APC

The sudden demise of the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has not only created a vacuum in Nnewi, but also at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

For Nnewi, Late Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, is today, one of the most successful politicians Nnewi has produced in the 4th Republic. As a matter of fact, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is the fourth Senator ever produced from Nnewi, after the likes of Senator Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu, Senator Barr. Onyeabo Obi, and Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah.

This may be argued, after Senator Nwafor Orizu, who was the Senate President during his time, and Her Excellency, Dame Virgy Etiaba, who was Deputy Governor and later became Governor, Senator Ifeanyi will be the third most successful politician from Nnewi having been elected into the Nigeria Senate twice from a relatively unknown party.

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While the entire Nnewi community, Anambra South, and Nigeria, continue to mourn the late Senator, who indeed touched lives during his time on earth, the reality is that soon, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will put motion in place to conduct an election for the replacement of the late Senator.

In the 2023 election, it was a battle between two (2) Nnewi sons, Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party, and Chris Azubuogu of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Senator Ubah polled 73,115 votes to emerge the winner, while Chris Azubuogu, who campaigned for 12 days, muscled 45,369 votes. Labour Party’s (LP) Obinna Uzor from Ihiala got 28,102, while Chris Ubah of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Aguata had 21,209 votes.

If viewed from the lens of spread, the 2023 results show that Ifeanyi Ubah won three (3) local governments, which are Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Orumba South, while Chris Emeka Azubuogu won four (4) local governments, Ekwusigo, Orumba North, Aguata, and Ihiala. The number of votes Senator Ubah got from Nnewi decided the election.

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From the preponderance of opinions, many are of the view that as part of sympathy, the replacement of Ifeanyi Ubah should come from Nnewi, at least, to complete the term of the late Senator. To some others, the race should be thrown open, especially because of the people of Ihiala, who appear to have had a little test of the seat.

In Nnewi, in preparation for the election, a lot of individuals from the town are already consulting, as they plan to emerge the candidates of their party. To be specific, the likes of Dozie Ikedife, Samben Nwosu, Geroge Muoghalu, Chris Azubuogu, Esom Nwafor-Orizu, Patrick Ubajiaka, Olisa Metuh, Paul Ileka, Chukwudi Orizu, and Melie Onyejepu are said to be on the radar. Also, one of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s political structures, Ikemba Front, are urging Mrs. Uchenna Ubah, the wife of the late Senator, to step out and replace her husband.

However, this piece will focus on those who have taken their consultation seriously and are already preparing to contest the ticket of their parties;

Nnewi Housing Estate: Chris Azubuogu, Igwe Nnewi, Inspect Project (Photos)

1. Hon. Engr. Chris Emeka Azubuogu:

Between 2011-2019, Hon. Chris Emeka Azubuogu represented Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He was the first runner-up in the last senatorial election in Anambra South. With the death of Ifeanyi Ubah, many feel he will be the natural choice to replace him. Chris has the legislative experience required, it is on record that even outside the National Assembly (NASS), he has different ongoing projects in Nnewi and beyond.

For Chris, the odds seem to be against him. Reports have it that he is at the crossroad on which party to contest with. APGA is currently facing crisis at the National level with the leadership crisis between Sly Ezeokenwa and Edozie Njoku. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the moment, has recognized the faction of Chief Edozie, against the faction of Barr. Ezeokeonwa, which Chris Azubuogu is loyal to.

Some have also said that immediately after he lost the last election, he abandoned the party and his political structure. He has not been seen around any APGA event both in Awka and Nnewi.

However, one thing is certain, if Chris succeeds in being in the race, he will be the candidate to beat. The last election completely showed that he has the spread despite campaigning for just twelve (12) days and also with the story that he had funding issues, having spent a lot of money in court cases.

Chris Azubuogu, Igwe Nnewi, Visits Ongoing Nnewi Stadium Project

2. Ikenga Dozie Ikedife:

The South East Organizing Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Dozie Ikedife (Jnr) is seriously consulting and has told his close friends that he is in the race for the seat. He is hoping to inherit the political structure of Ifeanyi Ubah to drive his campaign, although it is not clear how he intends to fund the structure. Since Ifeanyi Ubah died, he has been in the house of the late Senator in Abuja, receiving people who come for condolences.

The chances of Dozie, who was the Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC in the 2017 Gubernatorial election in Anambra State, is said to be high, especially with the recent news that Chukwuma Umeoji who was APC candidate in the last election has confirmed that he is not running, rather, he is interested in the Governorship seat. Ikenga has also been pushing the narrative that someone from Nnewi should be allowed to complete the tenure of Ifeanyi Ubah, and as his brother, he is the best option.

3. Prince Sir Ik. Samben Nwosu:

He is popular in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), family. He has served in different committees of the People’s Democratic Party (Party). To his credit, he is influential in the PDP, especially in the South-East and Anambra State. His last federal appointment was when he served as Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Anambra State, where he performed excellently well.

Apart from being a diplomat, he is an insurance consultant, former Coordinator Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) in the South-East, and United Nations Youth Ambassador. Samben is a very companionate person. It is on record that even without any federal appointment, he has secured many federal jobs for people, and has never made noise about it. He is indeed a key stakeholder in the politics of Nnewi.

UPDATE: Ifeanyi Ubah, Ekwunife Presented To APC Members in Anambra

It has been gathered that he is seriously consulting to contest the Senatorial on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His main headache will be how to dislodge Chief Chris Uba, who appears to be interested in contesting the election. Samben is also flying the kite of the need to give an Nnewi indigene the ticket of the party and also the need to reward him for his contribution and faithfulness to the party. As someone with so much goodwill, his chances are high.

4. Chief George Muoghalu:

Known as an ally of Muhammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria, Chief George Muoghalu’s recent resignation of his membership in the All Progressive Congress (APC), has raised suspicion about his next move. While details of his discussion to move to Labour Party is now in the public domain, it is not yet clear whether he is contesting for the Governorship or Senate.

His last appointment was in the last administration, when he was the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). He has served in various private sector establishments in the course of his career before he ventured into politics.

Since his entrance into politics, he has held many political positions, including National Vice Chairman, South-East of All Progressive Congress (APC), first APC National Auditor, Member National Caucus, and others. He was the 2003 gubernatorial candidate of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in Anambra State.

UPDATE: No APC In South-East – Labour Party Tells Ifeanyi Ubah

After the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, it was reliably gathered that many around him have advised he contest the Senate, which appears more realizable than the Governorship. Although, as an Abuja-based politician, he is not popular in Anambra South, however, his deep pocket will do the job for him.

If he finally decides to contest the Senatorial election, with Labour Party, where it is currently claimed that he has hijacked the structure of the party in Nnewi, Chief George Muoghalu, who has indeed shown capacity in the past, will be a major contender.

5. Chief Sir Melie Onyejepu:

The former Managing Director of Anambra State Bureau of Procurement is another Nnewi indigene on the radar. Melie Onyejepu, who was a key player in the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, is considering using the Young Progressive Party (YPP) platform.

He has been approached by some members of Nnewi Concerned Citizen (NCC), a group formed by Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, to join the race. Melie Onyejepu who was also a close ally to the late Senator, has also been interested in returning to mainstream politics. This will definitely be an upgrade to his earlier plan to run for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat, in 2027.

Chris Azubuogu Set To Dump APC For APGA, Plans To Contest For Senate

Melie Onyejepu, who was the Special Adviser on Budget and Implementation, during the last administration of Governor Obiano, is quietly resurrecting his various support groups, in anticipation of the possibility of running the election. It is also believed that he has been assured of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) ticket, if he eventually accepts to run for the election.

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