Politics
The storm gathers in Abia as Ikpeazu ‘annoints’ successor
BY MARK MBAH JNR.
HEAVY crisis that may lead to the collapse of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia state is building up over allegations that the state Governor, Dr. Okezie lkpeazu has anointed a 66-year-old former Vice Chancellor of the Abia state University, Prof. Uche Ikonne as his successor come 2023.
Reliable information had it that Ikpeazu and some of his kinsmen from Ngwa land and part of ukwa extraction met last Sunday night and after their meeting decided to go and convince the retired academia to come and step into his shoes as his successor next year.
Uche Ikonne hails from Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the Central Senatorial Zone of the state. He has been a former Rector of the Abia State Polytechnic Aba as well as the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Abia state University, Uturu all in Abia state.
Although there has not been any official statement from either the state Governor, who is said to be out of the country on official engagement or the state PDP chairman, Rt. Hon. Dr. Asiforo Okere to confirm the plot but impeccable sources affirm the story with the published report showing that lkonne has already picked his Governorship nomination and expression forms from the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja.
Prior to this time, there has been heated arguments among political leaders of the three senatorial zones of the state of which zone to start after the Governorship seat must have gone round by the expiration of the incumbent who is from Obingwa in Abia South Senatorial Zone.
Ikpeazu’s immediate prediccessor, Chief Theodore Orji has maintained that the Governorship seat restarts from Abia North Senatorial zone while some other politicians insist it must rotate between the two blocs of Old Aba and Old Bende that make up the state.
The ruling PDP in the state had last week issued a statement that the Governorship seat has been zoned to both Abia central and Abia North Senatorial zones of the state. This sounded ambiguous and alien as many politicians described the unspecific party’s announcement as unusual in the history of PDP zoning formula.
Some lambasted Ikpeazu and his co- travellers in their choice of a man who has not in any way indicated interest in the gubernatorial race neither has he any blueprint yet in his supposed ambition.
Many are of the opinion that should Ikpeazu decide to zero his choice to Abia central senatorial zone of the state that there are more vibrant and tested younger aspirants within the zone with proven integrity and genuine accomplishments. Many politicians of pedigree and repute are openly rooting for younger aspirants like Chief Elvis Ncheta Omerekpe, Enyinnaya Nwafor among others who have verifiable proofs on ground speaking for them for years now across the state and have for long already developed positive blueprints on how to develop the state.
For Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial Zone of the state and one of the Governorship aspirants who has already picked his forms, ” the whole arrangements are efforts in futility to foist an unknown individual on the people “
Speaking on a popular radio program within the state last week, Abaribe queried where decisions of zoning and choice of candidate were taken in the state without a high ranking member of the party like him present.
He argued that as a high ranking member of the party who has remained steadfast with the party since it’s formation and today the Senate Minority leader that had participated in all the party’s decisions in the state that it’s absurd of the recent developments and that the entire arrangements are dead on arrival and can never fly.
Abaribe said he was not desperate for the position but has only presented himself to serve because he has confidence to change the narratives and improve the lives and infrastructural development of the people and the state and want the right thing to be done by allowing the party members to choose their candidates.
He stated it categorically that it would be impossible for people like him to be in the party and allow anymore wrong foundations laid in the party.
For former SenatePresident, Senator Adolphus Wabara, his views are that if it must remain in the old Aba bloc, it must be an ukwa-man because ukwa and Ngwa make up the old Aba bloc otherwise the Governorship seat should move to Abia North Senatorial Zone.
His opinion is that hence Ngwa Man in the person of Okezie lkpeazu has taken a slot from the old Aba bloc, should the seat be retained in Aba bloc it must be ukwa person because Ngwa and ukwa made up the old Aba bloc.
But political analysts in the state are of collective opinion that the bloc or senatorial zone is insignificant in this dispensation but the capacity and calibre of a Governor whose impact when elected will be phenomenal in tackling the multifaceted yearning needs of Abia people.
They posited that the idea of selecting or anointed candidate has been retrogressive in the political development of the state and would prefer a candidate who can be independent without being a stooge.
Barr. Onyeso Okeke, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while addressing party loyalists recently at a function in Aba called on delegates of the party to resist any attempt to foist a candidate on them.
