The Chief Executive Officer of Path-Way Group of Companies, Mr Victor Ucheka, has called on Nigerians to prioritise competence, capacity, integrity and proven leadership qualities over ethnic and religious considerations when choosing political leaders in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Ucheka made the call when he played host to a group of young business owners in Asaba, Delta State, where he spoke on the need for greater youth participation in the political process and the importance of making informed choices at the polls.
He urged citizens, particularly young Nigerians, to critically examine the records, character, competence and policy direction of political candidates before deciding whom to support, rather than allowing ethnicity, religion or political party affiliation to determine their choices.
According to him, the 2027 elections provide Nigerians with another opportunity to reflect on the kind of leadership they desire and to make decisions based on issues that directly affect their lives, businesses and communities.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, it is important for all of us to look at who is competent to lead rather than choosing leaders based on ethnicity or religion. Leadership should be about capacity, competence, character and the ability to deliver good governance to the people,” Ucheka said.
He stressed that political leadership has a direct impact on the business environment, employment opportunities, security, infrastructure and the general welfare of citizens, adding that young entrepreneurs cannot afford to remain indifferent to political developments.
Ucheka said the youth constitute a significant segment of the Nigerian population and should therefore take a more active role in shaping the country’s political and economic future.
He appealed to young Nigerians to take their destiny into their own hands by participating actively in the electoral process and voting according to their conscience.
“The era where young people simply follow political parties without asking questions should be reconsidered. We must begin to ask candidates what they intend to do for the people and how they plan to achieve it,” he stated.
The Path-Way Group CEO also expressed concern about what he described as the gap between electoral promises and actual delivery after elections. He urged citizens to hold elected officials accountable for the commitments they make during campaigns.
He said voters should pay attention to issues such as economic development, job creation, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and support for small and medium-sized businesses when assessing candidates.
According to him, political participation should not end with voting on election day, stressing that citizens also have a responsibility to monitor government policies and demand accountability from elected representatives.
Ucheka further encouraged young business owners to recognise the connection between politics and the business environment, noting that government policies can significantly affect investment, taxation, access to finance, infrastructure, employment and the growth of enterprises.
He therefore called for greater political awareness among young entrepreneurs and urged them to engage candidates and political parties constructively on policies that would promote economic growth and create opportunities for the younger generation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 20 February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and 6 March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections, Ucheka urged Nigerians to approach the electoral process with a sense of responsibility, saying that the quality of leadership ultimately depends on the choices citizens make at the ballot box.
He also appealed to political actors and their supporters to promote issue-based campaigns and peaceful political engagement, stressing the importance of protecting the unity and democratic development of the country.
He concluded by urging the youth to move beyond political sentiments and become active participants in the process of building a better Nigeria.
“Let us judge our leaders by what they can offer, what they have achieved and what they are prepared to do for the people. Our future is in our hands, and we must take our civic responsibilities seriously,” Ucheka said.
