Category: Insight

The contest for the three senatorial seats in Sokoto state between the two major political platforms in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has left a lot of rooms for speculations. So much remain uncertain about the contests in both parties as chieftains and members of the two platforms wait on their political leaders before pressing on with their aspirations.

However, both parties and the players hoping to aspire for the seats have hitherto, been silent even as speculations are widening within the two political folds. In the APC, there are indications that the party may allow incumbent senators to return for another term. If that turns out to be the truth, there will be no challengers to the Senators at the party’s primary elections.

The major sign from the PDP that the party will be contesting the seat is the mass resignation of cabinet members for no other reason other than to contest elections. Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, who oversees the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Saidu Umar, led others to resign their positions to seek elective offices in the 2023 general elections.

A statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Media and Publicity, Muhammad Bello, said 10 commissioners also resigned from the state cabinet to pursue their political ambitions. According to the statement, the appointees are the Commissioners for Finance, Environment, Youths and Sports and Lands and Housing, Abdussamad Dasuki, Sagir Bafarawa, Bashir Gorau and Aminu Bala respectively.

Others are: Commissioners for Commerce, Works, Water Resources, Solid Minerals, Religious Affairs and Careers and Security, Bashir Gidado, Salihu Maidaji, Shuaibu Gwanda-Gobir, Abubakar Maikudi and Abdullahi Maigwandu and Retired Col. Garba Moyi respectively. The statement added that the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mukhtar Magori, also resigned his appointment to participate in the poll.

Also being linked with the race for the senate seat of the zone on the platform of the PDP is Retired Col. Garba Moyi, who until his retirement, served as Commissioner for Security and Career Matters in the state. Party sources say while waiting for the nod of the governor, the retired army officer have been consulting across the zone with the sole aim of picking the PDP senatorial ticket.

In the APC, where there has been fear that the party may present more than one candidates for the elective seat in the state, respite came when the Appeal Court in Abuja on recently struck out an appeal filed by the Senator Abubakar Gada-led faction of the party in Sokoto State for lack of territorial jurisdiction. There has been an ongoing battle for the soul of Sokoto APC between the Senators Aliyu Wamakko and Abubakar Gada factions.

An FCT High Court had earlier declined an application by a faction of the APC in Sokoto State loyal to a former governor of the state, Aliyu Wamakko, to set aside its earlier judgement over the disputed congresses in the state. The Wamakko group however appealed the FCT High Court judgement. The appeal was brought by the party’s state chairman, Isa Sadiq Acida.

Earlier, Acida had asked a High Court in Sokoto to restrain APC from recognising Mainasara Abubakar Sani and others as officers and delegates of the ward, LG and state congresses of the party which were held on October 13, September 14 and October 16, 2021 respectively. Delivering ruling on the appeal by the Gada’s group, the member panel of Justices, H.S Tsammani, B.A. Georgewill and D.S Senchi unanimously submitted that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction and struck out the appeal.

With the judgement, the Wamako group is in firm control of the party in the state and can without fear, nominate candidates for positions in the 2023 general election. The Nation also learnt that as part of efforts to ensure the party is successful in the next general elections in the state, efforts are currently on to reconcile aggrieved party members to the mainstream leadership before the elections.

 

Sokoto Central

Former Governor Aliyu Wamakko, with an unprecedented track record of controlling large followership in his zone and even beyond across the state, is most likely to pick the APC senate ticket for the Sokoto Central District. Pundits say he may have little or no problem in defeating whoever the PDP line up against him in the general election.

Wamakko’s, political formidability has over the years strengthened his capacity and that of his party. He enjoys large followership that has earned him huge popularity in the caliphate. Accordingly, his leadership of the party in the state is no doubt a booster to the aspirations of others in the APC.

It is however, being strongly suspected that Abdullahi Maigwandu might be the opposing aspirant that would fly the PDP flag in Sokoto Central against Wamakko. The former Commissioner for Religious Affairs was among the state executive council members that resigned last Wednesday in pursuit of their political ambitions.

Analysts are quick to give the race to Wammakko if Maigwandu turns out to be the PDP candidate. This is because the former Commissioner is one of the budding politicians he threw up politically when he ensured his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly years back. “He cannot break the unbeatable record of our leader,” a source said.

 

Sokoto East

Amidst speculations that the incumbent Senator, Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir of the APC, is interested in the governorship ticket of the party, party sources say he would be allowed to return to the senate on the platform of the party if he fails to pick the guber ticket at the end of the day. His senatorial district is favoured by the zoning arrangement for the governorship in 2023.

Also rumoured to be interested in the Sokoto East senate ticket of his party is former assembly Speaker, Salihu Maidaji, who contested same position on the PDP platform but was defeated in 2019. He may give Gobir a good fight for the seat, should the former finally decide to seek re-election.

 

Sokoto West

With the defection of Senator Abdullahi Dan baba Dambuwa to the ruling APC at the last week, APC chieftains seeking to contest the senate election Sokoto West Senatorial Zone of the state may have to restrategise. Amidst claims thjat Senator Wamako had offered Dambuwa the APC senate ticket as part of the defection deal, party sources are saying the incumbent will not be challenged at the primary election.

This is just as it is being speculated that Governor Aminu Tambuwal may have designed a second option of running for Senate seat if he fails to pick his party’s presidential ticket for the 2023 elections. The Nation learnt that Tambuwal’s alternative plan, among other things, contributed to Dambuwa’s exit from the PDP.

Hon. Inu Bala Bodinga, the state’s Commissioner for Lands and Housing, who resigned recently, has been rumoured to be a stooge meant to hold the PDP ticket in trust for the governor until the outcome of the presidential primaries.

