— PRINCESS ADA OGBU
...Enugu East Senatorial Candidate Weighs Power of Incumbency Against Growing Hardship and Public Sentiment Ahead of 2027
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Princess Ada Ogbu, has questioned the impact of the Federal Government’s economic policies on ordinary Nigerians, arguing that economic progress must ultimately translate into improved living standards and greater purchasing power.
Ogbu made the remarks during an exclusive interview on AFIA TV’s State of the Nation – Eastern Eye, where she also discussed the political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections and the growing influence of public sentiment on the contest.
Speaking on whether the power of incumbency could make the opposition’s task of winning the presidency more difficult, Ogbu argued that incumbency alone may not determine the outcome of the next election, particularly if Nigerians remain dissatisfied with their economic circumstances.
She contended that while the economy was already challenging in 2023, the situation had become more difficult for many households, with declining purchasing power and rising economic pressures affecting different social classes.
According to her, the real measure of economic progress should be whether ordinary Nigerians can experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
Ogbu further argued that the growing political attention surrounding Peter Obi was an indication of the strength of public sentiment ahead of 2027. She questioned why the ruling establishment would be concerned about opposition movements if it was confident in its electoral prospects.
The NDC candidate also called for a level playing field ahead of the election, stressing that Nigerians should be allowed to freely determine who governs them.
Reflecting on her political history, Ogbu recalled that she was part of the political movement that culminated in the formation of the APC around 2013–2014, when Nigerians were seeking an alternative after years of PDP rule.
She drew a parallel between that period and the current political environment, suggesting that widespread dissatisfaction could once again become a major factor in determining the direction of the electorate.
She expressed confidence that Nigerian voters would use the 2027 election to demand the change they believe the country needs, arguing that the electorate could ultimately become the decisive force capable of overcoming the advantages associated with incumbency.
“Why are they still afraid and struggling to win Osun by all means?
Why are they jittering everywhere Peter Obi goes?
Why are they chasing him up and down to every party he goes from one party to the other?
The answer is not far-fetched. It's obvious that they already know that the 2027 election is not going to go towards the direction they wish.
And besides, the economy was very bad in 2023, but now it's worse. It's very bad that people's purchasing power has drastically reduced. Economic lifestyle and people's lifestyle have been eroded. The middle classes are now the lower class, the lower classes are now below poverty lines, the upper classes have moved down. Things are worse and they know that things are worse.
Now, people are looking up to Peter Obi because he has that simple lifestyle. He has that common-sense solution to everything that people want.
Now, if the ruling party is so sagacious, why are they jittering?
Why can't they allow people to run for election? Why can't they allow a level playing field and let people decide on whom to govern them?
In 2013, 2014, when APC was being formed, I was on that side, and we wanted change after 15 years of PDP in power. We were fed up and things were not going well. It was a period of motion without movement, and that's exactly where we are again now.
We haven't moved as much as we should. The same way people were tired then is the same way people are tired now. So it is definitely a different kettle of fish.
I believe in this election, the electorates will push for the change that they know they need. They should be desperate enough to say, ‘Enough is enough." She said.
