2027: I will serve the people of Enone, not my pocket – Abah Okoriko opens up on his House of Reps ambition

As Nigeria’s political atmosphere gradually tilts towards the 2027 general elections, Hon. Aba Okoriko, an insurance expert and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his intention to vie for the House of Representatives seat for Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State.In this interview with Idoma Voice, Okoriko, speaks on his Enone dream, his motivation for seeking elective office, and his vision for inclusive, transparent and people-centred representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Before we proceed with a few questions, we would like you to tell our viewers about yourself. Tell those who don’t know you—and even those who do—what they need to know about you.

Thank you, Johnson. My name is Abba Okoriko. I am from Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. I am 50 years old. I was born on September 27, 1975, and by the grace of God, I recently celebrated my 50th birthday. I am an insurance expert, as you rightly said.

I obtained my BSc in Economics from Benue State University in 1997. I also earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Economics at the Federal University of Lafia. I am a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Economics of Nigeria.

I have worked for over 25 years in the insurance industry, with experience spanning marketing and management. My last position was Pioneer Managing Director of First Life Assurance Company Limited, where I led the registration and licensing process in 2021. I resigned in 2023 and currently run my private insurance brokerage firm, Royal Insurance Brokers, with headquarters in Utako, Abuja. The company is doing very well.

I am married and we are blessed with four children. I am pursuing my aspiration to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat for Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in 2027. I seek to represent my people and provide the desired leadership, as there is a clear disconnect between the representatives and the people of Enone.  

My goal is to provide the leadership my people deserve and bridge the gap between representatives and constituents, as there has been a notable disconnect over the years.

 From what you’ve just said, is it safe to say that your decision to run stems from the lack of adequate representation for your people?

Absolutely. Leadership exists for the people. When the people are unhappy or disenchanted, it signals that change is needed. For years, our constituency has not received the representation it deserves at the national level. I am here to bring real change to the Federal House of Representatives seat in Enone. I have a clear roadmap, which I will share over time.

Why did you choose the APC platform?

At the moment, many political parties are in disarray. I am not running just to contest; I am running to win. The APC provides a veritable platform to actualise my ambition for 2027.

Many voters feel disconnected from their representative. What specific gaps exist in the current representation?

Representation is about listening to the people. I want to practice accessible politics, when people call, I will answer. If something cannot be done, I will say so honestly. One of my cardinal goals is transparency and accountability. If elected, I will ensure openness in project tracking and accountability in governance. These values will define my tenure.

What do you think is lacking in the representation of the current lawmaker?

The current lawmaker, Hon Philip Agbese is a gentleman, and my challenge is not personal. However, since his tenure began, I have not seen town hall meetings or constituency briefings, which I consider essential. If elected, I will hold quarterly town hall meetings across the three local governments, ensuring feedback, inclusiveness, and accountability throughout my tenure.

I will ensure equitable distribution of projects across all 11 districts. Representation must not be lopsided. Projects should be based on needs assessment, feasibility studies, and stakeholder engagement. Budgets should translate into visible projects on the ground—not just announcements on social media.

What are the major challenges facing the constituency?

The major issues include lack of inclusiveness, transparency and accountability. Enone must speak with one voice. Every community must feel represented. Projects must be executed as budgeted and delivered according to specifications.

Can you enlighten us on your top three legislative priorities for this constituency if elected?

 As a legislator, my role is to move motions and sponsor bills that meet the needs and aspirations of the people. With my experience in the private sector, I am confident I can deliver meaningful results. From 2027, I plan to move numerous motions and sponsor quality bills aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation. We will also engage both public and private sectors to provide grants and startup capital for technology and agricultural projects. The goal is to equip our youth for self-employment, creating a multiplier effect that benefits the community.

It’s not about personal gain. Many representatives today boast about their earnings, but I believe that my priority is to contribute to humanity and add value to the people and communities I represent. I will ensure that the entire constituency—Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo—benefits equally from every project.

Youth unemployment remains a major issue. What interventions do you propose?

Government alone cannot provide all jobs. We must focus on vocational training, agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship. Providing startup support will have a multiplier effect and create more opportunities for others.

What is your stance on education?

Education is critical for development. While building schools and donating materials is important, the real goal is to ensure meaningful educational support reaches rural schools. If elected, I will provide educational materials, computers, and financial support such as bursaries to deserving students. Current programs are inadequate, often providing minimal support to a few while ignoring broader needs. My approach will be transparent, impactful, and accountable.

How will you engage traditional institutions and grassroots groups?

I have a strong background working with traditional institutions. I served as President General of the Okpoga Development Community Association for four years, during which I collaborated with all traditional rulers in Enone to restore peace during a security crisis. I understand their role as custodians of culture and peace, and they have supported me in the past. I have already engaged them in preparation for 2027, and I am confident they will continue to back me.

Grassroots support is also strong. The people of Enone—across all three local governments—have shown their support through direct engagement, and I will continue to maintain a close relationship with them to ensure inclusiveness and responsiveness.

How do you assess the APC’s strength in the constituency?

The APC is strong in our constituency, but ultimately, elections are about the candidate. While the party provides a platform, my personal engagement with the people and stakeholders across Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo will determine the outcome. Many key leaders in the constituency are APC members, and the party controls critical positions, giving us an excellent foundation to win in 2027.