Political observers say the race in the district, should Tambuwal eventually contest the seat, will be the most explosive. While the governor will deploy all arsenals to ensure he wins the election, the incumbent Senator is a dogged political fighter with strong structures across the zone.

Both of them will exert immense experience, patronage and wits in the contest. With the PDP and APC almost at par in popularity across the state, it is almost impossible to predict who is likely to win the race in Sokoto West.

Political titans in both the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Ese-Odo and Ilaje local government areas are locked in battle of wits over who gets the parties’ ticket for election to the House of Representatives to represent Ese-Odo/Ilaje Federal Constituency. Politicians in Ese-Odo are insisting that it is their turn to produce the House of Representatives member in 2023 but the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon Kolade Akinjo, who hails from Ilaje, is set to run for another term in office.

The push by Ese-Odo politicians to produce the next federal lawmaker is based on an unwritten political understanding between both local governments to produce the House of Representatives member in turn, after every eight years. But the insistence of Hon. Akinjo, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, to run for another term in office, is testing the political understanding between Ese Odo and Ilaje.

There are however other persons poised to contest the PDP primary election against Akinjo. They are Samuel Tuwatimi, Bekewei Ajuwa and Barr. Festus Dabo.

However, the ambition of former Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, to gun for the Ondo South senate seat under the PDP might be the leeway for Hon. Akinjo to secure the PDP’s ticket to contest for another term of four years. Agboola hails from Kiribo in Ese-Odo local government. He was a former member of the House of Representatives for eight years. Agboola, according to some PDP chieftains, would back Akinjo to enable him secure the PDP’s ticket for the Senate.

What might work against Akinjo is the allegation of non-performance being peddled against him. Akinjo did not pick calls made to his cell phone. One of his aides who picked the call said he would contact our reporter but he was yet to do so as at press time.

In the ruling All Progressives Congress, it is being speculated that the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, is interested in the House of Representatives seat. He contested in the 2019 general elections but lost due to division within the ranks of APC leaders. Ojogo has since resigned his appointment and formally declared intention to contest the election even as leaders of the APC recently met and endorsed his candidacy.

Leaders of the APC at the meeting held in Arogbo, headquarters of Ese-Odo local government were Hon Doye Olajide, Hon. Corporal Nanaopiri, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Chief Niyi Netufo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Matters,  Chief (Mrs) Olamide Falana; Hon. Agabra Ikoto Atili, State Deputy Chairman of APC; Hon. J. E Feku, Former Chairman Ese-odo LG; Hon. Corporal Nanaopiri, Former Chairman Ese-odo LG, Former Chairman,Christian Welfare Board; Hon. Akin Sowore, Former Chairman Ese-odo LG; Hon. Iji Iwarere, Former Chairman Ese-odo LG and Hon Bayo Anifowose.

The APC who agreed to begin immediate mobilization of members across the federal constituency for Ojogo said their endorsement of Ojogo does not stop any aspirant from declaring interest. Hon Anifowose who moved the motion for the adoption of Ojogo as their preferred aspirant saluted the contributions of Ojogo to the sustenance and development of the party in the locality.

In his remark, Hon Joseph Feku said, “What we are doing here is to tell the world that those of us here are behind Donald Ojogo,  that he should run. It doesn’t mean that we have stopped others, anyone can aspire. But for us, the leaders here, this is the man we going with”. There are, however, fears that the aspiration of two princes of Ugbo kingdom in Ilaje local government might cause ripples within the APC ranks ahead of the election.

The two princes, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, a son of the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, and Prince Idowu Mafimisebi, a younger brother of the deposed Olugbo, Prince Adebanjo Mafimisebi, are said to have reached out to APC leaders in both local government areas. Prince Abayomi, is the current lawmaker, representing Ilaje constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly. He has the backing of his father and the entire Ugbo Kingdom while Prince Mafimisebi, is to be a counterforce to confront the Akinruntan dynasty.

The ambition of both princes has caused division within the APC in Ilaje and the entire Ugbo Kingdom over fears of renewed violent conflicts between the families of the Olugbo of Ugbo and the deposed Olugbo. An APC leader in Ilaje who pleaded anonymity said, “The leaders of Ilaje APC are worried about the involvement of the former deputy governor of the state in who emerges as the APC candidate for Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.

“So many of us understand the frosty relationship between the former deputy governor and Oba Akinruntan’s family. In fact, when he was still the Deputy Governor and was in charge of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs ministry, he attempted to remove Oba Akinruntan and return his in-law. We were told that it was Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who warned him not to set the community on fire.

“His intention to sponsor his in-law in APC, not in his party (PDP) is to spite Oba Akinruntan and cause a political crisis in the Ilaje and APC. He is one of the leaders of PDP in Ondo. He has the political party power to impose his in-law Mafimisebi as the candidate of his party but financing him in APC is simply to cause confusion and war in Ilaje.”

Besides the family rivalry in Ilaje over the APC ticket, some chieftains of the party said it was the turn of Ese-Odo to produce the next federal lawmaker. They stated that the incumbent Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hails from Ilaje, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission, Mr. Sam Erejuwa, also hails from Ilaje. They argued that the thinking of Governor Akeredolu in giving those appointments to Ilaje was to make room for the APC to pick the House of Representatives candidate from Aruogbo in Ese-Odo local government.

Meanwhile, President of the Ilaje Patriotic Youths Vanguard (IPYV) President, Comrade Edamisan Agbudeloye, in a statement, urged Governor Akeredolu and other leaders of the Ondo APC, to prevail on the two princes, Abayomi and Idowu to withdraw from the race to avert war in Ilajeland as well as doused tension already generated. Comrade Agbudeloye said, “These princes intend to lead us back to Eygpt but we won’t go back to Eygpt and the only way to stop this setback is by prevailing on these people to bury their ambitions so that we can have peace in Ugboland.

