While the issue of delegates for the party primary vis-a-vis the signing of ammended electoral law subsists, the power tussle in different State and Federal Constituencies have risen to an incredible height.
Amongst the most intriguing and exciting are those of Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency where former State PDP Chairman Engr Vita Abba is challenging the incumbent Dr. Pat ASADU for the only available PDP ticket.
In Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, a former Local Government Chairman Uchenna Nwobodo is ahead of other aspirants by a wide margin.
A grassroots politician, Nwobodo’s track record as Council Chairman is too tall for his opponents.
In Enugu North/Enugu South Federal Constituency the matter is settled. The incumbent Hon Ofor Chukwegbo had to heed the voice of his people to continue his good works at the House of Reps.
EverydayNews can reliably inform that the matter has long been concluded, as the Lawmaker makes his return to the Green Chambers.
Back to Awgu/Aninri/Oji-River Federal Constituency, it is believed to be a three-man horse race amongst the incumbent and three-term Lawmaker Toby Okechuukwu, Chief Ben Alukwu and Chief Anayo Onwuegbu.
Having gone for three consecutive times of twelve years, Hon Okechukwu is not favoured to return to the House of Reps.
A good ally of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, their alliance and opposition to the Governor Ugwuanyi’s camp has not helped Okechukwu’s case.
In his abscence the people of Aninri feels it’s their time to have a shot at the position.
Their position was recently supported by the Greater Awgu Traditional Rulers Council, comprising Aninri, Awgu and Oji River.
They said, “to ensure justice, equity and fairness, Aninri local government should be allowed to take a shot at the federal House of Representatives position in the 2023 election.
The traditional rulers disclosed that since the dawn of democracy in Nigeria, Aninri has not produced a member of the Federal House of Representatives whereas other local government areas have.
Those at the meeting were Chairman, Aninri Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Daniel Njoku, Chairman, Awgu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Cyprian Nevobasi and Igwe Mike Mberedeogu, Chairman, Oji River Traditional Rulers Council and other executive members of the Greater Awgu Traditional Rulers Council.
For the people of Oji-River, Aninri’s 20 years in the Senate, and the 16 years of Awgu in the House of Reps gives them the edge.
A United Oji River came together to fight for the position. In that bid, they reached a consensus and presented Hon Okey Nnaedozie.
That was the beginning of trouble as money bag Chief Anayo Onwuegbu and another, Eric Oluedo, a former Commissioner rejected the decision.
As it stands, the disagreement in Oji River, the 12 years of Okechukwu from AWGU appear to have paved the way for Ben Alukwu, a former acting Chairman Aninri Local Government.
Except the powers that be decide otherwise, Alukwu is ahead of his opponents. He has a strong hold in both Aninri and AWGU that can bcancel out the divided votes from Oji River.
