Why the Igala People Must Send Sound Minds, Professionals and Individuals with a Commitment to Public Service to Represent Them in the 11th National Assembly
By Christopher Sunday
Democracy is not merely about the freedom to vote, political competition or the periodic transfer of power. At its foundation, democracy is about representation: the process through which citizens entrust individuals with the responsibility of articulating their interests, making laws, defending their rights and holding government accountable. Consequently, the quality of representation a society receives is inseparable from the quality of the people it sends into its legislative institutions.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, an important question deserves the attention of the Igala people: What qualities should determine the choice of those who will represent their interests in the 11th National Assembly? Should political affiliations and sentiments alone determine that choice, or should greater consideration be given to intellectual capacity, professional experience, integrity, legislative understanding and a demonstrable commitment to public service?
The National Assembly is not an ornamental institution. It is the legislative arm of government, responsible for making laws, scrutinising public expenditure, exercising oversight and providing institutional checks on the executive. The Senate and the House of Representatives perform these responsibilities through different constituencies and constitutional arrangements. Therefore, the people must understand the importance of sending individuals who appreciate the responsibilities and demands of these offices.
Within this political context, the candidacies of QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman, FNIQS, for the Kogi East Senatorial District and Pharm. Peter Yakubu Iduh for the Idah Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat present two distinct but interconnected conversations about representation. Both are candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but they seek different legislative positions and would represent different constituencies.
QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman is a quantity surveyor, construction professional and public figure from Abókó-Ocheje, Igecheba Ward, Idah Local Government Area. His academic and professional background spans quantity surveying, construction management, public procurement, project management and executive leadership. He holds qualifications from institutions including Kaduna Polytechnic, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Nottingham. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of CDP Partnership Limited, which he co-founded in 2008.
His professional experience provides an interesting basis for examining his proposed approach to legislative representation, particularly in infrastructure development, resource management, procurement and public accountability. However, professional qualifications must translate into an understanding of legislative responsibilities and the ability to engage effectively with public policy.
His political platform, **The People’s Mandate**, is organised around four pillars: Responsive Legislation, Inclusive Economic Opportunity, Social Infrastructure and People-Centred Representation. These pillars address important concerns affecting the people, including economic opportunities for young people, women, artisans and small businesses, access to essential infrastructure and accountable representation. Their significance will ultimately depend on how effectively the proposed commitments are translated into legislative priorities, budgetary scrutiny, institutional engagement and measurable outcomes.
Pharm. Peter Yakubu Iduh, on the other hand, brings a different professional identity to the political conversation. A pharmacist, entrepreneur and community figure from Idah, his professional and business experience forms an important part of his public profile. As the ADC candidate for Idah Federal Constituency, comprising Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela-Odolu and Ofu Local Government Areas, his legislative ambition places him before a constituency with diverse interests and development concerns.
The House of Representatives requires more than grassroots popularity or personal connections. It demands an understanding of lawmaking, legislative procedures, committee responsibilities, budget scrutiny and oversight of federal institutions. Whoever represents Idah Federal Constituency must be prepared to articulate the concerns of all four local government areas, promote inclusive development and remain accessible and accountable to constituents.
Although QS Aminu and Pharm. Iduh are seeking different offices, their candidacies provide an opportunity to reflect on how representation at the two chambers of the National Assembly can address the interconnected interests of communities across Kogi East. Issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agricultural development, unemployment and economic opportunities often require coordinated legislative attention. Effective representation therefore demands constructive engagement, institutional cooperation and a clear understanding of constitutional responsibilities.
The expression ‘sound minds’ should mean more than academic certificates, professional titles or political popularity. It should encompass intellectual discipline, sound judgement, integrity, the ability to understand complex national issues and the willingness to place public interest above personal considerations. Professional qualifications are valuable, but they must be accompanied by a commitment to accountability and an appreciation of the limits and responsibilities of legislative office.
This is why the Igala people must approach the 2027 political conversation with seriousness. They must look beyond campaign slogans and examine the qualifications, records, policy commitments and understanding of those seeking their mandate. A promise to improve healthcare, for instance, must be accompanied by an understanding of legislative advocacy, budgetary processes and oversight. Similarly, economic empowerment must be considered within the framework of policies and institutions capable of creating sustainable opportunities.
The candidacies of QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman and Pharm. Peter Yakubu Iduh should therefore be examined on their individual merits, documented contributions and clearly articulated legislative priorities. Their respective ambitions should not be confused, nor should their different constitutional responsibilities be overlooked. What matters is the quality of representation they propose to provide and the accountability they are prepared to demonstrate.
Ultimately, the 11th National Assembly should not be viewed merely as a destination for political recognition. It is an institution of public responsibility. The Igala people deserve representatives who understand that political office is neither personal property nor a reward for political loyalty, but a public trust.
The real question, therefore, is not simply who occupies a seat in the National Assembly, but who understands the responsibility attached to that seat and is prepared to discharge it in the interest of the people. That is the conversation the Igala people must have as they consider the choices before them in 2027.
