Dr. Emmanuel Onwe shares views on the 2026 budget, Governor Nwifuru, democracy, farming, and the 2027 elections
Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, former Senator representing Ebonyi Central in the 6th National Assembly, has shared his perspectives on the 2026 national budget, his continued support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, and the importance of a multi-party system ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Speaking to EDWARD NNACHI, Onwe reflected on his post-2023 political retreat, noting that after losing the senatorial race, he returned to private life and focused on farming.
He revealed he cultivated 300 hectares of cassava, despite a flood that destroyed part of his yield.
“I enjoy farming,” Onwe said.
“I have been producing rice, cassava, and other crops for over a decade. From 2015, we have produced 5,000 metric tons of rice annually. Farming is not just for the rural poor it is a viable, modern enterprise.”
He also highlighted his ongoing studies in agribusiness at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Ibadan.
Onwe said he does not intend to run for office in 2027, citing discouragement with political party structures.
“I am carefully observing developments at the state and national level to determine what role, if any, I will play,” he said.
On the 2026 budget, Onwe described the allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture as inefficient, noting that out of 200 provisions, 55 fell outside the ministry’s core mandate, including fences, mosques, and non-essential buildings.
In contrast, he praised the Ministry of Works for its zonal allocations to infrastructure projects.
He also observed that the South-East region received minimal agricultural funding.
Turning to Ebonyi State politics, Onwe defended Governor Nwifuru’s approach.
He acknowledged perceptions of slow governance but said the administration prioritised awarding contracts to indigenes and investing in education, sending over 200 students abroad.
“The governor is under the sun and rain, seeing success and failure. Empowering Ebonyians is a noble objective, even if it takes time,” Onwe said.
Onwe stressed the necessity of a strong opposition for democracy to thrive, warning against the dangers of a one-party state.
“A democracy that lacks opposition is not a democracy. People should use all legitimate means to seek power so that ideological beliefs can emerge,” he said.
Addressing speculation about his political alignment, Onwe explained his departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
He cited lack of support for his candidacy in 2023, calling himself an independent politician who continues to support the Ebonyi State government while encouraging peaceful debates of ideas.
On the broader national scene, Onwe rejected simplistic party slogans ahead of the 2027 elections, saying Nigerians should judge individual candidates based on their performance and antecedents.
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“Political parties are just platforms. What matters are the individuals and their histories,” he said.
