Politics shouldn’t be for people without a career – Prince Chukwunta, Former APC deputy governorship candidate

Prince Gilbert Chikwado Chukwunta, philanthropist and the 2019 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, recently marked his 50th birthday. In this interview with Stanley Ihedigbo, he reflects on his journey so far, Nigeria’s political climate, and what the future holds.

What does it feel like to turn 50?

I’m very happy and grateful to God that people came together to celebrate my golden jubilee. I’m not one to celebrate birthdays often, but this one is special. I’ve made it to the “fifth floor” of life — you know, the first, second, third, fourth, and now the fifth. I’m aiming for the next 50 because my target is to live to 100. I now see myself as an elder, and I’m thankful for life and all that has come with it.

What advice do you have for young people, considering all you’ve accomplished before 50?

My advice is simple: live a good life. Today I’m being celebrated by friends, family, and business associates. The fact that people are coming around me shows I’ve done something right. One way or another, I’ve impacted lives. That’s the legacy I want to leave — encouraging young people to believe that we can all make a positive change in society.

I have strong faith in Nigeria. We can make it better for our children and future generations. But change doesn’t happen in isolation — it starts with us. Let’s keep doing the right thing and helping those around us.

What would you consider your major accomplishments?

Looking back on my 50 years, I’ve been actively involved in service to humanity for at least 30 of them. The greatest joy I get is when someone says, “You helped me.” I don’t see it as doing anything extraordinary — just responding to the needs around me using the resources God has blessed me with.

Whether it’s putting a roof over someone’s head or helping a young person who just finished learning a trade but lacks startup capital, I see those as meaningful contributions. To me, that’s grace in action.

What has life taught you so far?

Life has taught me that the world can be made better through human effort. That’s why I commit myself to positive contributions.

In my state, when people mention my name, they associate it with integrity and credibility. That’s the legacy I want.

I also believe politics shouldn’t be a refuge for people who have nothing else going for them. A man with no career who enters politics often goes in just to survive. He’s likely to compromise the system for personal gain. Imagine someone who has never worked or built anything meaningful in life starting politics as a local councillor. From there, he becomes a local government chairman, then goes on to the State House of Assembly — all thanks to godfatherism.

Such people don’t have solid livelihoods and shouldn’t be expected to perform miracles in office. Often, they compromise the system to remain relevant.

Nigerians must assess candidates based on their careers, livelihoods, and records. We should vote for people who have integrity, credibility, and have contributed meaningfully to society. Those types won’t be desperate to win elections or ready to kill for N10 million just to get into office.

Politics should be open to professionals and accomplished businesspeople, not just political jobbers.

What is your view on the current state of Nigeria?

I’ve always been optimistic. I still believe Nigeria can get it right. Unfortunately, each administration complains about inheriting an empty treasury and then starts everything from scratch — no continuity. That shouldn’t be the norm.

If the treasury is empty but you have the capacity, you can begin the process of rebuilding. By the second term, the results of your groundwork should start showing. That’s why I support second-term opportunities for truly performing leaders, not just any leader. If you can’t show tangible results from your first term, you don’t deserve a second.

Right now, the economy isn’t doing well. Even the government has admitted that. They say they’re working on it, and we’ve heard from the Central Bank Governor about their economic plans.

But let’s be clear: Politics doesn’t generate money. A strong economy does. That’s why hardship persists. It’s only through good leadership and effective economic policies that we can turn things around.

Nigeria is richly blessed — arable land, mineral resources, and relative protection from natural disasters. Yet, the people in power haven’t translated these blessings into real improvements in citizens’ lives.

What about the issue of insecurity?

Insecurity is one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges. It’s the government’s core responsibility to secure lives and property. I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show the political will to address this issue decisively.

The killings and kidnappings by bandits, Boko Haram, and unknown gunmen are deliberate. Their goal is to destabilize the country, and that’s affecting everything, especially the economy.

Farmers are afraid to go to the farms. People can’t travel freely. Food prices are skyrocketing because of reduced supply. No investor wants to come into a country where lives and property are unsafe. If the sponsors of these criminal groups are known, the government must go after them without delay.

A secure environment attracts investment naturally. Nigeria is already a massive market. We don’t need to beg investors. But without safety, even local businesspeople are reluctant to expand.

What is your message to the government and citizens? And what should we expect from you in 2027?

My message to Nigerians is to remain hopeful and proactive. Stop waiting for leaders to fix everything. Let the change start with us — in our homes, communities, and workplaces.

If we start doing the right thing and leaders fail to follow, we’ll know it’s time to change them. But if we’re just waiting for “Ghana Must Go” bags and following the same old faces, then we’re also to blame.

As for 2027, my ambition is simple: support those who are doing well and oppose those who have failed. Let’s not allow people without performance records to return to the office. Nigeria deserves better.