By Chimezie Ezeji
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, public discourse has become increasingly dominated by emotions, partisan interpretations and attempts to cast political choices in black-and-white terms. Unfortunately, in the process, facts are often sacrificed on the altar of political convenience. The recent criticism of Rt. Hon. Bede Eke over his support for Chief Alex Mbata is a classic example of how political conviction can be deliberately misconstrued to fit a predetermined narrative.
Politics is fundamentally about choices. Every politician reserves the constitutional and moral right to support the candidate he sincerely believes possesses the competence, experience and network to deliver effective representation. That is exactly what Rt. Hon. Bede Eke has done. His support for Chief Alex Mbata should not be interpreted as opposition to Ngor Okpala or hostility towards any other aspirant. Rather, it is the considered position of a statesman whose political journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of governance, legislative effectiveness and the realities of power.
Rt. Hon. Bede Eke is not a political novice. Few politicians from Ngor Okpala possess the breadth of experience he has accumulated over the years. He served two terms in the Imo State House of Assembly before earning election to the House of Representatives, where he also served two terms with distinction.
His years in public office were not defined merely by occupying positions but by service. As a legislator, he facilitated constituency projects that touched critical sectors such as rural electrification, healthcare, education, water supply, youth empowerment, skills acquisition and community development. Numerous youths benefited from empowerment programmes and employment opportunities facilitated through his office, while federal intervention projects reached several communities within his constituency. His record also reflected active legislative participation and sustained engagement with the developmental needs of his constituents.
Today, as Commissioner for Housing, Urban Development and New Cities, Rt. Hon. Bede Eke continues to serve Imo State in the executive arm of government. His responsibilities extend beyond Ngor Okpala to implementing housing policies, promoting urban renewal and driving the development of new cities across the state. It is therefore unfair to ignore decades of public service simply because of differences over political preferences.
It is against this background that his endorsement of Chief Alex Mbata should be understood. His position is not founded on sentiment but on experience. Having spent over sixteen years in elective office and now serving in the executive arm of government, Bede Eke appreciates the importance of political influence, strategic relationships and broad-based acceptability in attracting development to any constituency.
His conviction is simple: Chief Alex Mbata possesses the capacity, exposure, reach and political goodwill required to provide effective representation for Owerri Zone in the Senate. More importantly, Bede Eke believes that an Alex Mbata victory will ultimately serve the interests of Ngor Okpala. His calculation is that effective representation at the National Assembly is not measured by where a senator comes from alone but by the senator’s ability to build relationships, influence national decisions, attract federal projects and create opportunities that benefit every local government within the district.
That conviction is neither strange nor unprecedented. Throughout Nigeria’s democratic history, communities have often benefited from leaders who understood the value of building political bridges beyond ethnic or local sentiments. Development is frequently the product of collaboration, negotiation and influence. Bede Eke’s support for Alex Mbata is therefore informed by his belief that strategic political partnerships yield greater dividends than emotional political calculations.
Some have sought to portray this position as a rejection of Ngor Okpala’s aspirations. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Rt. Hon. Bede Eke has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the development and political advancement of Ngor Okpala throughout his career. His support for Alex Mbata does not diminish his love for his people. Rather, it reflects his belief that the local government stands to gain more by supporting a candidate he considers best positioned to attract opportunities, strengthen Owerri Zone’s voice at the National Assembly and foster stronger collaboration with government at different levels.
Democracy does not compel political leaders to support candidates solely because they share the same local government or community. Every Nigerian has the right to make political choices based on competence, vision and conviction. If supporters of one aspirant are free to campaign for their preferred candidate, supporters of another should enjoy the same democratic freedom without being subjected to personal attacks or unfair characterisation.
Equally important is the need to resist the growing tendency to judge politicians solely through the lens of election-season rhetoric. Leadership should be evaluated by records of service, institutional experience and measurable contributions to society. Rt. Hon. Bede Eke has earned his place in the political history of Ngor Okpala and Imo State through years of legislative service, constituency representation and executive responsibility. Those achievements cannot be erased by political disagreements or attempts to rewrite history.
As the election season progresses, the people of Owerri Zone deserve campaigns built on ideas, competence and issue-based engagement rather than divisive narratives. Political contests should inspire constructive debates about development, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic growth—not efforts to discredit individuals simply because they hold different political opinions.
Rt. Hon. Bede Eke has made his choice, and he has done so openly and without apology. He believes Chief Alex Mbata represents the best option for Owerri Zone Senate, not because of sentiment or political expediency, but because decades of legislative and executive experience have convinced him that Mbata possesses the qualities required to provide effective representation and to advance the collective interests of the district, including Ngor Okpala.
History has repeatedly shown that experience often shapes sound political judgment. Whether one agrees with Rt. Hon. Bede Eke’s position or not, his conviction deserves to be respected as the product of long years in public service and a sincere belief in what he considers to be the best path for Owerri Zone. In the end, democracy is strengthened not by uniformity of opinion but by the freedom of every citizen—and every political leader—to support the vision they believe will best serve the people.