He said ” l have been a strong PDP member since 1999, our state, Abia has suffered backwardness via this anointed candidates. How can you imagine someone who is not prepared for an examination and suddenly you draft him into the classroom to seat for an exam. The person will certainly perform abysmally and you won’t blame him because you drafted him in”
” For me the Governor should play a role in determining his successor but it must be a collective decision with other principal and critical stakeholders. What happened this week at Isialangwa North where a former Deputy Governor and an in-law of the Governor, Chief Acho Nwakanma with few of his Obingwa brothers and some handpicked individuals from Ukwawest area to call on Professor lkonne to succeed the incumbent is unacceptable and can’t fly at all. They want to destroy the party and make it lose the 2023 election.”
He said” Can you imagine such trash, where are the party leaders, where are the Ochendos, the Wabaras, Onyema Ugochukwu and other leaders across the state. The Governor should please drop this because the heat will be too much for him to bear and it would be very shameful and unfortunate if he fails to cordinate peacefully and effectively the entire leaders of the state to produce his successor. All those pushing Professor lkonne on him will destroy him politically. He should remember that it is his name that’s at stake not those political interlopers and harbingers. With lkonne, the party is doomed and we can’t allow that, never” he said.
Another legal practitioner from Isialangwa, Barr. Ubah Nkem Ajomiwe couldn’t hide his feeling as he bitterly dismissed Professor lkonne’s ambition.
He said, why should someone even mention the name of lkonne for such plum job. Have you not heard his story as a Rector in Abia state Polytechnic, Aba or are you not aware of how he left Abia state University ” ABSU”. Have you not heard of backlogs of unpaid salaries owed these two institutions till now. Was it not during his tenure that these two tertiary institutions were quagmired”
” l have heard the Governor talking about Umunneator, that’s, Isialangwa North, South and Osisioma all in Abia central senatorial which is one of the zones favoured to produce the Governor by the party. If he pitches his tent there then he should look for credible, acceptable aspirant with capacity, vision and goal and not a tired retired academic scholar with doubtful leadership competencies at his days in the higher institutions” he said.
He said “we have vibrant, dynamic and competent young men in persons like Chief Elvis Ncheta Omerekpe, Enyinnaya Nwafor who have demonstrated all round capacity and have touched lives who should be given the opportunity to go and salvage our people not De Uche Eleazer lkonne. I was in final year at ABSU when he became the Vice Chancellor and l know how impoverished he left the institution and he is my brother and sentiment apart, he’s not fit at all for the job. The past records are poor. “
He said ” the other day, l saw his pictures on social media with PDP nomination form and calibre of people around him. Another Abia Governor to tossed around , God forbid.
Those around Professor Ikonne now are jobless individuals who claim to be professional politicians with no other sources of livelihood and cannot survive without being around corridors of power.”
He said ,Did you not see the day Enyinnaya Nwafor went to party office at Umuahia to declare his interest. Did you not see that Umuahia was shutdown last Wednesday for Omerekpe. Can you imagine the unprecedented crowd from the entire state that accompanied Omerekpe to Umuahia. Did you not see Ginger Onwusibe and other credible leaders that accompanied him. My brother make independent inquiries, you will know he’s the people’s choice because his track records speak volume of his ability”
“I have not met Omerekpe physically in my life but my brother go to our area and entire Abia and see that his works speak for him. I watched his documentary on AIT recently and marvelled at what the young man has done for the people ” he said.
He counseled the Governor Dr. Victor Okezie to call his messengers doom back home warning that the consequences of wrong choice will be an end to PDP reign in the state. Let there be open field for the aspirants to test their popularity and acceptability.
ENDS
Politics
2027: Kevin Chukwu Challenges Chinedu Ogah, Says Ezza South/Ikwo Deserves a Fresh Direction
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has responded to recent comments by the incumbent lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, urging voters to compare their records, capacity and programmes ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Chukwu described Ogah as his brother and said he respected his right to seek another term, but maintained that he equally had the democratic right to present himself as an alternative to the electorate.
According to him, the 2027 election should not be about personal rivalry but about allowing the people of Ezza South and Ikwo to decide who should represent them.