“The rivalry between these two royal family camps, Akinruntan and Mafimisebi, has caused a lot of retrogression in the oil-rich community. Enough is enough, we are not ready to bury our wives, kids, siblings and lose our properties again due to animosity between these royal families. Whichever way both parties played their cards ahead of the primaries, the PDP, it was gathered, hoped to rely on the huge voting population in Ilaje to ensure victory while the APC would for the purpose of equity and fairness looked the way of Ese-Odo.

Ojogo, on his part, has kept critics guessing. At the meeting where he was endorsed, he said he was nothing but a political tool in the hands of Governor Akeredolu. “I appreciate this meeting. I am overwhelmed with your show of love and support. I don’t even have the right words to thank you. I am deeply grateful.

“Please note, my political journey is still subjected to the nod of my principal and benefactor, Mr. Governor, a man who has shown me love and support. I can’t take this decision without him. Whatever he says is the final. I want to also thank our leaders, not just in Ese-Odo but also in Ilaje. The support is encouraging. But like I said, I have a Principal whose direction I must follow politically.”

Anambra State will not partake in the governorship election in 2023. Reason is that its governorship election was held in November 6, 2021. The election brought in the current governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Presently, the attention of the political parties in the state has shifted to the State and National Assembly seats.

In Anambra State, only three parties are pronounced, namely APGA, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC). The fourth force in the state happens to be the Young Progressive Party (YPP), because it produced a Senator during the 2019 general election in Anambra South senatorial zone.

At present, the YPP senator, representing Anambra State zone is Ifeanyi Ubah, who’s likely to recontest in 2023. Apart from YPP, the two other parties like PDP and APGA have shown enough interest to contest the election in the three senatorial districts. The zones are Anambra North, Anambra South and Anambra Central. The only party that doesn’t have aspirants for senatorial election is the APC. If the party has senatorial contenders, they are not well known yet.

It’s either the members of the party are afraid of what happened during the last governorship election where the party came third or afraid of the hatred the voters have against the party. In the three senatorial zones, only the PDP and APGA have a good number of contestants. Only one person in APC has shown interest in the race from the South, Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo.

APC has not won any election in the State since its formation, despite the array of top politicians in its fold except through defections. And the party has gone through a lot since the governorship primaries of 2021. For APGA, the party has really gained ground in the State and has been in power for the past 16 years. It may be difficult for any other party to dislodge APGA in Anambra.

In reality, Anambra belongs to PDP and parades the political movers and shakers in the State more than any other. But lack of cohesion is the bane of the party in the state. As 2023 National Assembly election draws close, the parties have again, been working underground to outdo each other in different zones.

Such names like Uzuegbunam Okagbue, Ebelechukwu Obiano, Primus Odili, Stella Oduah, Uche Ekwunife, Obiora Okonkwo, Chris Azubogu, Ifeanyi Ubah among others have started dropping in the three zones. Currently, it appears the contest across the zones will be between contenders from the ruling APGA and the opposition PDP.

From the North zone, The Nation gathered that the incumbent Senator, Stella Oduah, is still indicating interest to re-contest. Also, Anambra’s former First Lady, Dr. Ebelechukwu Obiano, is seriously plotting to unseat the incumbent while former governor Willie Obiano’s Chief of Staff, Chief Primus Odili, is also major contender.

From the South, Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo just indicated interest. The member, representing Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo federal Constituency, Hon Chris Azubogu, seems to be eyeing Ubah’s seat too. As stated earlier, Ubah may also be getting ready to return to the senate in 2023.

In the Central, Uche Ekwunife is set for another litmus test with former National Chairman of APGA, Victor Umeh, who is desperate to return to the red chamber again, while Obiano’s Chief of protocol, Uzuegbunam Okagbue, is equally set to battle them for the coveted seat.

However, the number keeps swelling by the day, but those mentioned above are the ones who have started making waves in Anambra State at the moment. Some of them are still playing hide and seek puzzle game in their different zones. It has also been speculated that former governorship candidate of APC, Dr. Tony Nwoye, is showing interest in the North.

 

Oduah

The leading contender there remains Senator Stella Oduah because she’s the incumbent representing the zone at the moment. She is a two term Senator having won the seat on the platform of PDP and so popular with her constituents. Oduah, The Nation gathered, is at home with her people, having built houses for the widows, empowered the youth and less privileged in the zone.

Not only that, it’s also said that she has built roads in her Ogbaru local government area to the admiration of even the government and other parties. Political observers say it will be difficult for anyone to win the senatorial zone from her. But she is facing a battle of which of the political parties to use in prosecuting her ambition. Before the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, she had dumped PDP to team up with Senator Andy Uba in APC.

Though, The Nation gathered last week that she has moved back to the PDP after the failed trip. The question remains, will PDP trust her again?

 

Odili

He was the immediate past Chief of Staff to the embattled former governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who vacated office on March 17, 2022. Chief Primus Odili is the toast of his party APGA, having participated actively in party affairs throughout their eight year tenure. Anambra residents referred to him as Abba Kyari of Obiano’s administration, but the difference, according to them is that he has a heart of gold.

Speaking with The Nation, one of the APGA youth leaders in the North, comrade Emma Okafor, said if APGA fails to give Odili the senatorial ticket, the party should forget about winning the election. It was further gathered that the youth from the North senatorial zone were adequately taken care of through the instrumentality of Odili as the Chief of Staff

Recently, the youth in the area met with many other groups in the zone and vowed not to work for any other person except Odili. They have equally vowed to shut down APGA if the senatorial ticket happens to elude the man they refer as their second messiah after Jesus Christ. But he is likely to face the obstacle of facing the wife of his former boss for the party’s ticket.

