Political rookies should shelve senatorial, guber ambitions

•PDP has resolved all squabbles

By Agatha Emeadi

Former deputy governor of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere who recently returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is the party’s flag bearer for the Imo East seat at the Senate in 2027.

In an interview with Sunday Sun, the former deputy governor of the state said, having served as deputy governor of the state, he understands his people’s heartbeat, needs and aspiration. “I understand my people’s heartbeat, needs and aspiration. Coupled with my wealth of knowledge as one who has been deeply involved in two-won governorship elections in Imo State, the senatorial election will not be different,” he said.

You will be contesting for the Imo East Senatorial seat at the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP in the January 16, 2027 general election. How prepared are you for the contest?

First, I, Prince Eze Madumere, MFR, return all honour, glory and adoration to Almighty God for making it possible for my emergence as the Senatorial candidate for Owerri zone, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). I also commend my constituents for their overwhelming support. Together, we shall build Owerri zone of our collective dreams and aspirations through the paradigm shift train anchored on journey of grace.

As an America-trained technocrat, I specialised in human capital development. My wealth of knowledge would serve as an instrument in galvanising my blue print in services to the citizenry. I believe I have what it takes to win this election. It might interest you to know that I have been deeply involved in two governorship elections in Imo State and won them. This Senatorial election will not be different. By the special Grace of God, victory is assured.

Again, you should understand that I am operating in a familiar track; I understand my people’s heartbeat, their needs and aspirations. Having served as the Deputy Governor of Imo State, I have a burning desire to give my best to the citizenry. Consequently, I have articulated a blue print anchored on needs assessment, projected towards rendering qualitative service. My people have suffered a lot of deprivations and I am optimistic that this is the time to address the issues and challenges confronting my people. I believe that the time for it is gradually approaching having yielded to the clarion call of the people to make myself available for service. Therefore, I will not disappoint them when elected as the Senator for Imo East, (Owerri zone).

The Imo East Senatorial election will be of interest going by the calibre of candidates emerging from the parties. Do you think you have what it takes to emerge victorious at the poll next year?

This is a divine mandate, backed up by Journey of Grace. It might interest again to know that I am not competing with anybody. With due respect to modesty, I am not a greenhorn in politics. I have served in various capabilities ranging from Chief of Staff and Deputy Governor of Imo State. I believe there is no basis for comparison, having served the people creditably; the records are available. The people of Owerri Zone are eager for a total departure from the outdated formula. I am bringing qualitative representation to the table and I have the capacity, intellectual prowess, acumen and dexterity to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the citizenry. It is instructive to know that these other candidates are relying on promises and intends to ride on the horses for victory. My people are highly sensitive and wise and will not accept such bargain, having suffered from previous arrangements.

Your party, PDP, has been engulfed with crises. Don’t you think that factionlisation in the party will affect your chances at the polls?

PDP is a big family and expectedly there could be one friction or the other. We have an internal conflict resolution mechanism. Right now, we have resolved all squabbles through this methodology. Watch out; we are bouncing back with cautious optimism. I believe that what matters in life is how you are able to resolve challenges as they unfold. I also believe that a lot of lessons have been learnt and we are set to move the party forward. I appeal to stakeholders, leaders and members to come together and form a formidable force.

Our national leader – Nyesom Wike needs our support and encouragement to pilot the affairs of the party and must be commended for working tirelessly to reposition the party for future electoral victory. The National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s invaluable contribution speaks volume and must be applauded for his dedication and selfless service to party and citizenry.

Can we know how your experience as former Imo State deputy governor will help you on the new legislative job if elected?

My vision is anchored on Paradigm Shift, backed up with positive impact gained over the time having served meritoriously. I am fine-tuning same for productive delivery. Leadership is a practical experience and you don’t start from the top to imbibe same. I advise contestants to learn the ropes before gunning for top positions like Senators and Governorships. This is my candid advice and I hope they will take it with equanimity. As a seasoned administrator, I related directly with the populace, feeling their heartbeats, share their vision and render services. Leadership, like you are aware, is not a tea party and not buying and selling. One must have the required holistic training, empathy and must have studied the people, live with them and not appearing as a stranger. I have the required credentials to render selfless and sacrificial leadership to my people.

What are the things the current senator representing Imo East has not done well you think you can do better?

I am not in a position to judge him, I believe, the people and posterity has the responsibility to do the needful. I guess he has given his best, if you ask me; it is the responsibility of the citizenry to determine if it is good enough. My people say that a dancer will always know if he is actually dancing to the beating of the drums. I am going to the Senate for serious legislative deliberations, where issues concerning Owerri zone will be brought to the frontline. I intend to champion rural roads rehabilitation, industrialization, job creation, youths and women empowerment. The elderly ones will also be empowered through payment of medical bills.

Again, my aspiration is driven by the desire to restore effective representation, strengthen grassroots development, impact positivity in lives and ensure that the interest of Owerri zone is protected, defended, promoted at the national level. We must pursue people oriented legislation and policies that will improve infrastructure, empower small and medium scale businesses, enhance education, support agriculture, create jobs, promote youths inclusion, and provide sustainable economic opportunities for our people. As a servant who has remained connected to the grassroots over the years, I firmly believed that governance must be people-centred, anchored on purpose driven. Leadership must not be distance from the people. It must be compassionate, accessible, accountable, and committed to delivering measurable progress.

Against this backdrop, I want to assure Ndi-Owerri that my journey to the senate is not about politics alone and never can it be for me alone, but about service sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people. I remain committed to running an issue-based, peaceful, and oriented engagement that will unite rather than divide our communities. The unity of Owerri zone and the progress of our people must remain paramount at all times.

Since you left office as deputy governor, what have you been doing? Have you been in touch with your immediate constituency?

I am a grassroots politician and always in touch with my people. It might interest you to know that from time to time, I tour my constituency and feel their heartbeats. God and humanity represents the bedrock of my political life. I have a social responsibility with my people through constant interactions and assist in my little way in solving challenges confronting the people. I also intend to sign social contract with them anchored on service delivery. This will serve as a guide and road map for qualitative service delivery. I have burning desire to uplift my people from deprivations and when I am elected, the difference will be clear and the people will feel the impact. I am very passionate about this project. It will lead to the emancipation of my people and the time is now.

How is the Imo State you left as deputy governor today? Is the state better off under the watch of Governor Hope Uzodimma or not?

As I pointed out early, the people and posterity represents the best judge of our activities as mortals. I will advise leaders to always put in their best in any leadership position. It will serve as a mirror to posterity and veritable legacy to the next generation. I do not want to sound subjective; however, a lot could be done in rural roads. These roads are begging for attention. Youth empowerment, industrial rehabilitation and human capital development needs urgent attention.

As this junction, let me point out the most challenging situation confronting the populace. State government should try and revive the rent control board so as to checkmate the activities of shylock landlords who takes pleasure in increasing rents yearly. A lot of civil servants and petty traders cannot afford their rents. The government should treat this matter of urgent attention.

Do you hear from your former principal and friend, Senator Rochas Okorocha? Is your friendship still flourishing?

Owelle Rochas Okorocha is still my boss in whom I am well pleased. I have nothing against him as my boss; I respect him as a leader.