By Emmanuel Enebeli
WARRI/Nigeria: Concerns over oppressive politics, socio-economic alienation and the lingering underdevelopment of Ndokwa Nation dominated discussions on Sunday as the Association of Ndokwa Professionals in Academia (ANPA) hosted its latest virtual lecture series, with several attendees — and not the organisers — openly challenging entrenched political practices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lecture, titled “Oppressive Politics, Socio-Economic Alienation and the Underdevelopment of Ndokwa Nation: Factors, Effects and the Way Forward,” was delivered by Dr. Festus Omosor and attracted scholars, professionals and political actors from Nigeria and the diaspora.
Among those present was the Representative of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, whose participation added political weight to a forum that gradually evolved into a frank conversation on leadership failure, godfatherism and the future of political representation in the Ndokwa axis.
While ANPA maintained its role strictly as an academic and professional platform, the most critical interventions came from participants during the interactive session. Several contributors lamented what they described as a long tradition of imposed leadership and weak internal democracy, warning that Ndokwa people must no longer accept “misrepresentation” in future elections.
Participants argued that political consciousness had to be deliberately cultivated through enlightenment, mobilisation and sustained public engagement, insisting that election cycles should become moments for redefining leadership rather than routine exercises controlled by a few power brokers.
They called for structured screening, mentoring and training of aspiring politicians, stressing that nominations must be based on competence and preparation, not sentiment, loyalty or external influence. “If we fail to prepare our leaders deliberately, we will continue to recycle failure,” one contributor said.
Others urged professionals and credible individuals to invest actively in politics and rise through party structures to become effective lawmakers and policymakers. They observed that politics, like every competitive venture, requires planning, funding and grassroots organisation, warning that neglecting these realities would only entrench mediocrity.
On the question of loyalty and political alignment, speakers acknowledged that such alliances had in the past produced tangible benefits for Ndokwa, including senior government appointments and representation. However, they cautioned that blind loyalty without performance had also contributed to stagnation and alienation.
The forum also highlighted the importance of mentorship in Nigerian politics, noting that no leader grows in isolation and that alliances remain central to political advancement. At the same time, participants insisted that mentorship must be balanced with accountability and service to the people.
Throughout the session, ANPA leaders clarified that the association’s mission was to provide a neutral intellectual space for dialogue, research and policy engagement, not to endorse political positions. Host, Prof. Julie Umukoro, described the lecture series as part of ANPA’s effort to move from “talk shop” to “workshop” and eventually to action-driven advocacy that could influence governance and development.
Anchored by Prof. Harrison Atagana, Dr. Ruth Epochi-Olise and Mr. Rosel Etuwe, with Chief Sam Enudi of New York as communicator, the programme was widely praised for opening a rare platform where academics, professionals and politicians could exchange ideas freely.
In his remarks, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi commended the depth of the discussion and pledged to remain open to constructive engagement from professionals and constituents, noting that effective representation thrives on dialogue and informed criticism.
Observers say the tone and content of the participants’ interventions signal a growing desire within Ndokwa Nation to challenge long-standing political dominance and reposition the constituency ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
As the lecture ended, many agreed that the conversation marked only the beginning of a broader political reawakening, driven not by ANPA as an institution, but by concerned Ndokwa sons and daughters determined to redefine representation and development in their homeland.
