By Michael Samuel Idoko
As the political drumbeat of 2027 grows louder, it is critical that we pause to reflect on the kind of leadership we truly desire in the Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency. This election must not be mistaken for a competition of who gives out the most rice during festive seasons or who donates the most branded t-shirts during campaigns.
This is not the time for emergency philanthropy masquerading as political vision.
Charity Is Not Governance
Our constituency is fast falling into the trap of transactional politics. A few palliatives, some publicized acts of generosity, and suddenly, the narrative shifts—“he is a man of the people.” But let us be clear: a bag of rice is not a policy on food security. Donating motorcycles is not equivalent to building sustainable livelihoods. Paying the school fees of a few students is not a substitute for revamping our public education system.
This mindset reduces leadership to mere handouts and weakens our democracy by replacing accountability with appeasement.
A Constituency with Untapped Potential
Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro are not just geographic entities—they are rich, vibrant communities with deep-rooted cultural legacies and economic possibilities.
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Ankpa: A commercial hub with a rich cultural heritage.
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Omala: Known for its fertile lands and agricultural strength.
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Olamaboro: A resilient and hopeful population yearning for progress.
These communities deserve more than tokenism. They need institutional change. They need a representative who understands the difference between emotional populism and effective governance.
2027 Must Be a Turning Point
Let the coming elections be about ideas, integrity, and impact. Let us ask the hard questions:
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What policies do you have for youth employment and enterprise development?
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How do you plan to address rising insecurity in our rural areas?
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What is your agenda for improving healthcare in underserved wards?
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Will you merely distribute fertilizers or create access to markets for our farmers?
We must stop being seduced by short-term acts of kindness and start demanding long-term strategies for progress.
The Charity Fades After Power Is Secured
History has shown us that many of these so-called philanthropists go silent after they are sworn in. Their emergency generosity fades, and what remains is a void of leadership. The branded rice becomes a memory, and the problems persist. Meanwhile, the cycle of political disappointment continues.
It is time to break that cycle.
We Need Legislators, Not Just Givers
Our next representative must view the position not as compensation for their generosity, but as a responsibility to legislate, advocate, and deliver results. We need someone who will:
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Stand on the floor of the National Assembly and push for real development.
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Demand equitable resource allocation and implement impactful constituency projects.
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Represent us beyond the optics of social media photo-ops.
We Deserve More Than Boreholes and Branding
Development should not end with boreholes and handouts. Our people need roads, schools, hospitals, ICT centers, and systems that work. We deserve federal presence that is tangible and transformative—not fleeting charity.
This Is a Referendum on Our Future
We are not against philanthropy. Giving is noble, but giving alone is not governance. Let the givers give, but let the leaders lead. The time has come for us to draw a clear line between seasonal benefactors and true public servants.
As we approach 2027, we must make a decision:
Do we continue with the politics of populism and handouts?
Or do we embrace the politics of vision, policy, and performance?
Let us choose wisely. Let us choose leadership that works for everyone, not just the loudest or the most generous during election season.
That is the leadership Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro truly deserve.
