Beyond Cash and Rice: CEO Advocates Credible Leadership Through NDC

By Tony Ezike 

The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Anambra State House of Assembly, Ihiala 1. Constituency, Barr. Chijioke Emmanuel Onyia (CEO), has reaffirmed his commitment to issue-based politics, declaring that leadership should be earned through vision, credibility, and service rather than financial inducements.

Speaking on his decision to contest under the platform of the NDC, Onyia explained that his choice was guided by careful consideration of several factors, particularly the need to identify with a political party whose ideology, manifesto, and values align with his aspirations for the people of Ihiala 1. Constituency.

According to him, contesting elections is not merely about securing a party ticket but about finding a platform that genuinely shares one’s commitment to good governance and people-oriented leadership.

“I am not putting myself out there to contest with the belief that victory is automatic. I considered several important factors before making my decision, and one of the most critical was choosing the right political party. I needed a party that would not only provide a platform to contest but one whose ideology, manifesto, and vision align with my own aspirations for the people of Ihiala I Constituency,” Onyia stated.

The legal practitioner and politician noted that after a careful assessment of the political landscape, he found the NDC to be the most credible platform capable of driving the kind of transformational leadership he envisions for the constituency.

He attributed much of his political inspiration to the national leader and presidential candidate of the NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, whom he described as a symbol of prudent leadership, accountability, and service.

“We all know what Peter Obi stands for. He remains my greatest inspiration when it comes to politics. His leadership style, commitment to transparency, and dedication to public service have inspired many Nigerians, including myself. I strongly believe that the NDC provides the right platform for me to contest, emerge victorious, and ultimately deliver on my campaign promises to the people of Ihiala I Constituency,” he said.

Barr. Onyia also used the opportunity to condemn the growing culture of vote-buying and excessive monetization of the electoral process, insisting that democracy can only thrive when citizens elect leaders based on competence, integrity, and capacity rather than financial incentives.

He expressed concern that elections in Nigeria are increasingly becoming contests of financial strength rather than competitions of ideas and solutions, a trend he described as unhealthy for democratic development.

According to him, while there is nothing wrong with empowering citizens through financial assistance, humanitarian interventions, or the distribution of food items and other relief materials, such gestures should not become the basis upon which public office seekers gain acceptance from the electorate.

“We can elect responsible leaders and make our democracy work without competing over who gives more money to voters. Sadly, that seems to have become the norm. Personally, I have nothing against empowering people financially or providing support through food items and other forms of assistance. However, I do not want such gestures to become the foundation of my relationship with the electorate or the reason people support me,” he emphasized.

The NDC candidate assured constituents that his campaign would focus on meaningful engagement, practical solutions, and a clear legislative agenda aimed at addressing the developmental challenges facing Ihiala 1. Constituency.

He pledged to continue interacting with the people, listening to their concerns, and presenting workable policies that will promote development, improve livelihoods, and strengthen public confidence in governance.

Barr. Onyia maintained that the future of Ihiala 1. Constituency depends on the emergence of leaders who are accountable, visionary, and genuinely committed to serving the people, urging constituents to embrace a new political culture founded on ideas, integrity, and sustainable development.