As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general election, political conversations across the country are increasingly shifting from party loyalty to the quality of candidates and the value they can bring to public office.
For voters, the central question is becoming whether those seeking elective positions can provide effective representation, respond to constituency needs and translate their promises into tangible results.
In Lagos State, one of those seeking to make a case for a new approach to representation is Hon. ThankGod Kenechukwu Christopher Ibeh, popularly known as TKC or “Obataobie na Amuwo Odofin.”
Ibeh is the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency in the 2027 election.
A serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and community developer, Ibeh has lived and conducted business in and around Amuwo Odofin for more than 27 years.
His campaign is built around a simple proposition: that the constituency requires more responsive representation and that his experience in business and community development has prepared him for the task.
In an interview with the Publisher of Global Face Magazine, Dr. Chinyere Davis, Ibeh spoke about his background, education, business career, political experience, philanthropy and reasons for seeking election to the House of Representatives.
“I am ThankGod Kenechukwu Christopher Ibeh. I am from Anambra State and I reside here in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State,” he said.
Ibeh said his business interests include clearing and forwarding, real estate and automobile sales. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Christo Maritime Group and TKC Luxury Homes.
According to him, his journey from a modest family background to entrepreneurship and higher education shaped his understanding of hard work, responsibility and perseverance.
“I come from a very humble background. I am the only male among five siblings. Because of my background, I had to see my siblings through school before I could turn my attention fully to my own education,” he said.
Ibeh eventually obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Lagos State University, where he studied on a part time basis while working.
He described combining education with work as challenging but said his determination helped him complete his studies.
With his business and educational pursuits established, Ibeh said his interest in public service became stronger.
“Now that I have achieved what I set out to achieve in business and education, as a political scientist, I have decided to delve deeper into politics,” he said.
His political journey, however, did not begin with the 2027 election. Ibeh said he contested the APGA governorship primary in 2021 and emerged as runner up to the eventual candidate, Prof. Charles Soludo.
He also contested the House of Representatives election in Orumba Federal Constituency of Anambra State in 2023, saying the experience further strengthened his desire to serve.
“This time, it is my immediate community, Amuwo Odofin, that has given me the drive to contest again,” he said.
Ibeh believes his exposure to different communities has influenced his approach to leadership. He spent part of his formative years in Cross River State, an experience he said exposed him to people from different ethnic, religious and socio economic backgrounds.
He said the experience has helped him develop relationships across ethnic and religious boundaries, a quality he considers important in Amuwo Odofin, one of Lagos’ diverse and cosmopolitan constituencies.
Explaining his decision to seek the seat, Ibeh said the people of Amuwo Odofin deserved representation that was more responsive to their needs.
“Over the years, the good people of Amuwo Odofin have not always received the responsive representation they deserve. That is one reason I decided to step forward,” he said.
Beyond politics and business, Ibeh pointed to his longstanding philanthropic activities as evidence of his connection with the constituency.
In 2014, he established the Uzokamma Foundation, through which he said he has supported students with school fees and provided assistance to elderly members of the community.
“We pay school fees for students and take care of the elderly. We have been doing that since then, and we are still doing it till date,” he said.
Ibeh said his humanitarian activities are not restricted by ethnicity or religion, stressing that his philosophy is centred on inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
He recalled sponsoring a Ramadan lecture and fast breaking programme for Muslims in Amuwo Odofin in 2025, bringing together Islamic leaders and teachers to promote understanding and peaceful relations.
He also cited youth development initiatives, including a pageant organised to encourage young people, with the winner receiving a Toyota Corolla car.
For Ibeh, community development extends beyond physical infrastructure. He believes effective representation should also encompass education, youth empowerment, support for vulnerable residents and stronger relationships among communities.
As the 2027 election draws closer, the APGA candidate is presenting his record of residence, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and previous political participation as part of his case for the Amuwo Odofin mandate.
His message to residents is direct: the constituency needs representation that listens, responds and works for its people.
Asked about his chances at the election, Ibeh expressed confidence in his campaign and electoral prospects.
“I am confident. The campaigns have started, and with God, nothing is impossible,” he said.
He added: “I know we will be victorious.”