 

Obiano

She was in a very good stead for the senatorial ticket until the slapping saga involving her and former Ambassador to Spain, Lady Bianca Ojukwu. Ebelechukwu Obiano, for eight years she served as the First Lady of Anambra State, she was seen as a good woman who helped the less privileged, widows and the poor.

It started when she established her Caring Family Initiative CAFE, that built houses for widows in virtually all the local government areas in the State. Mrs. Obiano, has Chief Primus Odili to battle for the ticket of APGA in the North. With the presence of her husband, Ebelechukwu stands a chance of grabbing her party’s ticket. Her major problem, for now, is the public shame she exhibited on March 17, during the inauguration of Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

That singular act, may rob her the opportunity of representing her people. Besides, the Aguleri people, The Nation gathered, are ganging up against her for bringing shame to their brother by fighting in public. However, if, she eventually emerges the candidate of her party, she may win the battle with Obiano’s presence and his landmark achievements in the North senatorial zone, which had lacked amenities and infrastructure before he came to power.

 

Ekwunife

She is two-term Senator, representing Anambra Central and gunning for the third term. Senator Uche Ekwunife is one of the Anambra’s political ‘iron’ ladies, who is loved and admired by her constituents. Political observers call her a serial defector, but analysts see her as a political genius who knows how and when to make moves.

The incumbent senator is battle ready to face all comers in the Central that parades other political giants from other parties, if given the mandate by her party, PDP. Though, she has not officially declared her intention, but her body language tells the story. If given the ticket by her party, Ekwunife may ride at Peter Obi’s back to floor any opposition in 2023.

However, some people see her as arrogant and have no regard for people after being elected. Many people believe that the senator has done enough for her people to deserve another slot at the red chamber. At the moment, she remains the only person vying for the PDP ticket. Many people still believe that it’s too early to conclude.

 

Okelekwe

They call him the man the cap fits in Anambra State. He is a man of the people, who does not delve into controversial issues. Chief kodilichukwu Okelekwe, had before now, contested the governorship ticket on the platform of the PDP in 2011, when he schemed out.

The man popularly called Ubom (his traditional title) in Anambra, is a grassroots politician who decamped from PDP to APC few years ago. He has purchased the APC form and his Nibo community in Awka South local government area, has started mobilization for him.

One of his strongest strengths now is the senator Chris Ngige factor. He has been one of the strong sponsors of APC in the State, having donated some vehicles to the Executive. If he succeeds in arresting the APC ticket for the Central senatorial, the party should start counting its blessings in 2023.

 

Umeh

The former National Chairman of APGA has become a political oracle in Anambra State and does not need any further introduction. Senator Victor Umeh, represented Anambra Central during the last dispensation and he is gunning to represent the zone again in 2023 on the platform of APGA.

Umeh has a lot of followers in Anambra Central and the State in general, especially, the youth. The former Chairman is facing opposition in his party against former governor Obiano’s Chief protocol Officer and deputy Chief of Staff, Uzuegbunam Okagbue in the Central.

He is not a hidden politician in Anambra State and has the capacity to win election for his party. The problem he is likely to face is being denied the ticket because of his not too cordial relationship with the incumbent National Chairman, Ozonkpu Victor Ike Oye.

 

Okagbue

He is young, vibrant and full of energy. Uzuegbunam Okagbue, served former governor Willie Obiano well. The APGA aspirant hails from Umunnachi, in Dunukofia local government area and comes from a well to do family. Okagbue once worked in Fidelity Bank before he was appointed by Obiano. The young man has endeared himself to the youth in the seven local government areas that make up the Central zone. Political analysts say he would do well in the Senate if he is giving the ticket by his party.

Speaking with The Nation, Okagbue, said his intelligence and commitment would lead him to victory. He said he was confident that APGA would give him the senatorial ticket, adding that the red chamber needed vibrant individuals and no longer old people who had failed the youth

 

Ubah

The incumbent senator representing Anambra South, won his election in 2019 on the platform of Young Progressives Party YPP to the surprise of everyone in the State. Senator Ifeanyi Ubah floored the Uba brothers (Chief Chris Uba and Senator Andy Uba of PDP and APC respectively.) Ubah’s victory was as a result of his well-grounded grassroots movement with the youth.

He was equally helped by the Catholic Church because he was building Cathedral for the diocese and empowered many people. The senator may find it difficult to retain his seat as a result of his inability to complete the Cathedral Church he promised to build. Again, political observers believe he may be confronted with some challenges due to some electoral promises he is yet to fulfill.

 

Azubogu

They call him ‘Mr Project’ in Anambra State and currently, represents Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency. His name is Hon Chris Azubogu, who is representing his constituents for the third time. The lawmaker has attracted a lot of roads and other amenities not only in his area, but around the entire Anambra State.

He lost the governorship ticket last year in PDP to Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who came second to Soludo during the election. Azubogu is quite popular in Anambra State and has equally, made name at the House of Representatives and wants to upgrade. The challenge he will face is being accepted in APGA and dislodging any of the party’s faithful in the contest for APGA ticket.

Before the November gubernatorial election, he had joined APC, but changed his mind few months ago by teaming up with APGA. If the party decides to give him its ticket, the lawmaker will be good to go. But he should brace up for serious opposition in the South senatorial zone.

 

Onunkwo

The young philanthropist has indeed made name in Anambra State by through his youth programmes. He has been showing interest in contesting the governorship election in the State in his party twice. He is one of the foundation members and major financier of the party in Anambra State. The Umuchu, Aguata local government area born politician, has empowered many youth in the State according to political analysts and may give him an edge over others for the ticket.

Many people see him as humble, but some others see him as arrogant and pompous. Political observers say, he should go for House of Representatives ticket instead of the Senate, since age is on his side. If he succeeds in grabbing the party’s ticket in the South, he will have a huge task containing the likes of Ubah of YPP and others.

