Chieme Kennedy Okechukwu, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency, Imo State, speaks on the 2027 general elections and the chances of the party in the election. Excerpts:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Well, I am from Awo Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State. I attended school in Nigeria and abroad. Currently, I am a US-based senior scientist and technical leader with a clinical-stage biotechnology company known as Iovance Biotherapeutics, which develops and commercializes tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte immunotherapies for cancer. I have over 15 years of combined industry and academic experience in gene and cell therapy programs, and now I want to represent the good people of Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
What are your expectations from the 2027 general elections?
My expectation is for the will of the people to prevail. Let the candidates chosen by the voters emerge. I want the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial and help us have an election that is credible and projects a good image for the country. It is not that the electorate in this country are incapable of making sound electoral judgments. The problem has always been a lack of trust in state institutions, but I am confident that there will be a difference this time.
This is a constitutionally permissible process to elect visionary leaders to transform the country, whether at the state or national level. I am particularly impressed that a lot of professionals, including those in the diaspora, are candidates at various levels. It shows sustained interest in the development of our country. Aspirants and now candidates have made diverse sacrifices and staked everything to ensure Nigeria succeeds. What is left is institutional effectiveness, impartiality, high integrity from election conductors, and political actors playing by the rules.
Fixing the country is not rocket science. I am a scientist myself, so I am not scared of science. I have been part of teams producing biotechnological solutions of global relevance. Several candidates, including myself, have lived in civilized, flourishing economies for decades, served on the boards of foreign-based companies, contributed to the development of powerful democracies, and, above all, mastered the processes that made these industrialized countries what they are today. This expertise is what we are bringing home to contribute our quota through the positions we are contesting.
What are the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election?
Very bright, I must tell you. The PDP is fortunate to have credible candidates, and it is well-prepared for this contest. The voters have taken note of this, and I am confident they are prepared to show they are awake, wise, and committed to Nigeria moving forward by voting PDP.
In Imo State, the PDP is a united family with a dedicated executive and several experienced political figures and seasoned administrators, such as Senator Samuel Anyanwu and many others. It has competent and popular politicians like Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, and Prince Eze Madumere as senatorial candidates.
In my Federal Constituency—Orlu/Orsu/Oru East—the people know the party’s candidate, his credentials, capacity, personality, empathy, and integrity. They know it is time for effective, result-oriented representation, and I will not let them down. The constituency boasts a vibrant political culture, and I am confident they are voting PDP this time.
In the South East zone, where Peter Obi and the Labour Party have significant support, what is your strategy for convincing voters who may be inclined to support other candidates, and what specifically distinguishes your candidacy?
There is no doubt that Peter Obi is an exceptional politician with massive support in the South East, but voters understand the distinct dynamics of each race. I am not contesting against Obi; in this election, people will primarily consider individual candidates. That is why the PDP is fortunate to have credible personalities who will attract votes on their own merit.
Even if people decide to vote for Obi for President, they will evaluate candidates individually for other legislative positions and vote wisely. They will not blindly support unfamiliar candidates for legislative seats solely based on party affiliation.
My campaign is taking a grassroots approach—reaching every ward and polling unit, engaging directly with constituents, and presenting our manifesto. The electorate knows who has made empty promises and where representation has failed. They recognize trustworthy voices that bring genuine transformation and empowerment.
The PDP has faced internal divisions in the South East in recent years. What issues are you presenting to voters to rebuild support in your constituency?
While the PDP has faced national challenges—as have other political platforms—Imo PDP remains a strong and progressive family. This party governed the state from 1999 and produced leaders of significant stature. The PDP is resilient; like a phoenix, it has demonstrated an ability to adapt and survive against all odds.
A political party is defined by its people. The quality of PDP members in Imo and across Orlu/Orsu/Oru East, combined with our practical manifesto, remains our greatest strength. This has brought renewal and positioned the party for success in the upcoming general elections.
What motivated you to contest for the Federal House of Representatives for Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East?
Throughout my life, I have been involved in the work of saving lives. A passion for human well-being has brought me face-to-face with severe conditions that people endure, driving me to develop solutions. As a scientist, analyzing these conditions highlighted that while individual efforts accomplish a great deal, systematic impact requires government structure and institutional policy.
Addressing core community issues requires policy decisions, appropriate legislation, and direct state intervention. The National Assembly plays a pivotal role in this framework. When people driven by empathy and technical capacity stay outside public service, progress is limited. That responsibility motivated me to step forward and serve.
How do you assess the current representation?
The electorate in our towns, villages, wards, and polling units are best positioned to assess whether they are satisfied with current representation. They can evaluate whether federal representation has delivered tangible transformation and empowerment in their daily lives.
There is a common saying: if it is not broken, there is no need to fix it. Our people deserve the highest quality of representation. This election serves as an assessment—a process of reward or replacement based on facts on the ground and the will of the people. I offer myself to make a distinct difference and bridge the gap between the government and our communities.
What do you intend to do differently?
We have spent years studying local needs, identifying core challenges, and developing concrete solutions. Our manifesto outlines realistic and trackable commitments across key sectors: security, women’s empowerment, grassroots development, education, youth employment, wealth creation, and healthcare delivery.
Key initiatives in our platform include: Facilitating job creation opportunities and recommending qualified constituents for appointments at federal and state levels.
Executing a “One Community, One Project” initiative across the constituency.
Providing free JAMB registration for high-performing students and full university scholarships for top students per LGA achieving outstanding academic results.
Offering cash incentives up to N500,000 for exceptional teachers.
Distributing annual back-to-school relief packages to underprivileged communities.Refurbishing three schools per LGA annually, integrating digital learning, and establishing a central reference library to support research and innovation.
By deploying statutory constituency allocations transparently, the people of Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East will experience a clear difference in governance.
What gives you confidence that you will win the election?
My confidence rests in the wisdom of our constituents. People understand it is time for competent, accountable representation. They know my background, values, and track record.
Voters in our constituency are politically aware and determined not only to cast their ballots but to protect their votes. They recognize that progress cannot wait, and they are ready to shape their own future through candidates who offer proven integrity rather than empty promises.
What if you are approached to step down?
I will not step down. We are fully committed to this process. Stepping down would be a betrayal of the trust placed in us by our supporters and damaging to the cause of effective representation. Having built a global professional reputation, I maintain absolute commitment to seeing this journey through.
You appear to have a strong connection with the electorate. What drives this support?
I attribute everything to service and accountability. My goal is to serve the public interest, not personal gain. Our constituents recognize the selfless work we have done over the years, and they trust that with a public mandate, we will expand those efforts further. We intend to honuor and uphold that trust.
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