The Labour Party candidate who won the Enugu North/South federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Mr. Chimaobi Sam Atu, tells Raphael Ede about his victory and what his constituents should expect.
When asked whether he saw his win coming after defeating an incumbent who had served three terms, he replied that he believed in what God can do and in the change people were clamouring for. “We need a change in our politics and our environment, so I saw it coming,” he said, adding that his record of community service—providing scholarships, connecting more people in Ugwuaji to the national grid, and other small acts—gave him an edge over the former representative.
Regarding rumours that he was once a bus driver and vigilante, Mr. Atu clarified that he has never been a bus driver. He attended Special Science School in Ihe, then studied Industrial Chemistry at Enugu State University of Science and Technology. After his National Youth Service Corps posting in Ikere‑Ekiti, where he served in a grammar school, he worked as a zonal manager for United Geophysical Nigeria Limited. He later resigned to start his own real‑estate company about eight years ago.
His motivation to contest the Reps seat stems from the yearning of his people for social amenities, employment, scholarships and infrastructure. “There is no pipe‑borne water, electricity or government presence in our area. The best thing I could do was to join politics to help my people,” he explained, noting the absence of a government hospital and the plight of children hawking pure water or missing school because they cannot afford fees.
As for what constituents should expect during his term, Mr. Atu emphasized that their voices must be heard in the National Assembly and that he intends to fulfil all campaign promises, “by God’s grace.”
When asked about gratitude toward Peter Obi and the Labour Party, he affirmed his thanks, saying the party provided a platform and that they rode to victory on Obi’s credibility. “The Labour Party is just a vehicle carrying each of us; we all contributed to the success,” he noted, likening the party to a football team where each player has a role but looks up to the leader.
Regarding future elections, he expressed confidence that the Labour Party can replicate its success in governorship and House of Assembly contests. He praised the party’s governorship candidate, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga, for his clean record, lack of corruption accusations, and his reputation as “oka‑ome” (one who always fulfills promises). He also commended the House of Assembly candidates, believing they will defeat their opponents.
On speculation that Labour Party winners might defect to the APC or PDP, Mr. Atu rejected the idea. “Since I won on the Labour Party platform, how could I dump the party that produced me? I will work harder to improve any weak areas, not jump from one party to another,” he said, stressing the party’s ideology as the new face of Nigerian politics.
Commenting on the assassination of a Labour Party senatorial candidate 72 hours before the election, he called the act “sad and worrisome,” expressing confidence that security agencies will bring the perpetrators to justice.
Looking ahead to his first four years in the House, he hopes to be remembered for good work and a lasting legacy that shows he truly represented his people.
Finally, addressing accusations of election rigging, he condemned intimidation and urged the presidency and security agencies to protect the Labour Party in Enugu State. He blamed INEC’s failure to follow guidelines for creating loopholes and pledged to sponsor a bill to safeguard electoral protocols, insisting that the Labour Party stands for justice and equity and will work with fellow members to ensure a fair electoral process.
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