Activities for the senatorial race in Rivers State are still on low key in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the ruling party, nobody is known to have obtained the expression of intent and nomination forms for senatorial positions including the incumbent senators.

Everybody seems to be waiting for the directives of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in PDP and the state Leadership of the APC and Transport Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

All the incumbent senators from the three senatorial districts, Rivers East, Rivers Southeast and Rivers West, are members of the PDP.

 

Rivers Southeast

The senatorial district comprises Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Opobo-Nkoro-Oyigbo and Tai Local Government Area. It is currently occupied by PDP Senator, Barinada Mpigi. Magnus Abe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) represented the district on two occasions, once as a PDP member and as an APC member on his second term.

The incumbent Senator is said to be nursing the ambition for another term. Abe has ruled out the possibility of returning to the Senate following his recent declaration to contest the governorship election of the state. In APC, nobody is known to have indicated interest for the senatorial poll.

It is also unlikely that the APC can win the PDP in the district following the protracted disagreement between Abe and Amaechi. Abe’s supporters in APC will always work against the interest of any candidate that emerges from Amaechi’s camp in the district.

 

Rivers East

The district comprises Emohua, Etche, Ikwerre, Obio-Akpor, Ogu-Bolo, Okirika, Omuma and Port Harcourt local government areas. It is the district of Governor Nyesom Wike. It is currently represented by George Thompson Sekibo. Having done a third term at the Senate, Sekibo won’t be seeking a reelection. He is one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP.

Prior to his presidential aspiration, Wike was said to be nursing ambition for the Senate. Though the governor is vigorously pursuing the presidential ticket of the PDP, sources said the Senate remained the governor’s Plan C in case he misses the presidential ticket of the PDP and fails to emerge the running mate of the party.

 

Rivers West

The district consists of Abua-Odua, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government areas. The district is currently represented by Betty Okagua Apiafi. Though Apiafi is said to be nursing ambition to return to the Senate, it is unlikely she will retain the party’s flag because of the emerging political dynamics in PDP.

A former two-time Chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, hails from the district. Though Obuah has obtained a governorship form to contest the forthcoming guber primaries, it was gathered that the party leadership is disposed to sending him to the Senate to replace Apiafi.

 

The stages are set for what could turn out to be the most eventful political contest in Nasarawa state. The ongoing battles for senatorial tickets in the three senatorial districts of the state can best be described as battles of the titans.

The emergence of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the first civilian Governor of Nasarawa State, as the APC National Chairman has change the political direction of the state ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled to take place in May 2022.

Though, the political gladiators in the state are not about to leave the duo of Adamu and or Governor Abdullahi Sule to decide the political direction of the State, especially as regards who get the party’s tickets, many pundits are of the opinion that the two APC chieftains will have a lot to do in the process that will determine where the pendulum swings.

Nasarawa State had in the last twelve years been the home of the APC with the party having an unfettered hold on nearly all the political offices in the state.

In Nasarawa West Senatorial district where the new APC national chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu just vacated the seat, the battle is the fiercest. Three powerful gladiators are angling to pick the party’s ticket to replaced Adamu.

They include Barrister Labaran Magaji, a legal luminary, Hon Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, a former member of the house of Representatives as well as Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, the newly elevated minister of Enviroment who was before now the minister of state, Science and Technology.

Nasarawa West compromises of Toto, Nasarawa, Keffi, Kokona and Karu LGAs. Barr. Magaji hails from Toto LG, while Wadada is from Keffi LG and the minister is from Karu LG.

History has it that both Nasarawa, Keffi/Kokona have produce Senators for the zone in the past. Senator Walid Jibrin and Abubakar Sodangi from Nasarawa LG had represented the Senatorial district in the past while Senator Abdullahi Adamu who hails from Keffi/Kokona just vacated the seat after almost 12 years on the seat, leaving Karu and Toto LGAs without a feel of the coveted Senate seat.

However, it is now being rumoured that following his elevation as substantic Minister, Barr. Mohammed may not contest the senatorial election again. Especially with the new requirement that stipulates he resigns his position before the primary election.

The new national chairman who just vacated his Senate seat had repeatedly told who cares to listen that he does not know who will take over his senate seat but knows who will not inherit his seat. Party sources claim he is apparently referring to Hon Wadada who had in the past challenge him (Adamu) in several public functions that he will succeed him in 2023 whether he (Adamu) likes it or not.

Little did Wadada know that Adamu will emerge the national chairman of the party and will supervise the senatorial primaries nationwide.

With Adamu at the helms of affairs of the party, it is clear that Wadada will not find it easy to pick the party’s ticket, though Wadada had in the past boasted of his electoral prowess after he in 2003 and 2007 trounced his opponents in the house of Reps contest.

Our correspondent gathered that some prominent members of the political camp of the new APC national chairman, who before now, showed preference for Barr Magaji, are putting pressure on the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, representing Keffi, Kokona, Karu Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Gbefi Gaza, to abandon his 3rd term bid to the green chamber and pick the Senate seat. His sudden change of mind on Barr Magaji

The new interest in Hon. Gaza, The Nation learnt, may not be unconnected to Magaji’s support for Senator Tanko Al-Makura during the APC national chairmanship contest.

At the movement, it is not clear if Hon. Gaza will accept the request on him to contest the Senate seat. But what appears to be clear is that Hon. Wadada will not get Adamu’s support to inherit his seat.

In Nasarawa North, the incumbent Senator, Godiya Akwashiki, has indicated interest to return back to the Senate on the APC platform. Incidentally, Governor Abdullahi Sule hails from the zone.

The Senatorial district which is largely dominated by Christians comprises of 3 LGAs, Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba.

