By joshua With Hon. Paul Ukwenya, Idah Federal Constituency Deserves Better In 2027
By Sunday Sanni Atabak
2027 may seem distant, but in Nigerian politics it is already here. Across the country, subtle alignments and positioning have begun ahead of the general elections.
In Idah Federal Constituency of Kogi State, comprising Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela-Odolu and Ofu LGAs, the conversation has intensified around who truly deserves to represent the people.
At the center of that conversation is Hon. Paul Ukwenya of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. With a growing support base across the four LGAs, constituents argue that he offers the capacity, credibility and vision needed to reposition the constituency for real development and influence at the national level.
Others opinion, insists, the current representation has not been impactful. For them, the moment calls for a new direction — a leader with no baggage, proven integrity and a clear development agenda. That, they say, is Hon. Ukwenya.
Idah Federal Constituency holds a strategic place in national politics. Yet many believe the area has suffered from a lack of fresh ideas and sustained representation. As the African adage goes, “staying too long on the excreta” yields no progress.
Hon. Ukwenya has emerged as a recurring name in both public and private discourse because of his clean record of service. From his time as Vice Chairman and later Acting Chairman of Idah LGA, to his strides in the private sector, his profile reflects grassroots experience combined with business acumen.
He is not new to governance, nor is he a stranger to the people. Described as young, ebullient and strategically positioned, he is credited with understanding the needs of Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu and Ofu and with the financial capacity and network to reach them.
What sets Hon. Ukwenya apart, supporters say, is his edge in selfless service. Unlike politics driven by sentiment, his appeal is rooted in capacity.
A successful businessman with a Midas touch, he is known for executing projects with precision, consulting widely, and thinking critically before acting. In business and in public life, he has built a reputation for fairness, industry, justice, forthrightness and humility.
“When he speaks, he makes meaning,” a community leader noted. “He understands the welfare of the people, especially in this time of economic hardship.”
That credibility has earned him cross-party acceptance. Labour leaders, youth groups, women groups and political actors across party lines are reportedly looking in his direction following his formal declaration as the PDP candidate for Idah Federal Constituency.
The current occupant of the seat may have recorded some gains, but constituents say Idah deserves more — a representative who is courageous, articulate, outspoken and focused on attracting federal presence to the area.
Hon. Ukwenya fits that description. His vision, they argue, is not about personal ambition but about collective progress: youth empowerment, job creation, education, healthcare, agriculture and grassroots development.
Community leaders, youths and women who recently met to urge him to run believe his entry has eased his path. “He has walked the path of service,” one said. “Now the people are ready to walk with him.”
The test of leadership, they say, is followership. By that standard, Hon. Ukwenya appears to be passing.
His loyalty to the downtrodden, his philanthropy, and his refusal to be associated with primitive accumulation of wealth have made him an icon of hope for many in the constituency.
As 2027 approaches, the call is growing louder: Idah Federal Constituency deserves better positioning, and that can only come when the interest of the people comes first.
With Hon. Paul Ukwenya in the race, many believe the constituency stands to gain a representative who will turn ideas into projects, and projects into results — a servant leader with the capacity to deliver.
For Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela-Odolu and Ofu, the message is clear: the time for quality representation with Hon. Paul Ukwenya is now.