Chieme Okechukwu, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency speaks on the 2027 general election and the chances of the party in the election.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Well, I am from Awo Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State. I attended school in Nigeria and abroad. Currently, I am a US-based senior scientist and technical leader with clinical-stage biotechnology company known as Lovance Biotherapeutics which develops and commercialises tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte immunotherapies for cancer. I have over 15 years combined industry and academic experience on gene and cell therapy programme and now want to represent the good people of Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
What are your expectations from the 2027 general elections?
My expectation is for the will of the people to prevail. Let the people chosen by voters emerge. I want the Independent National Electoral Commission to be impartial and help us to have an election that is credible and one that will project good image for the country. It is not that the electorate in this country are not sound in making sound electoral judgement. The problem has always been lack of trust in the institutions of the state but I have confidence that there is going to be a difference this time. This is a constitutionally-permissible process to elect visionary leaders to transform the country, whether at the state or national level. I am particularly impressed that a lot of professionals, including those in the Diaspora, are candidates at different levels. It shows sustained interest in the development of our country. Aspirants and now candidates have made multiform varieties of sacrifices and staked everything to ensure that Nigeria succeeds. What is left is institutional effectiveness, impartiality, high level of integrity by those who will conduct this election, and political actors playing by the rules. Fixing the country is not rocket science. I am a scientist myself and so not scared of science. I have been part of the team producing biotechnological solutions of global relevance. Some of the candidates including myself have lived in more civilised, flourishing economies for decades, have sat on the boards of foreign-based companies, contributed to the development of powerful democracies and above all have mastered the art and process that made these industrialized countries what they are today. The expertise is what we are bringing home to contribute our own quota through the various positions we are contesting for.
What are the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election?
Very bright, I must tell you. The PDP is fortunate to have credible candidates. It is prepared for this contest. The voters have taken credible note of this fact and I am confident that they are prepared to show that they are awake, wise and committed to Nigeria moving forward by voting for the party. In my state, Imo, PDP is a happy and united family with dedicated executive and several experienced political figures and seasoned administrators such as distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu and a host of others too numerous to mention. It has extraordinarily competent and popular politicians in the persons of Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu and Prince Eze Madumere as Senatorial candidates. In my Federal Constituency, that is Orlu/Orsu/Oru East, the people very well know who the candidate of the party is, his credentials, capacity, personality, empathy and integrity. They know that it is time for effective and result-oriented representation and that I will not let them down. The Constituency boasts of people with high political participatory culture and I am confident that they are voting PDP this time.
In the South East zone where Peter Obi and the NDC have significant support, what is your strategy for convincing voters who may be inclined to support the NDC or Obi to vote for the PDP in 2027, and what specifically distinguishes your candidacy from theirs?
There is no doubt that Peter Obi is an exceptional politician and enjoys massive support in South East but there are things you must understand. I am not contesting against Obi and in this election, people are going to consider individuals, primarily. That is why I said earlier that PDP is fortunate to have credible candidates. What that means is that these credible personalities are going to attract votes for the PDP. I cannot say that for any other platform. Even if people decide to vote for Obi as President, for the other positions, they will look at candidates and vote wisely. You think they will vote for Obi and vote who they don’t know too just because of party? That’s not going to happen. Just watch and see. That is why I and my party are going to the grassroots. We are getting to every ward and polling unit talking to people and presenting our manifestoes. The people know who is who. Don’t underrate that. Whether you reach them directly or not, they already know and have made up their minds. They know who made empty promises. They know where and where there are failed representations. They know voices they can trust; they know who will bring transformation and empowerment to the constituency and that is making our campaign easy.
The PDP has faced significant internal divisions in the South-East in recent years. What concrete issues or interests are you presenting to voters that you believe can help the party rebuild its support and defeat other political parties like NDC in your constituency?
Yes I know that PDP faced challenges at the national level. Other political parties too experience one form of issue or the other. However, I can comfortably tell you that Imo PDP is one big, strong, happy and progressive family. This is a party that governed the state from1999 and produced governors and men and women of timber and calibre. You think it can just die like that? No. PDP is like a Phoenix. It is a party that has high level of resilience and ability to survive against all odds. You remember the idiom: a cat has nine lives and you remember the PDP. People make up a political party. The quality of members of the PDP in Imo and Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency and their incredible manifesto are our greatest strength. These have brought renewal and positioned the party for victory in the next general elections. PDP is a new bride in Imo State. It is a party loved by the peoole and they will not regret voting for the party.
