Bye-election: “I’ll deliver” – Inside Nestor Ezeme’s drive to give Enugu North quality representation

By Chinonso Val Dugwu

NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE — As momentum builds ahead of the June 20, 2026 senatorial bye-election in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, political heavyweight and longtime public administrator, Dr. Nestor Ezeme, is steadily emerging as one of the most formidable contenders in the race.

Banking on years of public service, institutional reform, and a sweeping vision for economic revival, Ezeme is presenting himself not just as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but as a unifying force for the people of Nsukka.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with a media delegation at his residence in Orba, Udenu Local Government Area, on May 25, 2026, the former Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management Board described his political movement as a “Rainbow coalition” designed to cut across party, ethnic, and local interests in pursuit of inclusive development for the zone.

A legacy rooted in reform

A legal practitioner, political scientist, and holder of a PhD in Peace and Conflict Development Studies, Ezeme enters the contest with a résumé steeped in governance and policy administration.

His stewardship of the Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management Board remains one of the strongest pillars of his campaign narrative. During his tenure, he was credited with restoring stability to the state’s secondary education system and driving the digitalization of more than 300 public schools through e-library initiatives.

“We were able to bridge the digital divide,” Ezeme noted, stressing that the reforms created opportunities for students in public schools to compete favourably with their counterparts in elite private institutions.

Supporters say the reforms reflected not only administrative discipline but also a deeper commitment to expanding access and equity in education.

Reimagining Nsukka’s economic future

Beyond education, Ezeme is also positioning economic revitalization at the center of his campaign.

He expressed concern over the current state of the Adarice agricultural project in Uzo-Uwani, describing the once-promising initiative as a symbol of abandoned potential. According to him, the project can become a major driver of employment and industrial growth if properly revived through strategic federal engagement and private sector collaboration.

“I want to change the entire narrative,” Ezeme declared.

He explained that his development blueprint would deploy constituency projects not as political rewards, but as strategic tools for balanced growth across the six local government areas in the senatorial district.

Central to that vision are tech-driven scholarship schemes and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preparing young people in Nsukka for opportunities in a rapidly evolving economy. Ezeme maintained that the region’s greatest asset remains its human capital.

Politics, zoning, and party dynamics

Running on the platform of the PDP, Ezeme brushed aside concerns over internal party tensions, insisting that the party remains broad enough to accommodate varying interests and tendencies.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammad and Samuel Anyanwu, describing the PDP as a “big umbrella” capable of sustaining unity despite differing opinions.

On the sensitive issue of zoning, the senatorial hopeful maintained that there is no binding arrangement for micro-zoning the seat. He argued that Udenu Local Government Area, his home base, is still deserving of representation at the Senate.

Even so, he emphasized the need for political harmony and inclusiveness, pledging to work closely with the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Uche Nnaji, toward achieving balanced representation and shared progress for the region.

Confidence ahead of the polls

With campaigns gradually intensifying across Nsukka and surrounding communities, Ezeme expressed confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a transparent and credible election.

At the same time, he insisted that his supporters remain vigilant and organized at every polling unit.

“The people know the stuff I am made of,” he concluded. “My impact will be felt, and I will deliver the dividends of democracy”.

As the countdown to the Enugu North senatorial bye-election continues, Ezeme’s campaign is increasingly drawing attention for its blend of technocratic credentials, grassroots appeal, and ambitious promises of economic renewal — setting the stage for what could become one of the region’s most closely watched political contests.