Nigerian Democratic Congress senatorial candidate for Ebonyi Central, Prof. Benard Odoh, has pledged to introduce a more transparent and accessible style of representation if elected in the 2027 National Assembly elections.
Odoh made the commitment in an interview with The PUNCH, where he outlined plans to make constituency representation more measurable through regular public accountability reports.
The former Ebonyi State Secretary to the Government said he would present an annual stewardship report covering constituency projects, legislative activities, oversight engagements and the utilisation of public resources.
According to him, residents of Ebonyi Central deserve to know how their mandate is being used and should have greater access to their elected representative.
Odoh also identified education, youth employment, industrialisation, agriculture, healthcare, technology, infrastructure and entrepreneurship as areas he intends to prioritise through legislation.
He said his approach would be centred on creating opportunities rather than distributing political patronage, arguing that young people should not be denied opportunities because they lack political connections.
The senatorial aspirant also called for greater participation of women, traditional institutions, professionals, religious leaders, persons living with disabilities and community organisations in shaping development policies.
On the political climate ahead of the 2027 election, Odoh urged political actors to reject intimidation and violence, stressing that political opponents should be treated as competitors rather than enemies.
He said his campaign would remain focused on ideas, programmes and character, while urging security agencies to ensure equal protection for all political parties and their supporters.
Odoh, who served as Ebonyi SSG before resigning from the position, said his experience in public service, academia and business had shaped his approach to leadership.
He urged voters in Ebonyi Central to prioritise competence, integrity, accountability and accessibility when choosing their representative in the 2027 election.
