Ven. Mountainfly Onuzulike, Nigeria Diasporan priest
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Venerable Mountainfly Onuzulike, a Nigerian-born Anglican priest based in Europe, has declared his intention to contest the Enugu West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onuzulike, who hails from Ehuhe-Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, is currently an ordained priest of the Diocese of Sleten, Anglican Missionary Congregation, Europe. He is presently in Nigeria, where he is engaging in political consultations ahead of the polls.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Authority Newspaper, the cleric-turned-politician said his decision to join the race stems from years of observing Nigeria’s political landscape since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
“I have studied the corridors of power and monitored Nigeria’s political system for a long time. Now, I want to serve in the National Assembly so we can enact laws that will transform our economy and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Explaining his decision to vie for a senatorial seat, Onuzulike said he is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to lawmaking and national development.
“I want to be among those who will transform our Constitution from a ‘sleeping document’ into a functional one. We no longer have the likes of Senator Chuba Okadigbo. There is a knowledge gap in the Senate. Bribery, corruption and favouritism have become prevalent. Only a few senators have the courage to challenge perceived wrong decisions of the President,” he stated.
The cleric also pledged to harness the untapped potential of Enugu West Senatorial District to accelerate development across the zone and beyond.
“If elected, I will introduce a system of collective governance that addresses the challenges of Enugu West holistically, rather than in isolation,” he said.
On infrastructure, he promised equitable distribution of projects across the five local government areas in the district—Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji River and Udi.
“If I have 20 projects, they will be fairly distributed among the five local government areas. No area will be left behind. There will be transparency to build trust and eliminate doubts,” he assured.
He also highlighted youth unemployment as a major concern, noting that his administration would prioritise human capital development.
“A significant number of our youths are unemployed. I will place strong emphasis on skills development and empowerment programmes,” he said.
Onuzulike further identified Oji River as a potential economic hub in the South-East, promising to facilitate the establishment of a hydroelectric power project in the area.
“Oji River has the potential to become an economic hub. I will work towards establishing a hydroelectric dam there, which will help provide electricity to communities across Enugu West,” he added.
He noted that each of the five local government areas in the district possesses unique resources that can be harnessed for growth, while also pledging to leverage his international exposure to attract foreign investment.
“If elected, I will serve diligently. Nigerians in the diaspora will see me as one of their own and will be encouraged to invest in the country,” he said.
On his choice of the APC, Onuzulike described the party as stable and best positioned to steer Nigeria’s economy out of its current challenges.
“The APC is the ruling party and remains the most stable. Many other parties are plagued by internal crises and divisions,” he argued.
He also commended Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for what he described as impressive performance in office, expressing confidence that the governor would secure a second term.
“Governor Mbah’s achievements in the past three years speak volumes. His Smart Green Schools initiative has set a lasting standard. He has executed impactful projects and continues to do more,” he said.
Onuzulike maintained that his involvement in politics aligns with his calling to serve humanity, stressing that his priesthood remains intact.
“First and foremost, I am an ordained priest. My participation in politics is part of my commitment to serve God and humanity by contributing to societal development. Politics is not a do-or-die affair for me,” he added.