What motivated you into contesting to represent Orlu, Orsu and Oru East in the Federal House of Representatives?
What you did not know is that all my life I have been involved in the task of saving lives. Passion for lives has brought me into close contact with extreme and dire conditions that people battle with. So I have been part and parcel of providing solutions in several ways. As a scientist, I have sat down a number of times to analyse these horrible conditions as well as what we need to do to assist, and reached a valid conclusion that although we have done much, but more still need to be done. More passion is required, more funds, capacity, network and platform. One thing that kept ringing a bell is the role of government in addressing these problems. Some of them require policy decisions in terms of relevant legislation while there are others that require direct government intervention. One thing that is certain is that there is a limit to what can be achieved on individual basis without deploying governmental structures and involvement of institutions. The National Assembly, for instance, has crucial role. Sense of responsibility too is required. Empathy drives it all. Nothing can be achieved when people with this crucial passion don’t get involved or when they stay outside. This is why I thought it appropriate to offer myself to serve.
How will you assess the current representation?
How I wish the people are the ones you have asked this question. Just get into towns, villages, wards and even polling units and ask. They are in a better position to tell you whether they feel satisfied or not. Let them tell you what has happened in terms of transformation and empowerment in the aspect of what federal representation should do. How has representation transformed their lives? Certainly, you are aware of the saying that if it is not broken, there won’t be need talking about amending it. I personally believe that our people deserve the best. This coming election is about assessment; it is about reward or replacement depending on facts on ground and what the people feel like doing. To me, I have offered myself to make a difference and connect government to the people. The people know those of us in this contest for what reason and I am banking on the people’s decision and support.
What do you intend to do differently?
We are not here to play. We actually spent years studying the situation on ground; asking relevant questions, making necessary diagnosis and have come with cure or solution. We have presented a credible alternative and have made it clear in our manifesto what going to Abuja will do for our people. I don’t know how many candidates have the kind of manisfeto that we do. In our manifesto, we are explicitly and absolutely clear in practical and trackable terms what we want to do. These range from security to women empowerment, grassroots’ development, education, youth employment and wealth creation, and healthcare delivery. I do not want to bore you with the details but we plan to initiate and support massive job creation opportunities for constituents, recommend deserving constituents for appointments at federal and state levels, initiate and support the execution of “One Community, One Project” initiative across the constituency, free JAMB registration for eligible students with outstanding academic performance, university scholarship for one student per LGA with 6 A’s in either Sciences or Arts and exceptional performance in JAMB and post UTME exams, incentives and cash gifts of up to N500,000 for Teachers with outstanding performance, back to school relief materials annually to underprivileged communities, refurbishment of 3 schools per LGA annually, standardization of the education sector in the constituency through digital integration, and facilitating the construction of a central reference library in the constituency to boast research and innovation. Like I said, these are just but a few. We know that there is something called constituency allowance and projects. The people of Orlu, Orsu and Oru East will see the difference when we get into office in 2027 by the grace of God.
What gives you confidence that you will win the election?
I believe that people of the constituency know it’s time to retire incompetence and represent the people. I believe that they know who Chieme is and what I stand for. They are people who can make rational choices. They know that you cannot deceive all the people all the time. These are men, women and youths who know what their vote can do and are determined, not just to cast their ballot but safeguard their votes. They know that the future doesn’t wait, neither should they. I am confident that the people want to rise at this time to take their destiny is their hand. They know who is for them and that I cannot disappoint them. They know that I am not a politician who has lied to them over time.
What if you are approached to step down?
Even the people know I cannot do that. Step down for who or for what? We are here and we mean business. I have built global reputation that cannot allow me to do certain things. Do you know that is betrayal and unhealthy to the well-being of this cause and our supporters? That will never happen.
You appear to have massive appeal. What is the magic?
Well, I give thanks to God for that and can only say that I am out to serve and not to serve my pocket. Our people have confidence in some of the selfless things God has given us the grace to do over time. They know that we shall do more if given the mandate. There are many we have done for people that we don’t even know. We cannot betray this trust.