Why Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Sunday Eze is Igboeze North/Udenu's Best Choice for 2027 Houses of Representatives

By Okey Agbo

At every crucial moment in a people's society, what wise and intelligent community does is usually to keep its eyes on the ball and refuse distraction but focus on the reality.

The reality of the current political dispensation is that the 2027 Igboeze North/Udenu Federal constituency seat should be conclusively been pinned to Udenu local government after over a decade held by our brethren in Igboeze North local government area.

Udenu will be consolidating on the gains and achievements our dear brethren in Igboeze North have made in 12 years and maintaining any status quo or sustaining progressive developments requires leadership of impeccable character. 

Such character traits was long found in our brother, High Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Sunday Eze; a former civil servant, community advocate, a neighbor we know and a leader we can trust.

 But why Chimaobi Benjamin, why Obollo?

Born and raised an Ugbabe, the largest clan in Obollo, Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Eze grew up with strict native discipline, understanding the dynamics and aspirations of the ordinary 'Nsukka' person.

Stakeholders in Udenu local government area have advocated that it's equitable and strategic to zone of the 2027 House of Representatives seat to the Obollo bloc, citing electoral strength, fairness, and the need for political balance.

The stakeholders insist that in zoning the position to Obollo, it is more appropriate and suitable that Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Eze should be given priority attention and exclusive consensus.

The argument is that Obollo remains the largest and most decisive voting bloc in Udenu, with over 52,000 registered voters and the highest number of polling units across the local government.

According to the stakeholders, “no candidate can win Udenu without securing substantial support from Obollo,” describing the bloc as both numerically dominant and politically organized, with strong grassroots mobilization structures.

Push for Equity, Rotation and the Political Imbalance that Favours Obollo

The call for priority to Obollo is also anchored on a longstanding imbalance in political representation among the three major blocs in Udenu—Orba, Udunedem, and Obollo.

The Orba bloc has historically enjoyed significant political advantage, including producing members of the House of Representatives for multiple terms, a former governor of Enugu State and Ambassadors. Udunedem bloc has also maintained considerable influence at the state level, producing key office holders such as a Deputy Governor, long-serving state legislators and equally Ambassadorial positions.

In contrast, stakeholders argued that Obollo has largely been limited to local government leadership positions and appointed roles, with no sustained representation at the federal levels such as the National Assembly, Ambassadorial appointments and federal Boards.

The emphasis is that zoning the 2027 House of Representatives seat to Obollo would align with principles of equity, fairness, and rotational politics. A balanced political system must reflect demographic realities and ensure that no bloc dominates indefinitely. Therefore conceding the seat to Obollo would help correct existing disparities.

Beyond equity, the strategic implications of the Obollo demand is that failure to zone the ticket to Obollo could lead to voter apathy, internal party disputes, and possible vote fragmentation. But granting the bloc the ticket would instead boost voter turnout, strengthen party cohesion, and improve the chances of electoral success in 2027.

Political leaders and party executives in Udenu are encouraged to formally adopt the zoning arrangement and support the emergence of a consensus candidate from Obollo, in the person of Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Eze. Doing so will sustain dialogue among the blocs in Udenu to maintain unity and avoid pre-election tensions.

This demand is a legitimate democratic appeal rather than agitation, taking cognizance of Obollo’s population size, electoral importance, and history of limited representation, making it the most suitable bloc to produce the next House of Representatives member.

The Man, High Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Sunday Eze

A former civil servant and community advocate, is a man of integrity, grassroots connection, and extensive public service experience as key strengths. He is a candidate whose values align with accountability and transparency in public office. His supporters also draw comparisons between his leadership style and that of Peter Obi, emphasizing discipline and credibility.

Eze’s candidacy comes at a time when constituents are seeking a representative with “exposure, integrity, and competence” to address local challenges and effectively represent their interests at the national level.

Eze boasts a strong academic background, starting from Ada Obollo Central School and St. Patrick’s College, Obollo Eke, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He also holds an MBA in Banking and Finance from the Benue State University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Professionally, Eze has served in multiple capacities across local, state, and federal institutions. His career includes roles in agricultural development projects, local government service commissions, and project implementation units. He also worked with the National Board for Community Banks and later with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where he held positions in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Warri, Nnewi, Makurdi and Owerri, including serving as a Tax Controller in some of the states and State Coordinator for Anambra/Imo.

Supporters argue that this breadth of experience positions him as a capable candidate ready to handle legislative responsibilities and advocate effectively for his constituency using national contacts.

 Focused Manifesto for Igboeze North/Udenu

As an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), High Chief Chimaobi Benjamin Sunday Eze, has promised a people-centered development agenda. He said his decision to contest stems from a desire to leverage his extensive public service experience to improve the wellbeing of his people who also collectively encouraged him to contest for a public position.

He pledged to focus on social security, healthcare expansion, education investment, and overall improvement in citizens’ welfare. He has promised to facilitate the completion of constituency projects, attract international development support, and bridge the gap between government institutions and local communities.

On economic development, Eze outlined plans to support small and medium-scale enterprises through access to solar-powered solutions and improved financing opportunities. He also committed to boosting agro-based industries, particularly in cash crop processing and rural employment generation.

In the area of youth development, he proposed vocational training programs, including a “Train the Trainee” initiative, aimed at equipping young people with practical skills and startup tools. He further pledged to advocate for sustainable healthcare policies, focusing on preventive care, maternal health, and support for the elderly.

On infrastructure, Eze said that he would improve on the attraction of federal projects in the constituency, ensure that those who were already captured in appropriation are actualized by awards of such contracts.

He urged constituents to support his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous constituency.