On Ogah’s bid for another term, Chukwu clarified that his argument was not based on any constitutional restriction on the number of terms a member of the House of Representatives could serve.
Rather, he said, after eight years in office, Ogah’s record should be subjected to public scrutiny to determine whether constituents wanted continuity or a fresh direction.
Chukwu also disputed Ogah’s claim that he defeated him in his polling unit in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
He explained that he supported Ogah during both elections and actively worked for his victories.
“You cannot defeat someone who was working for your victory,” Chukwu said, adding that the circumstances would be different in 2027 because both men would be seeking the same mandate.
He challenged Ogah to allow voters to determine the winner at the polls.
Chukwu also questioned Ogah’s claim that about 15 people from his village, Enyim Agalagu, secured federal employment through his intervention.
He said he had made enquiries within the community but could not identify anyone who benefited from such intervention.
The NDC candidate challenged the lawmaker to publish the names of the alleged beneficiaries and the federal establishments where they were employed, promising to publicly acknowledge Ogah if the claims were verified.
On the 500KVA transformer reportedly installed at Ukwuinyinma Village, Chukwu acknowledged that the transformer was physically present but questioned its impact on the community.
He claimed that Ukwuinyinma had never enjoyed electricity supply from the transformer and argued that a project should be measured by its functionality and impact on residents.
Chukwu also addressed Ogah’s reference to a N150,000 financial assistance he once received from him.
He confirmed receiving the money after approaching Ogah for assistance during a difficult period, but rejected the suggestion that the assistance amounted to political sponsorship.
According to him, receiving help from an elected representative does not mean a constituent forfeits the right to disagree politically or contest against the representative in a future election.
The NDC candidate further defended his financial capacity and political ambition, describing himself as the son of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
He said he grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and had remained involved in business, investments and enterprise throughout his adult life.
Chukwu also defended his ability to speak Hausa, describing his connections and ability to communicate across Nigeria as an advantage that could help him attract opportunities and partnerships to Ezza South and Ikwo if elected.
He said his manifesto would focus on education, employment, agriculture and agro-processing, electricity, infrastructure, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, legislation, oversight and effective constituency representation.
Chukwu accepted Ogah’s challenge to present his manifesto and urged both candidates to take their programmes directly to the people.
He said the electorate should compare Ogah’s eight-year record with his own experience, capacity and plans for the constituency.
“I am not contesting to make up numbers. I am not in this race to negotiate with anybody. I am contesting to win the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and to offer a fresh direction in representation,” he declared.
Chukwu appealed for a peaceful and issue-based campaign, insisting that the election should focus on records, ideas, capacity and the future of the constituency.
He stressed that regardless of the outcome, Chinedu Ogah would remain his brother and that the legitimate choice of the electorate must be respected.
“The people will have the final word,” Chukwu said.
In Hausa-language video interview shared on 𝕏, Atiku said after securing the presidential ticket in 2007, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande, and three others, to meet with him, requesting to be his running mate.
Atiku said he opposed Tinubu’s proposal because a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be in the best interest of the country.
He said, “He said he would back me to secure the ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent five elders among them Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others. They told me that Tinubu wanted to be my running mate. I told them that, as Christians they should understand that it was inappropriate for me to pick a Muslim as my running mate.
“I asked them why they could not tell him that. I told them that I could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, because it would not be of the best interest of our country. He broke away and backed the late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, may his soul rest in peace.”
Speaking further, Atiku said they parted ways and did not find themselves in the same political camp until 2014 during Buhari’s campaign.
Atiku said late Buhari solicited for his support during a meeting at his (former Vice President’s) residence, and he gave a condition that Tinubu must not be his running mate.
According to Atiku, Buhari agreed to the condition but Tinubu got upset over the late former President’s failure to keep to his promise.
Atiku also said that Buhari declined to work with a female running mate when Tinubu suggested his wife, Oluremi, who is a Christian.
He added, “I returned to Abuja after the convention and Late President Muhammadu Buhari visited me at my residence. He told me that he had contested the primary election and won, but needed support to win the secondary election, saying he could not win without my support.