Senator Akwashiki who is a close ally of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, is gearing up to tackle the ex – Executive Secretary of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) Barr. Danladi Evunlanza, who is an ally of Governor Sule.

Senator Akwashiki who is regarded as the  best performing Senator in the history of the State by many pundits, has touched many lives through numerous empowerment efforts and had constructed rural roads among several other achievements. He is also credited with facilitating several employment opportunities for the people of the state. He  has the firm support of many groups and individuals across the senatorial districts.

He has identified communities that lacked potable water, where he sunk boreholes; he has unwittingly warmed himself into the hearts of his people.

Facts on ground have it that in any free, fair and credible primaries, Akwashiki will be far ahead of Evunlanza, and any attempt to deny him a return ticket will spell doom for the party in the zone.

The contest in Nasarawa South Senatorial district is no less ferocious with former Governor Umaru Al-Makura likely to slug it out with a former Commissioner of Justice in the state, Barrister Musa Hussaini.

Barrister Hussaini, an accomplished business man, is joining the race on the alleged directive of his principal, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Al-Makura, who was a major contender to the APC national chairmanship position is the incumbent Senator for the zone and may likely seek a second term.

Though Governor Sule had repeatedly told APC stakeholders across the state that he has no anointed candidate for any position in the state, and insisted that that the popular candidate should emerge in a free, fair and credible primaries, observers of the politics of the state are envisaging a power tussle among the three leading chieftains of the ruling party in Nasarawa state namely Governor Sule, former governor AlMakura and former governor Adamu, the APC national chairman.

 

PDP

Last weekGovernor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who is the leader of the PDP in the North Central Zone, charged the leadership of the party in Nasarawa State to unite and take drastic steps to ensure that the party wins political offices in the state. The PDP in Nasarawa state has been weakened by internal crisis for many years. Many of its chieftains have dumped the party for the ruling APC in anger.

Ortom made the statement during a meeting with some key stakeholders of the party from Nasarawa State to find solutions to the leadership crises that had plagued the party in the state. On strategies to winning elections in the state, Governor Ortom appealed to the party leaders to be united n the interest of the party by building consensus as an easy way to entrench confidence among its members.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, BOT, of PDP, Walid Jibril, while assuring the party of his support, emphasised that the unity of the party should be the concern of stakeholders of the party in the state, pointing out that “we should do away with all forms of sentiments and go for the best candidates.” Another leader of the party in Nasarawa, Senator Solomon Ewuga appealed to members of the party to put the interest of the party above every other interest alleging that the APC in the state was plotting to disrupt the progress that the PDP had made so far in the state.

A former Minister of Information and Communication, Labaran Maku who also addressed the gathering indicated that he was rejoining the PDP. Maku had years back, left the PDP for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). He assured Governor Ortom of his support to ensure that Nasarawa State was returned to the PDP. “I have come with a clean heart to work together with stakeholders of the party for the victory of the party in Nasarawa State,” he stated.

But in spite of the peace move, supporters of the party across the state are still hoping to see more of its chieftains join the senatorial races. For now, the most prominent PDP senatorial aspirant is Alhaji Umar Musa Galadima, a seasoned Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV), who is contesting in the Senatorial race of Nasarawa West district.

Recently, a group of friends purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms of the PDP for him to contest in the primary election. The friends, led by Hon. Uba Marmara, presented the forms to Galadima in Keffi. Marmara who expressed confidence on the frontline Aspirant to deliver the much needed dividends of democracy if elected stated that the 2023 election would be a walkover for the mainstream opposition if he’s field as candidate. He added that Galadima possesses the qualifications, experience, and maturity required to deliver excellently in office if elected.

Speaking after the receiving the forms, Galadima who commended the group of friends for the gesture assured of a responsive representation that would address the myriad of challenges bedeviling the district. He vowed to prioritize the provision of basic amenities, youths and women empowerment and security of lives and property among others if elected to represent the district at the Nigerian Senate in 2023. Observers of the politics of the state tip Galadima to put up a good show in the general election if given the ticket.

With PDP extending the sale of its nomination forms, it is expected that more PDP chieftains will join the senatorial races across the state.

A fierce struggle is on among chieftains of political parties in Kwara State as they jostle for the senatorial tickets of their various parties for the Senatorial districts in the state.

Hitherto, the dominant parties in the state were the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But there is a new entrant into the political firmament with the defection of chieftains and members of a faction of APC, led by Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Though the state APC is yet to conduct its primaries for the senatorial ticket, the senators representing Kwara South and Central, ‘Lola Ashiru and Dr. Yahaya Oloriegbe have indicated their interest to have another shot at the upper legislative chamber.

 

Kwara Central

Dr Oloriegbe declared his intention to run for another term in office about two weeks ago at a town hall meeting to showcase his achievements in the last three years in office. Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawan attended the event.

Speaking specifically on Senator Oloriegbe, Senator Lawan said the

people of Kwara Central could not have had it better considering the achievements of the Senator within less than three years of his being in the Senate.

“What we watched, the 30 minutes documentary on the activities of Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, showed something more than three-year activities of a Senator.

“For you to achieve what you did in less than three years, it beats my imagination, how a new Senator, in three years, can attract so many projects, sponsored so many bills and engaged himself in so many activities within a short time.

“Imagine if you had him as your Senator in the 8th  Assembly. So if you are talking of seven years down the line, probably we will be here until next day going through his achievements,” Lawan said.

But Senator Oloriegbe is not without some challengers. They include the elder sister of the state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Senator

Khariat Gwadabe, ex-special adviser to the governor on special duties, Yinka Aluko and 2019 governorship aspirant, Abdulfatahi Seriki-Gambari.

Both Senators Oloriegbe and Gwadabe are from Ilorin West local government area, while Alhaji Aluko and Seriki-Gambari are from Ilorin South and East respectively.

