Dumebi Kachikwu Biography
Dumebi Kachikwu is a Nigerian entrepreneur, media mogul, and politician best known as the founder and CEO of Roots Television Nigeria and as the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business and political landscape, with a career marked by ambition, controversy, and public engagement.
Born on December 20 in the 1970s, Dumebi hails from Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State, Nigeria. He is of Igbo ethnicity and practices Christianity. He was raised in a prominent family—his father was Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu, and his mother is Barrister Josephine Ada Kachikwu. He is the younger brother of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Dumebi attended the University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School in Benin City. While details of his higher education are not widely publicized, his early exposure to elite education and legal-political circles shaped his entrepreneurial and political ambitions.
He began his career in business and media, eventually founding Roots Television Nigeria, a digital media platform known for its investigative journalism and political commentary. As CEO and Chairman, he positioned Roots TV as a bold voice in Nigerian media, often challenging mainstream narratives.
In 2022, Dumebi entered politics formally by joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He contested and won the party’s presidential primaries, defeating notable figures like Kingsley Moghalu and Chukwuka Monye. His campaign focused on:
Fighting corruption
Creating jobs and raising wages
Investing in education and healthcare
Promoting gender equality and youth empowerment
Building infrastructure and broadband access
Ending medical and educational tourism
Despite his outsider status in Nigerian politics, he gained attention for his populist rhetoric and promises to dismantle the “colonial foundations” of Nigeria’s governance structure. He also pledged to ban public officials from sending their children abroad for school or seeking foreign medical care.
Dumebi’s political journey has not been without controversy. He was accused of offering bribes during the ADC primaries and has faced scrutiny over past business dealings and a reported EFCC investigation. Nevertheless, he remains a vocal and influential figure.
In his personal life, Dumebi was first married to Somachi Chikwe, daughter of politician Kema Chikwe, but the marriage ended in divorce. He later married Ikeme Kachikwu in 2011. He is the father of six children—four boys and two girls.
His estimated net worth ranges from $5 million to $10 million, derived from his media ventures, business interests, and political engagements.
Dumebi Kachikwu Age
Dumebi Kachikwu was born on December 20, 1971, which makes him 53 years old as of 2025.
He was born in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, Nigeria, into a prominent family. His father was Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu, and his mother is Barrister Josephine Ada Kachikwu. Dumebi is also the younger brother of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Dumebi Kachikwu Education
Dumebi Kachikwu’s educational background, while not extensively detailed in public records, includes the following confirmed information:
Secondary Education:
He attended the University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. This is a well-regarded secondary school affiliated with the University of Benin, known for producing academically strong graduates.
Higher Education:
While multiple sources confirm his secondary education, there is no publicly verified record of his university or tertiary education. Some biographical summaries mention that he “graduated with a degree,” but they do not specify the institution, field of study, or academic honors.
Professional Development:
Dumebi Kachikwu’s career trajectory suggests a strong background in business and media, particularly as the founder and CEO of Roots Television Nigeria. His communication skills, political engagement, and leadership in media entrepreneurship imply a practical education in business and public affairs, though not formally documented.
Despite the limited public detail about his higher education, Kachikwu has built a reputation as a media mogul, entrepreneur, and political figure, leveraging his experience and public speaking ability to influence national discourse.
Dumebi Kachikwu Religion
Dumebi Kachikwu is a Christian. This has been confirmed by multiple reputable sources that profile his background.
He was born into a Christian family in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, Nigeria. His parents—Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu and Barrister Josephine Ada Kachikwu—also raised their children in the Christian faith. His religious identity aligns with his public values and political messaging, which often emphasize moral leadership, social justice, and inclusivity.
Dumebi Kachikwu Net Worth
As of 2025, Dumebi Kachikwu’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $10 million USD, according to multiple credible sources. His wealth is primarily derived from his ventures in media, business, an Sources of Income and Wealth
Founder & CEO of Roots Television Nigeria
Dumebi is the owner, chairman, and chief executive officer of Roots TV, a digital media platform known for investigative journalism and political commentary. This is his most prominent and lucrative business venture.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Before launching Roots TV, Dumebi was involved in various business activities, including real estate, oil and gas, and telecommunications, although specific companies and financial disclosures are not publicly detailed.
Political Influence
As the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he gained national visibility, which likely boosted his brand value and influence in business and media circles.
Assets and Lifestyle
While exact figures are not disclosed, he is known to own luxury properties, high-end vehicles, and maintains a high-profile lifestyle consistent with his public image as a media mogul and political figure.
Conflicting Reports
Some sources, such as Leaders Bio, list his net worth as $400,000, but this figure is widely considered outdated or inaccurate given his business scale and media ownership.