“I gave him one condition because I learnt that Tinubu wanted Buhari to pick him as his running mate. I assured him I will support on the condition that he will not do Muslim-Muslim ticket. After about five minutes of thought, he assured me would not.Executive Branch
“Tinubu was so upset, saying that Buhari had not kept his promise, and so on. He was eventually calmed down. He later asked Buhari to pick his wife since she is a Christian, but Buhari declined to work with a female running mate.
“Clerics were involved in the ensuing disagreement, but in the end, Tinubu was convinced to nominate Osibanjo who was his Attorney-General and a Christian and Buhari accepted the nomination.”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Chukwu, has declared that he is contesting the election to win and provide what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Chukwu made the declaration while reacting to social media reports alleging that he was being sponsored by political opponents or merely contesting to secure recognition as a candidate.
The NDC candidate dismissed the claims as attempts to distract the electorate, insisting that he enjoys strong grassroots support across the constituency and is fully focused on building a formidable campaign ahead of the election.
He said he would soon unveil his manifesto and campaign strategies, which, according to him, would focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo.
“Those saying I am not serious or that I am not contesting to win are jokers sponsored by my opponents to distract the electorate. I am prepared to launch my grassroots campaign, where I will unveil a people-centred manifesto that will speak directly to the needs of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency,” he said.
Chukwu also criticised the current representation of the constituency, arguing that the incumbent, who he said had served two terms, should give way to another person in 2027.
“We all know the current person occupying the position. He has been there for two tenures, and it is time for him to come back home for another person to go, because we don’t do third term in our constituency,” he said.
He further alleged that the incumbent’s programmes and projects had not been sufficiently inclusive, claiming that the benefits had largely been limited to a section of the constituency.
According to Chukwu, “the people are already tired of his representation and are ready to bring him home in 2027.”
The NDC candidate urged his supporters and other constituents not to be discouraged by what he described as “fake speculations,” assuring them that his campaign would soon commence at the grassroots.
“I wish to call on all our supporters and people of our constituency not to be discouraged by their fake speculations or be intimidated by the APC thugs. By the grace of God, our grassroots campaign will showcase the plans of NDC, and I am certain that all NDC candidates will emerge victorious, right from the presidential candidate down to the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Chukwu also disclosed that he would soon unveil his campaign team as part of preparations for the 2027 election.
He promised that, if elected, his legislative agenda would prioritise human empowerment, infrastructural development and the promotion of laws and policies designed to improve the welfare of residents of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency.
He added that his legislative representation would also seek to contribute to the broader development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Kwankwaso said this when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.
He explained that his experience from the 2023 election had helped him understand Obi better and that he was convinced that both of them could work together in the interest of the country.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the decision was also influenced by the need to allow the South to retain the presidency for another term after the completion of the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.
“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,” he said.
He said the decision was reached after consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.
He said the groups believed that the country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.
Kwankwaso said the security challenges confronting the country, alongside declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure, had further strengthened his resolve to support a political arrangement capable of bringing democratic change.
He said economic hardship had particularly affected farmers, especially in Northern Nigeria, where agricultural production had become increasingly difficult and unprofitable.
The former Defence Minister said the dilapidation of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas such as Lagos, was another reason for accepting to pair with Obi.
He said the current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.
Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a combination of regional balance, competence and credibility.
“Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today,” he said.
He explained that agreeing to serve as vice-president was not a setback for him, despite his extensive political experience, including serving as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, governor, minister and senator.
“I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted,” he said.
Kwankwaso said his decision was based on broader national interest rather than personal ambition, stressing that public office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve.
“To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.
He said the agreement with Obi was for the South to produce the president for one term, after which the political arrangement would return to the North.
Kwankwaso cited historical examples of political leaders who had accepted positions below what they could have attained, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria rather than becoming Prime Minister.
He also said Nigerians should understand that service could be rendered at different levels, including as councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president or president.
According to him, political leaders should be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, rather than considering certain offices beneath them.
He dismissed claims by political opponents that his political engagements with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were contingent on securing either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Kwankwaso said discussions he held with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about working together and not about abandoning the NNPP or securing a particular position.
