Chidiebere J. Okoh Frowns At Royal Fathers Blowing Hot And Cold Over Political Endorsements

Chidiebere J. Okoh has expressed concern over what he described as the growing practice of some traditional rulers and community leaders allegedly giving conflicting political endorsements to different candidates.

Okoh, who made the observation while reacting to recent political activities in Bende Federal Constituency, frowned at situations where, according to him, some leaders extend one hand to receive gifts and endorse a candidate, only to turn around and accept similar gestures from another contender and endorse the person as well.

He described such conduct as “worrisome, degrading and unbecoming” of respected traditional institutions, arguing that royal fathers are expected to maintain the dignity, integrity and credibility associated with their positions.

According to him, political endorsements by traditional institutions should not become a matter of transactional politics, but should reflect the genuine interests and aspirations of the communities they represent.

Okoh nevertheless maintained that the alleged double standards would not determine the outcome of the 2027 House of Representatives election in Bende Federal Constituency, expressing confidence that the incumbent lawmaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, would return to the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He hinged his position on what he described as the need for continuity, particularly where an elected representative has initiated projects, programmes and relationships that his constituents consider beneficial.

He argued that abandoning an established representative at a time when his legislative experience and political relationships are already in place could amount to disrupting ongoing efforts, stressing that voters would ultimately make their decision based on their assessment of the incumbent’s record.

Okoh also brought the issue of political balance within Bende Constituency into the discussion.

He noted that with Senator Oji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North in the Senate and coming from Igbere, he believes the House of Representatives seat should remain with Benjamin Kalu of Bende, while the Abia State House of Assembly position could be allowed to rotate to other parts of the constituency, including Item and other areas.

He described such an arrangement as a possible way of promoting balance and fairness in the distribution of elective positions and democratic opportunities across the constituency.

Okoh further argued that representation should not be viewed solely through the prism of individual political interests, but also in terms of equitable participation by the different communities that make up Bende Federal Constituency.

He maintained that the 2027 political contest would provide an opportunity for constituents to assess the records, experience, legislative interventions and capacity of the various aspirants and candidates before making their choices.

While political alignments and endorsements are expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Okoh urged traditional institutions and community leaders to exercise caution in their public political engagements, insisting that their conduct could affect public confidence in the institutions they represent.

The 2027 contest for Bende Federal Constituency is expected to attract considerable political attention as parties and aspirants begin to consolidate their structures ahead of the general elections.

For Okoh, however, the central issue remains the ability of constituents to evaluate existing representation, ongoing development efforts and the competing alternatives before deciding who should represent them in the next political dispensation.