More consistent estimates from The City Celeb and Contents101 place his net worth closer to $5–10 million, which aligns with his known ventures and public profile.
Dumebi Kachikwu Wife
Dumebi Kachikwu has been married twice and is currently married to Ikeme Kachikwu.
Current Wife: Ikeme Kachikwu
Dumebi married Ikeme Kachikwu in June 2011.
She is described in multiple sources as a “gorgeous bride from the same state” (Delta State, Nigeria).
The couple has six children together: four boys and two girls.
Ikeme has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, and there is limited information about her professional background or public engagements.
Former Wife: Somachi Chikwe
Dumebi was previously married to Somachi Chikwe, the daughter of Kema Chikwe, a prominent Nigerian politician and former Minister of Aviation.
Their marriage took place in 2001 in Abuja but ended in divorce after a few years.
The reasons for the separation have not been publicly discussed, and both parties have since moved on.
Dumebi’s personal life has occasionally drawn public attention due to his political prominence and high-profile family connections, but he has generally kept his family affairs private.
Dumebi Kachikwu Children
Dumebi Kachikwu is the father of six children: four boys and two girls. These children are from his current marriage to Ikeme Kachikwu, whom he married in June 2011. While he has occasionally shared aspects of his family life in interviews and public appearances, the names, ages, and personal details of his children have not been publicly disclosed in any verified sources.
He was previously married to Somachi Chikwe, daughter of Nigerian politician Kema Chikwe, but that marriage ended in divorce. There is no public record indicating whether he had children from his first marriage.
Dumebi has generally kept his children out of the public spotlight, consistent with his approach to maintaining a boundary between his political/media career and his private family life.
Dumebi Kachikwu Social Media Followers
Dumebi Kachikwu maintains a modest but active presence on social media, primarily for political outreach and public engagement. Here’s a breakdown of his known platforms and follower counts:
Official Social Media Accounts
Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
@dumebikachikwuofficial | ~773 followers | Official page used during his 2023 presidential campaign | |
@dumebik | ~33 followers | Account created in 2011; appears inactive or minimally used | |
@DumebiKachikwu | Follower count not publicly listed | Mentioned in campaign posts, but no verified or active profile found | |
TikTok | @Dumebi.Kachikwu | Follower count unknown | Referenced in campaign materials; not actively maintained |
Additional Notes
Dumebi’s campaign also used support pages like @RescueMission2023 on Instagram and TikTok to promote his 2023 presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Despite being a media entrepreneur and founder of Roots Television Nigeria, he does not personally manage or heavily engage on social media, according to The City Celeb.
His digital presence is primarily driven by Roots TV’s platforms, which have a significantly larger following and are used for political commentary, investigative journalism, and public discourse.
Dumebi Kachikwu Achievements
Here is a comprehensive overview of Dumebi Kachikwu’s achievements across business, media, and politics:
Political Achievements
2023 Presidential Candidate – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Dumebi Kachikwu emerged as the ADC presidential flag bearer after winning the party’s primary election with 977 votes, defeating high-profile candidates like Kingsley Moghalu (589 votes) and Chukwuka Monye (339 votes).
Political Reform Agenda
His campaign focused on:
Fighting corruption by raising wages and creating jobs
Ending medical and educational tourism
Promoting gender equality and youth empowerment
Investing in broadband infrastructure and power generation
Banning public officials from sending children abroad for school or seeking foreign medical care
Advocate for Meritocracy and National Unity
He proposed dismantling Nigeria’s colonial-era governance structures and replacing them with a merit-based, inclusive system that de-emphasizes tribal and religious divisions.
Media and Business Achievements
Founder, Chairman & CEO – Roots Television Nigeria
Dumebi established Roots TV, a digital media platform known for bold investigative journalism and political commentary. It has become a significant voice in Nigerian media, especially among younger audiences.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond media, he has been involved in sectors like:
Telecommunications
Agriculture
Construction
Technology (through Netlink Technologies)
Philanthropy and Youth Advocacy
He has consistently advocated for youth empowerment, proposing policies to redirect young Nigerians from internet fraud (“Yahoo Yahoo”) toward productive, tech-driven careers.
Visionary Proposals
Nigerian Patriot Act
If elected, he pledged to introduce this bill to enforce equality in public service—ensuring that government officials use the same schools, hospitals, and infrastructure as ordinary citizens.
Digital and Infrastructure Development
He promised to build modern cities with:
World-class health facilities
Affordable internet access
Stable electricity supply
Social Justice and Inclusion
He emphasized building a Nigeria where “laws and opportunities are equal to all men,” regardless of tribe, religion, or region.