No fewer than four aspirants are jostling for the PDP Kwara central senatorial ticket as at the last count. They include former Youths and Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former PDP women leader in the state, Sarat Adebayo, ex-PDP national acting national chairman, Abubakar Kawu Baraje and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike.

Hajia Adebayo said she was move to aspire for the Kwara Central seat by the awful performance of the APC occupant of the seat.

She said: “With the current pitiable situation we find ourselves as a nation in the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, I have decided to to offer myself for service as a federal lawmaker to effect the desired changes we need to put the country back on track.

“Having consulted widely and come to the realization that the only political party which priorities women interest and inclusion in the political process is the Saraki political structure and the PDP.

“It is on this note with great honour, I notify you of my intention to humbly present myself to run for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Senator representing Kwara central senatorial district come 2023 under the umbrella of our great party, PDP.”

What is curious about the Kwara central is that PDP has yet picked any candidate as it standard-bearer unlike in Kwara South. This singular development is making political analysts in the state to argue that the four had pretentiously obtained their intent forms to deceive Kwarans of the come back bid of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Some have equally argued that Senator Saraki has a plan of contesting for the seat of the Kwara central senatorial district, if he fails to get the PDP presidential ticket during the primaries.

A twist in the Kwara central senatorial seat is the clamour in certain quarters that the seat has since 1999, been occupied by persons from Ilorin West alone. The senators since 1999 include Salman is’haq (ANPP), Gbemisola Saraki (PDP), Bukola Saraki and Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe (APC).

Five local government areas make what is known as Kwara central senatorial district. They include Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Moro and Asa local government areas.

This alleged lop-sidedness has not gone down well with Ilorin East and South Constituency Youth Stakeholders and it has has written a letter to the state Governor, seeking for the ceding of Kwara Central senatorial seat to Ilorin East and South constituencies in 2023.

Coordinator and Secretary of the group, Mallam Salman H Olesin, and Mallam Usman MK Kano signed the letter.

The letter reads:“With utmost humility and maximum loyalty, the political group wishes to respectfully crave for your indulgence and call your attention towards the established and perceived marginalization of Ilorin East and South Constituency for the position of Kwara Central Senatorial district since 1979 till date”.

 

Kwara South

In Kwara South Senatorial district, the member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Raheem Olawuyi, and former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, are going to slug it out with Senator Lola Ashiru in the senatorial primaries of APC in the state. A member of the state House of Assembly and one of the recent defectors to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state Prince Saheed Popoola, has indicated his interest for the red chamber on the platform of his new party.

Hon Popoola, an avid critic of Governor AbdulRazaq’s government and loyalist of the Information and Culture Minister, hails from Offa, Offa Local Government Area of the state, with Senator Ashiru, the current occupant of the seat, while the duo of Hon. Olawuyi and Senator Ajadi hail from Irepodun and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the state respectively.

Senator Ashiru and Hon Popoola are Ibolo by ancentry and Hon. Olawuyi nnd Senator Ajadi are Igbominas. There have been clamour by the Igbomina ethnic stock that the senatorial seat should shift to their end. They argued that it is the turn of the Igbominas to have a shot at the seat.

Incidentally, the three persons gunning for the senatorial seat of Kwara South are in the good book of the governor. Some keen watchers of Kwara politics have argued that achievements of Senator Ashiru in the over three years at the upper legislative chamber have been below par, saying his performance rating might be a minus for him.

In the same Kwara South, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo who was at the 8th Assembly, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket of the district. Senator Adebayo commands large following especially among the youths.

His above average performance during the 8th Assembly may serve him in good stead over and above Senator Ashiru. He is from Ojoku, Oyun, the sister local government to Offa.

PDP claims its 2023 candidates at at all levels emerged through consensus arrangement to avert violence, crisis and acrimony.

It added that modality was unanimously agreed upon by the party’s stakeholders. It denied imposition of candidates as being peddled in some quarters.

In Enugu State, the race for the three senatorial tickets of all the leading political parties is gathering steam. Already, across the state, there is a frenzy in the air as politicians, political supporters and political activities begin to take centre stage in anticipation of the 2023 general elections. This is just as the debates about the governorship position and politics around it, are offering lots of drama across the state.

But, more dramatic at the moment in the state is the race for the upper chamber of the National Assembly. Political gladiators have already put their game plans in place to occupy the Western, Eastern and Northern senatorial districts’ seats of the state at the Senate.

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) closed sale of its nomination forms last Wednesday, Senatorial aspirants in the three Senatorial Districts in Enugu State have intensified their house to house campaigns ahead their party’s primaries, assuring delegates of what they would do if they are elected.

This frenzy, our correspondent learnt, is more noticeable in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), most aspirants are yet to openly declare their intentions. And following the announcement that the price for the nomination form for the senatorial position is a whopping N40 million, some aspirants are already considering dropping out of the race.

In Enugu State, PDP occupies all the seats in the National Assembly including the three Senatorial seats. The occupants are Senator Ike Ekweremadu representing Enugu West; Senator Chimaraoke Nnamani, representing Enugu East and Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North.

 

Enugu West

Amongst the three serving senators, it is only the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu  who is not to seeking re-election because of his governorship ambition. Ekweremadu will on May 29 2023, finish five consecutive tenures of four years each as representative of the Enugu West Senatorial District.

It was learned that because of Ekweremadu’s non-involvement in the 2023 Senatorial election in her s zone, there are fierce battles raging over who succeeds the former deputy Senate President in the Senate. The battle of who succeeds Ekweremadu looks fiercer following the face off between him and Governor Ugwuanyi over the zoning of the governorship position against Ekweremadu’s zone.

