Frontline National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives aspirant, Engr. Obi Njoku, has called on all NDC Aspirants to move beyonds conventional political practices and focus on addressing the real needs of the people they seek to represent.
In a strongly worded statement ahead of the party’s primary, Njoku expressed concern that Nigeria’s political leadership has become increasingly detached from the everyday experiences of ordinary citizens, with many lawmakers concentrating more on political maneuvering and power dynamics than on delivering meaningful solutions to constituents.
According to him, legislative priorities have shifted away from issues that directly affect the welfare of Nigerians, leaving critical sectors underserved while political actors remain focused on elections, party interests, and debates over resource allocation.
“I had hoped to see bills that will directly impact the social and economic status of the ordinary citizen.”
He questioned whether decisions made in the House of Representatives continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of the people lawmakers were elected to serve.
“Instead, what I see mostly is election matters and resource allocation matters. At what point can we draw a straight line from the people being represented to the decisions of the House of Representatives?”
Njoku highlighted several pressing national concerns that, in his view, require urgent legislative attention, including the rising number of out-of-school children, declining primary healthcare services, insufficient support for local industries, and persistent insecurity affecting farmers and rural communities.
The NDC aspirant emphasized that effective representation should be measured not by political prominence or rhetoric, but by tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
He stressed the importance of lawmakers reconnecting with grassroots communities and engaging directly with constituents rather than relying solely on political structures and patronage networks.
“This is exactly why legislators are disconnected from the masses.”
He added:
“We need to go to the streets, the villages, the farms, and local communities. We must talk to ordinary people—those without access to government patronage—and ask them directly: ‘What do you really want me to do for you?'”
Njoku further cautioned against viewing legislative positions as rewards for political loyalty or opportunities for personal advancement, maintaining that public office should remain a platform for service, responsibility, and accountability.
According to him, the credibility of any elected representative ultimately depends on whether citizens experience the benefits of governance in their daily lives.
“Until this is done, we are just wasting our time in that House, representing our bellies and political godfathers.”
He concluded by advocating for a renewed culture of representation grounded in the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.
“True representation must begin and end with the explicit needs of the ordinary citizen.”