Emama Oyiudu Ikwue: Carrying JC Obande’s torch into the political arena ahead of 2027 elections

For years, she built her name in business and entertainment. Today, Emama Oyiudu Ikwue is preparing for what may be the biggest challenge of her life: politics.

 

The granddaughter of the late Chief Jacob Ocheogbu Obande [JC Obande], one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leaders and a First Republic minister, is stepping into the political arena with a bold ambition: to represent the people of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

 

It is an ambition that immediately places her on a collision course with the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark and one of the most recognisable political leaders in Benue South.

Yet, for Emama, the decision to contest is not about confronting political heavyweights. It is about continuing a legacy she believes was handed down by history.

 

In an interview with Idoma Television, she spoke passionately about the influence of her grandfather and the role he continues to play in shaping her political aspirations.

 

“I am so proud to have a grandfather like Chief J.C. Obande, who did so much for the Idoma people,” she said.

“If I have a grandfather who brought so much light to Idoma land, why can’t I continue his legacy?”

 

The reference to Obande was not accidental. Throughout the interview, Emama repeatedly returned to his memory, portraying herself as a woman determined to preserve the values and spirit of public service that defined his political career.

For her, politics is not a sudden adventure but a continuation of a family story.

 

Known in entertainment circles and business circles alike, Emama admits that politics was not always part of her plans.

According to her, encouragement from friends and associates, particularly those who believed in her ability to connect with people, gradually pushed her toward public service.

What eventually convinced her, however, was the condition of the people she hopes to represent.

 

She spoke emotionally about the poverty, hardship and developmental challenges facing many communities in Benue State, insisting that she could no longer remain an observer.

“I go to Benue and I see the pain of my people,” she said. “I want to go through this struggle for my people, not for my selfish interests.”

That conviction has become the foundation of her campaign message.

 

Unlike many politicians who campaign on broad promises, Emama has adopted a simple slogan: “From Promise to Reality.”

She believes elected representatives should be accessible and accountable to the people who voted them into office.

Throughout the interview, she repeatedly emphasized the need for leadership that listens.

“I will give people listening ears,” she said, promising to establish channels through which constituents can directly communicate their concerns and expectations.

 

She argues that many communities feel disconnected from those elected to represent them and wants to bridge that gap.

Drawing from her experience in charity work and community outreach, she said one of her priorities would be empowering women through skills acquisition programmes and helping children gain access to education.

“The best investment is investing in human beings,” she said.

 

She believes that empowering women economically would strengthen families and create opportunities for the next generation.

Like many residents of Benue State, Emama identifies insecurity as one of the biggest challenges confronting the people.

She advocates stronger investment in security infrastructure, improved protection for schools and greater support for security agencies.

She also believes development cannot thrive where fear persists.

 

According to her, attracting investment and federal projects will require creating a safe environment where people can live, work and do business without fear.

There is no escaping the fact that Emama enters politics carrying one of the most recognizable family names in Idoma history.

Rather than shy away from that reality, she embraces it.

She speaks proudly of her grandfather’s contributions to Nigeria and often recalls stories told by people who knew him during his years of public service.

 

Many of those encounters, she says, have strengthened her determination to preserve his legacy.

“What I am enjoying today is because of my grandfather,” she said. “His legacy still lives on.”

The road to the National Assembly will not be easy.

The constituency is currently represented by Hon. Blessing Onuh, a formidable political figure in her own right and the daughter of former Senate President David Mark.

 

But Emama appears undaunted by the challenge.

Describing her political journey as a “David and Goliath” story, she insists that elections are ultimately decided by the people and by grace rather than political structures or financial resources.

 

Whether that belief will translate into electoral success remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that Chief Jacob Obande’s granddaughter has entered the arena, determined to write a new chapter in a family story that began long before she was born.