As INEC prepares to reopen campaigning for the January 16, 2027 National Assembly elections, all eyes in Ebonyi are on the Central Senatorial contest between incumbent Ken Eze and former SSG Prof. Benard Odoh. In this interview with EDWARD NNACHI, Odoh explains why he’s running and vows to make his office far more accessible

You have maintained a relatively low profile since emerging as the Nigerian Democratic Congress candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District. What have you been doing since the party primaries?

Politics is not about making the loudest noise; it is about preparing diligently for service. Since the conclusion of our party primaries, I have devoted my time to extensive consultations with stakeholders, engaging community leaders, strengthening our grassroots structures, and refining a legislative agenda that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people of Ebonyi Central. I have also continued to focus on my private business, which helps open international markets for African businesses through technology-driven trade infrastructure. That experience has further reinforced my belief that government should create opportunities for enterprise, innovation and wealth creation, rather than becoming an obstacle to productivity. Most importantly, I have been listening. Leadership begins by listening to the people before speaking on their behalf. Every meaningful policy must be rooted in the genuine needs and aspirations of those we seek to serve.

The NDC National Assembly primary was widely described as a battle of political heavyweights. It was not an easy contest. What was the experience like for you?

It was indeed a highly competitive contest involving distinguished aspirants, each with impressive credentials and a genuine desire to serve. For me, the greatest lesson from the process was that integrity, consistency and credibility still matter in politics. The delegates carefully assessed our records, our vision and our capacity to represent the people before making their decision. I remain grateful to every aspirant because the contest ultimately strengthened our party rather than divided it. Once the primaries ended, we all became members of one family with a shared responsibility to provide credible leadership for our people. Democracy flourishes when healthy competition gives way to unity and a common purpose.

Reports suggest the leadership of your party resisted attempts to impose candidates and rejected financial inducements during the primaries. What message does that send, and should other political parties emulate such an example?

It renewed my confidence in internal party democracy. One of the greatest challenges confronting our political system is the culture of candidate imposition and the undue influence of money in the political process. Whenever party leaders resist such pressures and allow transparent democratic processes to prevail, they strengthen not only their party but democracy itself. I commend the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress for demonstrating courage, integrity and fairness throughout the exercise. I sincerely hope political leaders across Nigeria will embrace similar values because democracy can only thrive when the will of the people prevails over the influence of money.

Many people in Ebonyi Central believe the district has not received the level of representation it deserves. If elected, what would you do differently?

My campaign is not built on attacking individuals. Elections should be contests of ideas and vision, not insults or personal attacks. If elected, my priority will be to restore accessible, accountable and inclusive representation. I intend to establish a fully functional Constituency Office that will remain open throughout my tenure, giving constituents direct access to their Senator. Every year, I will publicly present a stewardship report detailing constituency projects, legislative activities, oversight engagements and the utilisation of public resources. The people deserve to know how their mandate is being used. Beyond that, I will champion legislation that promotes education, youth employment, industrialisation, agriculture, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and entrepreneurship. Representation must be measurable. A Senator should be visible, accessible and accountable to the people at all times.

Political conversations, especially on social media, suggest your candidacy is generating significant momentum ahead of the election. What do you think accounts for your growing popularity?

I cannot speak for my opponents or speculate about how they feel. My focus has always been on earning the confidence of the people rather than seeking political validation through propaganda. I believe the growing support I continue to receive is rooted in my public record. I had the privilege of serving Ebonyi State as Secretary to the State Government, and during that period I stood firmly for policies that I believed would advance our people, expand opportunities and lift many out of poverty. When it became obvious that I could no longer align with the policy direction of the administration, I made what was perhaps one of the most difficult decisions of my public life. I resigned my appointment, returned every government asset in my possession, including my officially assigned and fully paid official vehicle, and walked away with my integrity intact. Such decisions are uncommon in our political environment, but I firmly believe public office is a trust, not a personal entitlement. I was subjected to several audits, and no adverse findings were made against me. In what is still rare in our political environment, I also personally invited the anti-graft agencies to investigate my activities while in office because I had nothing to hide. I remain grateful to my former principal for the opportunity to serve Ebonyi State. I harbour no grudges against him or anyone else. Leadership should never be driven by bitterness. We must continue to respect one another, even when we disagree on matters of policy or governance. Beyond public service, my journey through academia, business and leadership has remained consistent. People know what I stand for. They know that I value integrity, competence, accountability and service above personal interest. I believe that is why the support continues to grow. Our people are yearning for principled leadership and genuine representation.

Recently, you said Ebonyi Central needs inclusive governance. What exactly do you mean by that?

Inclusive governance simply means that government must belong to everyone. No community should feel excluded because of politics, and no young person should be denied opportunities simply because they lack political connections. Women must have meaningful participation in governance, while persons living with disabilities deserve equal consideration and opportunities. Traditional institutions, professionals, religious leaders and community-based organisations should all have meaningful roles in shaping our development. Leadership must unite rather than divide. Our diversity should be our greatest strength, not a basis for political discrimination or exclusion.

