*Former Imo Deputy Governor lists roads, jobs, security, healthcare, agriculture as priorities
Former Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere, MFR, has declared his readiness to challenge the political advantages of incumbency in the 2027 Imo East Senatorial District election, insisting that the people of Owerri Zone deserve purposeful, accessible and accountable representation.
Madumere, who is seeking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the senatorial seat, said his ambition was driven by a desire to deploy his experience in public administration and the private sector to address the challenges confronting the district.
In an interview with the Board of Editors of Daily Sunray, the former deputy governor acknowledged the political advantages enjoyed by an incumbent administration but maintained that elections should ultimately be determined by the electorate’s assessment of candidates, their records and their proposals.
“I do not underestimate the advantages that come with incumbency,” he said, adding that he was approaching the contest without fear or bitterness towards Governor Hope Uzodinma.
According to him, his campaign would focus on the concerns of residents across the nine local government areas of Owerri Zone, particularly unemployment, poverty, inadequate infrastructure and the need for stronger representation at the national level.
“The hurricane I am concerned about is not a political opponent. It is the hurricane of unemployment, poverty, inadequate infrastructure and the feeling among many of our people that their voices are not being heard,” Madumere said.
He identified road infrastructure, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and environmental protection as key areas he would prioritise if elected to the Senate.
The former deputy governor said he would advocate federal intervention in critical roads connecting communities, markets and agricultural centres, while supporting vocational training, digital skills development and entrepreneurship programmes to expand opportunities for young people.
He also pledged to pursue policies and partnerships that would improve access to financing, business support and enterprise development for women.
On agriculture, Madumere said Owerri Zone had considerable potential that could be better harnessed through improved access to agricultural inputs, processing facilities, storage, financing and markets.
He further promised to advocate development initiatives for oil-producing communities, particularly Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East, with emphasis on environmental protection, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Madumere, however, acknowledged the constitutional limitations of the Senate, stressing that effective representation should not be confused with the personal execution of every development project.
“What I can promise is purposeful legislation, rigorous oversight, strategic advocacy, and the pursuit of partnerships and resources that can make a tangible difference,” he said.
Explaining his decision to seek another public office after serving as deputy governor, Madumere said his aspiration was not motivated by a desire to remain in power but by his belief that his experience could still benefit the people.
He argued that the Senate offered a different platform for public service through lawmaking, scrutiny of national budgets, oversight of the executive and advocacy for constituency interests.
Madumere also highlighted his years in the private sector, including his experience with PepsiCo’s KFC operations in the United States, which he said helped shape his approach to discipline, accountability, organisation and performance.
Reflecting on his time in government, he cited his involvement in efforts relating to rural access, infrastructure and community development, including support for efforts to bring the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) to Imo State.
He maintained that his record should be assessed within the constitutional responsibilities and limitations of the offices he occupied.
On the PDP’s political challenges, Madumere expressed confidence that the party could rebuild its structures, reunite members and reconnect with grassroots supporters in Imo State.
He said unity, discipline, effective mobilisation and a programme addressing the genuine needs of the electorate would be critical to the party’s competitiveness in Owerri Zone.
The former deputy governor also promised to maintain regular engagement with constituents if elected, insisting that elected representatives must remain accessible beyond election campaigns.
He said constituents should be able to scrutinise their senator’s legislative contributions, including bills sponsored or supported, motions raised and oversight interventions pursued on their behalf.
“Representation is a responsibility, not a reward,” he said, adding that he did not want to be a senator who sought the people’s mandate only to turn his back on them after winning an election.
On his chances in the 2027 race, Madumere expressed optimism but cautioned against taking voters for granted, saying political titles and previous public offices could not automatically guarantee electoral victory.
He urged the electorate to examine his experience, record and proposals before deciding whom to support.
Madumere said he hoped to be remembered not for political titles or ceremonial appearances but for defending the interests of his constituents, creating opportunities for young people and contributing to policies that improve lives.
“My ambition is not merely to become a senator; it is to make the opportunity to serve count,” he said.
The 2027 contest for the Imo East Senatorial District seat will determine who represents Owerri Zone in the National Assembly for the next legislative term.