By Our Correspondent
A former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pst. Dr. Mercy Daniel Sokari Kumanwe, has explained her decision to leave the party and join the National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the move was motivated by her desire to provide people-centred representation for the Ogbia Federal Constituency.
Kumanwe made the declaration while announcing her intention to contest for the Ogbia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the NDC.
Addressing the people of Ogbia Federal Constituency, Kumanwe said her decision to leave the APC was not taken out of anger, haste or personal interest, but followed extensive reflection, consultations and prayer.
According to her, her experience of more than 35 years in public service had reinforced her belief that politics should be about service to the people rather than loyalty to party labels.
“I left APC because I have learned that politics is about people, not party labels,” she said, stressing that leadership was a responsibility and not a privilege.
Kumanwe said she was seeking to promote what she described as “Ogbia-first politics”, where the interests of constituents would remain at the centre of representation and decision-making.
Explaining her decision to join the NDC, she said the party provided a platform through which she could pursue people-focused service anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and development.
“This is not just a party change , it is a renewed commitment to the people,” she said.
The aspirant lamented what she described as the gap between Ogbia’s enormous resources and the level of development available to its people.
She identified improved roads, youth employment, women empowerment, support for farmers and fishermen, and community development as some of the areas requiring greater attention.
Kumanwe also unveiled what she called her “4 Cs”—Compassion, Character, Capacity and Competence—as the guiding principles of her proposed representation.
She explained that compassion would enable her to understand the challenges facing constituents, while character would ensure integrity and honesty in public service.
According to her, capacity would be required to mobilise resources and build partnerships for development, while competence would draw on her experience and skills to effectively represent the constituency.
Kumanwe said her campaign would not be based on attacking political opponents or dividing the people, but on offering what she described as better representation.
“I am not here to attack anyone or divide us. I am here to offer better representation. We remain one people beyond politics,” she said.
She particularly appealed to youths in the constituency, promising to promote opportunities in skills development, education, technology and entrepreneurship.
She also pledged to support women’s businesses, education and participation in governance, while assuring elders and traditional leaders of continued respect and consultation.
With more than 35 years of public service experience, Kumanwe said she was offering herself to the people as a servant committed to accountability, courage and dedication.
“I declare my intention to contest for the Federal House of Representatives under the NDC,” she said.
She urged the people of Ogbia to join her in building a constituency characterised by opportunity, inclusion and development.
“My move from APC to NDC is not rejection of our people, but a deeper commitment to serve them better,” Kumanwe declared, calling on the electorate to “put Ogbia first.”
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