So far, some of the top contenders for Enugu West Senatorial District on the platform of the PDP are: Senator Ben Collins Ndu whom Ekweremadu displaced in 2003; former minister, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; the Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, Sir Chinedu Ani; the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Ogueri Amadi, his predecessor, Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi and Oscar Egwuonwu.

It appears that the battle is going to be between Ekweremadu’s men and Governor Ugwuanyi’s men. Already, in order to curry the favour of Governor Ugwuanyi, it was gathered that aspirants like Senator Ndu are openly working against Ekweremadu’s governorship interest by insisting that there was an existing rotation of governorship position that knocks Ekweremadu out and favours only aspirants from Enugu East Senatorial District.

Also, the proprietor of the Coal City University, Enugu, Sir Chinedu Ani, is said to be deploying his wealth of years of experience in the private sector to go to the Senate. He is also a businessman, philanthropist and a stalwart of the PDP in the state.

His close associates say Ani’s interest in the Senate is to attract numerous empowerment to the youths of his zone and Enugu State in general having used his private university to give scholarships to dozens of indigent youths. Many of Ani’s supporters are confident of his victory, given his closeness to Governor Ugwuanyi, Ekweremadu, Senator Jim Nwobodo and most of the power brokers in the state. He is equally considered to be a favourite for the party ticket and seat of the Enugu West,

It was gathered that others expecting to be anointed by Governor Ugwuanyi for the Enugu West Senatorial seat are former minister, Fidelia Njeze; former House of Representatives member, Ozomgbachi and former chairman of Udi local government area, Oscar Egwuonwu.

However, the member representing Udi/ Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Dennis Amadi is rumoured to be heavily backed by Ekweremadu and he appears relentless to get the party’s ticket and continue his legislative duties in the red chambers. In spite of that, Amadi is said to have built his own capacity during his two terms in the House of Representatives and has become a force to be reckoned with.

Other PDP aspirants include popular contracts and former governorship candidate, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu popularly known as Omeiheukwu; popular hotelier and CEO of Dbase hotel, Osita Ngwu; popular lawyer and former Senatorial aspirant, OAU onyema and Maurice Akueme.

Though, no aspirants in the opposition’s Al Progressives Congress (APC) has signalled interest to contest the position, it is rumoured that the current minister for foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and current chairman of APC in Enugu State, Chief Ugochukwu Agballa have their eyes on the seat but are waiting for the party to roll out the sale of its nomination forms.

For the APC, Agballah is said to be enjoying a lot of political goodwill among the people of Enugu West with his pedigree as a political strategist being on the lips of political watchers.

 

Enugu East

In Enugu East, the former governor of the state, Chimaraoke Nnamani has since signalled his intentions to return back to the upper chamber of the National Assembly while in Enugu North, there are rumours that Senator Utazi has reached an understanding with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to leave the seat for the governor having represented the zone for two consecutive terms since 2015.

There appears to be a battle to wrestle the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the incumbent Senator and former governor, Chimaraoke Nnamani. Nnamani, known as the founder of Ebeano political group in the state, whose political career was resurrected by Governor Ugwuanyi in 2019 when it was obvious that the former governor was down and out politically, is going to slug it out with Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, the former chief of staff to the then governor, Sullivan Chime.

Nwobodo, regarded as the iron lady of Enugu politics during the Chime administration, seems to have found political love in the governor, who it was learned is open to supporting the woman to go to the Senate.

However, despite the talks about poor performance of the senator in the red chambers and that he does not deserve to go back to the Senate, Nnamani is said to enjoy a lot of political goodwill among his people of Nkanu, the dominant clan in Enugu East Senatorial District. In fact, it is said that almost every politician that is currently relevant in Enugu East and Enugu State at large have their political roots in the Ebeano family founded by Nnamani. Political watchers believe that Nnamani is as good as having won re-election as there are no other aspirants capable of whittling down his influence.

For the APC, it is only Mr. Chris Agu, a former staff of the NTA, communication expert and strategist, that is believed to be seeking the position to represent the Enugu East in next year’s election. A well grounded Ngwo man, Agu seems to be enjoying the support of the APC hierarchy both at the state and federal levels.

 

Enugu North

The Enugu North Senatorial District used to be where the politics has always been the hottest across the state. However, because of the nature of the present governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who hails from the zone, the hitherto hot politics associated with Senatorial election in the zone has died down with the incumbent Senator, Chukwuka Utazi, said to have concluded his second and final term in the Senate. It was learned that Utazi has agreed to step down for Ugwuanyi. The governor, it was gathered, had equally secured the agreement of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South people to enable him go to the Senate. It was learned that it is the turn of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency to go to the Senate.

Despite that, the Director general of the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), Celestine Okanya, a relatively unknown person in Enugu politics, is ready to go all out to challenge Ugwuanyi in the contest for the the PDP ticket for Enugu North Senatorial District.

Okanya, who hails from Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South LGA, is said to be banking on the fact that it is the turn of his own side of Enugu North to produce the next senator representing the zone.

In APC, there are speculations that the former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odo, who was the party’s candidate in 2019 election, will give it another shot in 2023. So far, there are no known aspirants from Enugu North who has indicated interest to run for the position on the platform of the opposition party.

Most political watchers in Enugu are of the view that APC has no place in the 2023 Senatorial election contest because the price placed on its nomination forms has effectively shut out people who hitherto had interest to contest.

“I can assure you that with the amount placed on the APC nomination form for Senate, it will be a waste of resources for anyone to run for Senate or House of Representatives election in Enugu under the umbrella of APC.

“I’m sure this is the reason most of the aspirants in APC kept their aspirations to their chest. That’s why you can see the kind of power play we have now in PDP. We all know that anyone who clinches the PDP ticket in Enugu is as good as having won the final battle”, the stakeholder said.