By Douglas Princemola
As preparations begin to gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Hon. Pastor Kelechi Benwosely has formally declared her intention to contest for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. Pastor Benwosely, who hails from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, made her political ambition known during a meeting with stakeholders and community leaders from the constituency held in Owerri.
During the meeting, she informed the gathering that she would be seeking the seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. According to her, the decision to contest the election is driven by her passion for service and her desire to contribute to the development and progress of the constituency.
Pastor Benwosely stated that politics in Nigeria has often been viewed negatively by many citizens due to the actions of some leaders. She explained that her entry into the political space is aimed at changing that perception by bringing integrity, compassion, and ethical leadership into governance. She noted that her background as a pastor has instilled in her the values of honesty, accountability, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
She also expressed admiration for the leadership approach of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, noting that his generosity and commitment to the welfare of the people have inspired her political aspirations. According to her, she intends to adopt a similar people-centered approach in serving the people of Okigwe North.
Highlighting some of her contributions to community development, Pastor Benwosely revealed that she has been involved in several humanitarian initiatives. She disclosed that through her empowerment programmes, more than 2,000 women have benefited from different forms of support aimed at improving their economic wellbeing and strengthening their capacity for self-reliance.
She further explained that she funded the construction of a church in Port Harcourt and facilitated the installation of solar-powered street lights in parts of Isiala Mbano to improve security and living conditions for residents. According to her, plans are underway to extend the solar street lighting project to other parts of the constituency, including Onuimo Local Government Area and Okigwe Local Government Area.
In addition, Pastor Benwosely disclosed that she is currently overseeing a five-kilometre road project facilitated through the intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission. She noted that the project is part of her effort to support infrastructural development and improve access within communities.
Speaking on her plans for the constituency, she said her goal is to attract development, empower young people, and promote economic opportunities across Okigwe North. She expressed confidence that with the right leadership and collaboration, the constituency can experience progress in the coming years.
Pastor Benwosely also addressed the issue of political representation within the constituency. She pointed out that since the return of democratic governance in 1999, the House of Representatives seat for Okigwe North has rotated between Onuimo Local Government Area and Okigwe Local Government Area, with each local government area holding the position for eight years.
Based on this pattern, she argued that it is now the turn of Isiala Mbano to produce the next representative for the constituency. She therefore appealed to leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Okigwe North to support her aspiration in the spirit of fairness and inclusive representation.
She concluded by assuring the people that her mission is rooted in service and development. According to her, she remains committed to working towards building schools, creating employment opportunities, empowering families, and implementing programmes that will improve the standard of living of people across the constituency.
Her declaration marks the beginning of what is expected to be an active political season in Okigwe North as the 2027 general elections gradually approach.
