infrastructural collapse, and the denial of general empowerment programmes for the youth have guided my determination to contest the 2027 Senatorial election. My victory lies in the people.

In terms of the political compass that leads the way, I sincerely confide in the integrity of democracy because the populace decides their future through the ballot. Divinely, I am not better than anyone else since it remains the exclusive power of God to elect who leads. All men are born equal, and God remains the author and finisher of our faith. However, I am convinced that the people of Abia North deserve a change capable of giving them a new lease of life, unlike in the past — and I am ready to serve, as I have been called upon to do so.

How do you plan to address the infrastructure challenges in Abia North, such as poor road conditions?

Social welfare services remain the only way the impacts of good governance can be felt. Being determined to change the narratives, I would make sure that road networks, electricity, community security, and youth empowerment are addressed when elected to speak for the zone in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

I have observed that the inter-trunk major roads linking the five local government areas of Abia North have been in a sorry state due to neglect, poor accountability, and political corruption. This drives my commitment to get the people to see a difference in leadership when elected to represent them. Education system rehabilitation is also a major concern. I shall leave no stone unturned to ensure the sector attains excellence in my time as a Senator.

What is your vision for economic development in Abia North, and how do you intend to support local businesses and entrepreneurs?

Project development remains one of the supply channels from which the oil of good leadership is drilled. I am ready to attract major entrepreneurial incentives for youths through leadership interaction pathways.

Under the ECK Foundation, which receives no profit from the government, I have been contributing positively to developing local businesses and empowering the youth. Our Foundation, under God’s care, has succeeded in providing tomato and other aerial crop seedlings to the good people of Bende Local Government to boost their agricultural potential. We are also working to extend such empowerment to Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu in mid-winter, ensuring farmers in these areas are collectively supported.

Farming feeds the nation. The easiest way to reduce hunger and crime is to train and support people productively. We have already started empowering our people in different ways and will continue until remarkable change is achieved in our constituency.

How would you represent the interests of your constituents in the Senate, particularly on issues like healthcare, education, and security?

I have already outlined my plans, and these blueprints will be transformed into reality once the people elect me. Addressing security challenges in our communities requires urgent attention, and I look forward to collaborating with the federal government to ensure criminals are chased out of our land.

In healthcare, I will prioritise maternity and family health, ensuring expectant mothers and infants are well cared for. I plan to establish at least six cottage hospitals in each local government area of Abia North to tackle pressing medical challenges affecting paediatrics and pregnant women.

Recently, the ECK Foundation distributed exercise books to pupils in various primary schools in Bende, and we plan to extend the gesture to other areas. For the past five years, we have awarded scholarships to students in Nigeria and abroad, provided free feeding programmes across the nation, and supported countless social welfare needs. This commitment did not start today and, by God’s grace, will not stop until our objectives are met.

What’s your stance on key national issues such as constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, and fiscal federalism?

The value of democracy lies in promoting equality, and those who cherish it must work to defend its principles. Nigeria needs to review its constitution, especially electoral laws. Constitutional rigidity harms a system when its provisions do not align with the will of the people. We must seek amendments that protect democracy and citizens’ rights.

Power belongs to the people. Any government that denies them the right to choose their leaders is autocratic. Even our fiscal economy needs transformation. Nigeria doesn’t need to borrow to excel economically — our problem is poor leadership, corruption, and ethnic divisiveness, none of which promotes unity or nation-building.

How do you plan to engage with your constituents, listen to their concerns, and respond to their needs?

Once elected, the people will lead the way. Their decisions will guide my actions, and their legitimacy will remain my strength. I cannot act without consulting their popular opinion.

My ambition is not born out of greed or desperation to enrich myself, but from a desire to contribute effectively to national and community development. The mandate belongs to the people, and without their majority will, any mandate is falsely imposed.

What sets you apart from other aspirants, and what’s your unique value proposition to the people of Abia North?

I want to usher in a new phase for Abia North. The current legislative representation has been weak and full of hypocrisy. Talented youths have been left in poverty while the false narrative of empowerment is peddled in the media. I want to put an end to this insincerity because nothing can flourish or advance humanity when wrongs are cherished and encouraged. I may not claim to be the best, but I have genuine plans for the people.

How will you work with other senators, lawmakers, and government officials to pass legislation that benefits Abia North and Nigeria as a whole?

Legislative relationships matter. In the House, we must relate as colleagues committed to solving our people’s problems. I will not go to the Senate without initiating bills aimed at bringing development to Abia North and Nigeria at large.

My focus will be on bills addressing infrastructure, youth empowerment, security, and electoral reforms — to help Nigeria overcome the current instability in its democracy. If I cannot initiate bills, then my legislative opportunity will have failed, and I will not let that happen.

What’s your perspective on the role of youth and women in politics, and how will you promote their participation in your campaign and governance?

The youths are the leaders of tomorrow and the future of democracy. Women are our mothers, and their contributions to national development cannot be overemphasised. Look at Kaja Kallas, the Estonian Prime Minister — her exemplary leadership shows how committed women can be in politics, and Nigerian women are no exception.

Women hold the highest number of votes in Nigeria, while youths are the drivers of political action. Engaging in politics without them is like sailing a vessel without a navigation system. Their roles are indispensable, and as a political leader, I cannot take their contributions for granted.

Looking ahead to 2027, what’s your campaign strategy, and how do you plan to build a strong team and mobilise support across Abia North?

I rely solely on the people’s mandate. No man emerges in governance without the full support of the people. My immediate family’s votes cannot make me a Senator — it takes the will of the larger population. The ballot remains the only credible way I can serve as Abia North’s representative in the Upper Chamber.

My campaign strategy will be guided by facts and realities. The ECK Foundation has already proven its commitment to the people, and my victory will only be possible under a free and fair democratic process where votes count. Power belongs to the people, and by strength, no man prevails.