At the moment, we have two commissioners from our constituency: Hon. Ugwu Odoh, Commissioner for Water Resources and Climate, and Hon. Mrs. Teresa Odach Ikwue, Commissioner for Women Affairs. We also have key advisors like Hon. Linda Agada, who serves as the lead point man for Ogbadibo. Beyond that, many respected elders and leaders hail from our constituency, including former Deputy Governor Ochagwu K’Idoma, Chief Stephen Lawani, former Senate President Senator Ameh Ebute, and others. With the party structure and grassroots network in place, APC has a solid foundation in Enone.

Victory in 2027 will depend not only on party strength but also on the relationship we maintain with the people. I am confident in this organic connection—knowing the people, and them knowing me. By combining this with the APC platform, success is assured.

How prepared are you for the 2027 contest?

Preparation is key. This is a decision taken seriously; it’s not about just contesting—it’s about winning. Our consultation began a year and three months ago, reaching stakeholders across political lines. We’ve built a fiscal structure, acquired branded campaign vehicles, and our campaign headquarters in Okpoga is almost ready for commissioning. We’ve been deliberate about social media engagement, but that will intensify soon. We are prepared to challenge anyone in 2027.

Campaign promises are often made and broken. How will you ensure accountability?

I am not a man of empty promises. I have a clear roadmap, and in early 2026, I will launch my manifesto outlining five cardinal points. If elected, the people of Enone can hold me accountable for each of these items. My prayer is not just to win, but to perform and deliver on these commitments. Everything I do is about tangible results, not rhetoric.

What role will women play in your agenda?

Women will play significant roles in my campaign and governance. My leadership will be gender-sensitive and inclusive. Women will occupy key positions, and opportunities will be fairly distributed.

Security remains a concern. What will you do?

Security requires collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, and vigilantes. Youth engagement, employment, and continuous dialogue are key. Development cannot thrive without security.

Why should the people trust you with their mandate in 2027?

Yes, in 2027, Abah Okoriko is offering himself for the House of Representatives, representing Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo federal constituency.

The truth is that our people have been yearning for real change—in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Speaking directly here this afternoon, I believe I will represent them as an embodiment of a true and honest spirit. That includes selflessness and responsibility. Of course, I will be accountable, transparent, and above all, I will serve the people. Everything I offer is about the people and the development of the three local governments. Leadership that does not impact the lives of the people is not true leadership. What I am offering is a combination of trust, integrity, and effective representation.

2027 is not just about elections; it is about the struggle and the dream of Enone. It is about a leader who can account for every naira entrusted to him. We will choose transparency over corruption. Everything we do in terms of projects will be monitorable and trackable, and at the end of the day, we will be accountable.

It is time for Enone to speak with one voice. Inclusiveness across the three local governments is a key principle we will uphold. Equitable distribution of resources will replace the historical practice of favoring only the representative’s district. Through quarterly town hall meetings, constituents can ask questions directly, and I will be there in person—not through a representative. Constituents can call me day or night, and I will respond.

I am a true village boy from Okpoga. I grew up in the village and understand what it is like to live there. My position will not change me; I will continue to behave like the person I am. I understand their needs and will make sure those needs are met.

Excuses such as “the federal government did not do this” will no longer hold. As an insurance practitioner, I want the people of Enone to know that I will not depend on constituency allowances to fund projects. Those funds are meant for the people, not for personal enrichment. I have already provided for my family, including sending my children abroad, and I will continue to prioritize the welfare of the community. Any money I receive as a member of the House of Representatives will be used for the benefit of the people, and I will ensure it is judiciously applied.

The 2027 journey is a call to service, which is why my campaign slogan is “Honest Dreams.” A new era has come. We are going to change the narrative and operate above the normal level. I am calling on everyone—old and young, male and female—to join hands with me.

While there is an unwritten convention about zoning in Enone, I do not want to overemphasize it because my aspiration is based on experience, skills, and knowledge. I have all the qualifications required to serve in the House of Representatives. I have been in many leadership roles, and I have developed strong skills in stakeholder management and engagement. I have operated in top executive positions and am an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School.

Managing stakeholders, including youth who are active on social media, will be handled responsibly. If I become a member of the House, they will not have grounds to criticize me because I will perform with integrity.

2027 is about a new era for Enone and a dream that must come true. I encourage everyone to join me in this race, support me, and vote for me as their House of Representatives member. As the holiday season approaches, I wish all my constituents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The message is one of hope, and I encourage everyone to share it widely. By the time I unveil my plans, they will see the true spirit of service in me, and they will have no option but to support me.

Before we round up today’s interaction, Johnson, let me answer your two-part question. Did I wake up one day and decide to challenge the status quo, or did my people call me to represent them? The truth is that in politics, it is unusual for people to call you to run. However, charity begins at home, and through my service and contributions, my people recognized my leadership qualities and encouraged me to run.

Did your people call you to contest?

Leadership begins at home. I have been tested in community leadership. My aspiration has existed for years, and my people encouraged me based on my service record, employment generation, and community interventions.

I have supported education, healthcare, and security quietly—without publicity. Service to humanity has always guided me. If elected, I will do more, not for praise, but for the people and for God.