An APC member recently alleged that you circulated a private conversation you had with a politician in 2020 “to prove a cheap point.” What exactly happened?

I have always conducted myself with integrity in both my public and private engagements. The conversations in question only became relevant because false narratives were deliberately being promoted to misrepresent facts and mislead the public. Where matters of public interest are concerned, truth should never become the casualty of politics. I have no interest in personal attacks or political distractions. My focus remains firmly on the future of Ebonyi Central and the enormous opportunities that lie ahead for our people.

There have been reports of alleged harassment, intimidation and threats against opposition politicians and their supporters in Ebonyi State. What is your assessment of the situation? Have you and your supporters also experienced such challenges?

Democracy can only flourish where citizens are free to participate in the political process without fear, intimidation or violence. There have been reports that some members and supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress have been attacked by individuals believed to be supporters and officials of the APC. Such actions have no place in a democratic society and should be condemned by all well-meaning citizens, regardless of political affiliation. I wish to state clearly that while we remain committed to conducting our campaigns peacefully, we will not accept or tolerate attacks, intimidation or harassment of our members and supporters. Politics is not warfare. Political parties are competitors, not enemies. I therefore call on all political actors, security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure that every political party enjoys equal protection under the law. The 2027 elections must be contested on the strength of ideas, programmes and character—not through fear or violence. Our supporters have been instructed to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused. We shall continue to conduct ourselves with dignity because Ebonyi deserves politics anchored on civility, mutual respect and democratic values.

As a Professor of Geophysics and an academic, would you support the idea of a part-time legislature?

This is a conversation Nigeria must continue to have with sincerity and objectivity. As a nation, we must constantly evaluate how to improve governance while reducing the cost of government. Whether that ultimately leads to a part-time legislature should emerge through broad constitutional dialogue and national consensus. Whatever system we adopt must strengthen legislative oversight, preserve the independence of the National Assembly and guarantee effective representation. If the national conversation progresses in that direction, it should be guided by evidence, constitutional principles and the overall national interest. Our objective must always be better governance and greater value for the Nigerian people, many of whom believe they are not receiving sufficient value from public institutions.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has faced criticism over allegations of underperformance, project inconsistencies and contract mispricing as he approaches the end of his first term. How would you assess his administration so far?

The Governor still has some time remaining in his first term, and ultimately the people of Ebonyi State will be the final judges of his administration. Like every government, there are areas where progress has been made and deserves acknowledgement, including the scholarship programme for tertiary education graduates. There are also areas where many citizens believe greater improvement is needed. Rather than assigning scores, I believe constructive engagement is more beneficial to our state. Government should always remain open to constructive criticism because accountability strengthens democracy and ultimately improves governance. As a Senator, my responsibility will be to collaborate where necessary, provide effective legislative oversight, and always place the interests of the people of Ebonyi above partisan considerations.

You were one of the leading contenders in the 2023 Ebonyi governorship election. Looking back, how would you describe that experience?

The 2023 governorship election remains one of the defining moments of my political journey. I contested on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, a party that, before that election, had virtually no political structure or electoral presence in Ebonyi State. Together with thousands of committed supporters, we built a formidable political movement that inspired hope across the state. Our performance, particularly in Ebonyi Central, was historic. That movement produced a serving member of the House of Representatives and a serving member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly on the platform of APGA. Those achievements remain undeniable evidence of the confidence our people reposed in our vision. The campaign period was also one of the most difficult chapters of my life. There were several reported attempts on my life, and tragically, some of my aides and supporters paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifice remains deeply painful, and I continue to honour their memory. Despite those enormous challenges, we remained peaceful, courageous and committed to the democratic process. We left behind a political legacy that cannot be erased. Today, I remain one of the strongest political leaders in Ebonyi Central because the people know me, they know my journey and, above all, they know what I represent. Their support has never been built on intimidation or inducement. It has been earned through consistency, integrity, accessibility and an unwavering commitment to the public good. Every experience—whether joyful or painful—has strengthened my resolve to serve our people with greater wisdom, humility and determination.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, what message do you have for the people of Ebonyi, particularly those in Ebonyi Central?

My message is simple: let us choose hope over fear, competence over propaganda, integrity over inducement, and unity over division. The future of Ebonyi belongs to all of us. Every election presents an opportunity to shape the destiny of generations yet unborn. I humbly ask the good people of Ebonyi Central to support a vision anchored on accessible leadership, inclusive governance, accountable representation and sustainable economic development. Together, we can build a more prosperous, more united and more secure Ebonyi Central, where every citizen has a fair opportunity to succeed. History will remember this generation not for the promises we made, but for the future we built together.