He said he had previously played a major role in the APC’s electoral victory, particularly through the votes recorded in Kano in 2015, but became disappointed with the party’s leadership after the election.
The former governor said his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was strengthened by what he described as Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.
He said the arrangement would also ensure that the North would not be disadvantaged, stressing that the one-term understanding was important in securing the confidence of his supporters.
Kwankwaso said he was confident that Obi would respect the agreement and work with him as a partner rather than treat the vice-president as a “spare tyre.”
He said his experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had taught him the importance of allowing deputies to function effectively.
According to him, a president or governor who gives his deputy meaningful responsibilities ultimately strengthens the government because the success of the deputy also benefits the principal.
He said he was therefore comfortable with the proposed arrangement and had confidence that Obi would allow him to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Kwankwaso said the alliance would prioritise competence in the appointment of ministers and other officials, with power shared according to the needs of the country rather than for political patronage.
“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember.
“We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone,” he said.
The former governor said an NDC administration would need technocrats, professionals and experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges. (NAN)
Politics
2027 Enugu Guber: NDC’s Odalije Chinyeaka Ohaa Reiterates Power of Electorates to Hire and Fire Leaders
ENUGU, friday, August 14, 2026, the National Democratic Party, NDC, hosted thousands of their members in the monthly Enugu East Senatorial zonal meeting of party held at 37 Park Avenue GRA, Enugu.
Present at the meeting, beside NDC Party faithfuls, were Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the 2027 NDC governorship candidate for Enugu state, and Princess Ada Ogbu, the NDC Enugu East Senatorial candidate. Other candidates were House of Reps candidates, Hon. Maduka Arum (Enugu South/Enugu North federal constituency), Hon. Ike Chinaemerem El-Shaddia (Nkanu West/Nkanu East federal constituency), Hon. Nnaemeka Obuna (Enugu East/Isiuzo federal constituency).
In attendance also were the State House of Assembly candidates who included Rev. Emmanuel Nnamani (Nkanu West), Hon. Patrick Chukwuma (Nkanu East), Mrs Ngozi Agbo (Enugu South Urban), Pastor Nnaemeka Johnson Okwor (Enugu South Rural), Barr. Odinaka Ugwu ( Enugu East Rural), Hon. Chijioke Ugwu (Enugu East Urban), Hon. Henry N. Nnamani (Enugu North), Hon. Chinemere Ikeoha (Isiuzo).
The party chairmen and the exco of each of the six local government areas (Enugu North, Enugu East, Enugu South, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Isiuzo) that make up Enugu East Senatorial Zone were all in attendance and duely recognized. Similarly the NDC Ward Excos of the 77 political wards in the senatorial zone were on hand and equally recognized.
Speaking to party faithful, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, went down the memory lane of his career in the public service that spanned from Enugu state Treasury, culminating in his appointment as Accountant General of the state, to the federal civil service where he retired as a super Permanent Secretary. He strongly dispelled the rumor hitherto making the rounds that he was a place-holder for any politician while stating that he won the NDC gubernatorial primary fair and square and that his name has been uploaded to INEC portal as the NDC 2027 governorship candidate for Enugu state.
He expressed appreciation to them for standing with him in the gubernatorial primaries that saw to his emergence as the party’s governorship flagbearer. He called on the people to remain steadfast and unwavering on their commitment to the principles of NDC on good governance and the NDC preparedness to win the 2027 Enugu governorship election, stressing that his campaign manifesto would be unveiled the moment it is time for the governorship campaigns.
Sir Chinyeaka went biblical on what he called the challenges currently facing Ndi Enugu as he cited the famous biblical quotation, Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
He criticised some of the policies of the present government, particularly its tax regime, which he described as burdensome and called for greater consideration of the welfare and economic wellbeing of the people.
“He went further to reiterate that the power lies on the electorates to hire and fire their leaders at each election cycle.
Other key leaders of NDC were in attendance included Barr. Emeka Okeke, former Enugu state commissioner for Labor/Chieftaincy Matters, Barr. Chika Smart Ogbe, former Enugu state Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Barr. PC Eneje, former Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Wilson Okenwa, retd Permanent Secretary, Chief Chukwujekwu Nebo, State Secretary of NDC and a host of others.
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