By PETRUS OBI
About three years ago, the name of former Reps member and Enugu Commissioner, Hon Chijioke Edeoga was prominent as Ugwuanyi’s successor.
It was a settled matter then, as far as the originators of that rumour were concerned. Many believed, until events and time brought us to the present stage.
So, it was Edeoga all the way until the Nkanu people who form majority part of Enugu East Senatorial Zone commenced a process to reclaim the position they held in 1999 through Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani.
Politcial observers believe that the ochestrated campaigns for a return of power to Nkanu based on zoning and rotation of the Governoship position were partly as a result of the perceived interest of former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu in the guber position.
The other reason is believed to be the fear that Ugwuanyi may decide to go to Isi-Uzo in choosing his successor.
The Nkanu people who dominate the zone are of the view that Isi-uzo being the last born in the zone ought to wait for their turn.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a master in the game did not help matters as the flag off of campaigns for the Local Government elections was held in Isi-uzo. This further fueled speculations that power could be going to Isi-uzo.
If the Nkanu campaigns and lobbying distanced the possibility of Isi-uzo getting the position, the resignation of Edeoga as Commissioner returned Enugu to what I would want to call the ‘status quo.’
People started to run to Edeoga with the belief that his resignation may have come from the governor.
Some stakeholders from Nkanu abandoned the Nkanu project in a scramble to be close to power.
Even subtle threats that there would be protest votes against the PDP should Isi-uzo LGA be chosen started loosing weight that even a major stakeholder was recently quoted as saying that the position could go to Isi-Uzo.
In all of these, the governor remained silent and kept his top secret to himself as the speculations continue.
At a time some said he had endorsed Peter Mbah, he did not utter a word. They tried to blackmail him that Edeoga is his cousin, he kept quiet.
Some said it’s Chinyeaka Ohaa, that he is the most popular, he refused to talk, others said Odengene, citing his ingenuity, experience and success in the business world, yet no pointer from the White Lion.
It was even said that the governor is confused on who to choose but the governor refused to be dragged out of his shell.
Close sources have quoted the Governor as saying that he never asked anyone to buy nomination forms. He has also been quoted as saying that there would be no refund by the party.
The closest Ugwuanyi has come to revealing where his mind could be, was his response at the mega rallies on zoning where he kept repeating his belief in justice.
Recently, there was reported endorsement of Edeoga by delegates from Nsukka Zone (Enugu North) even though the report has been denied in the media, analysts see these as mere speculations and signs of frustration on the part of politicians who are getting impatient by the day.
In all, observers have refused to write off Edeoga, yet they still believe that Ugwuanyi may respect the wishes of Nkanu people.
Also, the solo run by Ekweremadu is expected to influence Ugwuanyi’s choice of a successor. PDP they say cannot gamble with any chance of not having a field day at the polls.
Ugwuanyi, analysts insist is not ready to allow loopholes or make any mistakes.
Thus, they opine that his choice would be an acceptable and popular candidate that will make the election another easy one for the PDP.
They have therefore suggested a four-man horse race amongst Odengene, Chinyeaka Ohaa, Peter Mbah and Chijioke Edeoga.
Keep a date as we look at the chances of these four top aspirants in the run up to the Enugu PDP guber primary.
