Barely three weeks to the funeral of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, whose death occurred late July in London, plots to replace him in the 10th Nigeria Senate have now advanced. Sen. Ubah who in 2019 leveraged his social capital to win his election to the senate with an unknown YPP, repeated the uncommon feat in 2023 to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Chris Azubogu.
Some days ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission – INEC, hinted that participating political parties in the by-election for the Anambra South senatorial seat would have only one month to conduct a primary election and select flag bearers for the election. So far, some key people have expressed interest in participating in the election. Hon. Chris Azubogu, who represented Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for twelve years, is gunning to replace Sen. Ubah. Recently, a press release from Hon. Azubogu suggests that he is interested and working to participate in the by-election. However, his chances are unclear. Since the 2023 General Election, Azubogu vanished from public space amidst rumors of him battling with several issues arising from the last election. This development damaged his reputation extensively and it is not certain how he can be revived for the contest that is now looking like it is going to be robust.
There are speculations that Chief Akai Egwuonwu, the Chief Executive Officer of Stine Industries, owners of Anambra Rice, and Zara Stores, with business interest in the maritime and oil sectors of the Nigerian economy, is equally interested in the race. The Amichi Nnewi South-born Akai Egwuonwu is known to be a humble man of few words, with a likable personality, whose personal attributes tick all the boxes. Akai Egwuonwu is a close ally of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah. Indeed, so far, if there is one man who stands a good chance at inheriting Sen. Ubah’s political capital substantially, it is Chief Akai. Being a new entrant as well, many would feel a lot more comfortable with him. Someone like Hon. Azubogu might have so much to deal with trying to make smooth the fierce divide between his camp and that of the late Sen. Ubah. Conversely, someone like Chief Akai fits into any divide so comfortably without any baggage. In terms of funds to prosecute the election, there is no doubt that Akai is capable of seeing his ambition through by himself.
The next on the list is Hon. Pascal Agbodike, the current member of the House of Representatives, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency. Hon. Agbodike was a two-term member of the Anambra State House of Assembly and a former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly. He is leading the current charge that someone from Ihiala should take the Anambra South senatorial seat. The major challenge to his aspiration anchored on the appeal for Ihiala to go is that this is a by-election. There is a strong sentiment that someone from the Nnewi bloc should complete Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah’s tenure and the Nnewi bloc is where the bulk of the votes are. Ihiala his base has been dismantled largely by insurgency. However, the Nnewi bloc remains intact and whoever enjoys the support of the Nnewi bloc would stand the best chance of winning the election. But in terms of experience, Hon. Pascal is not in deficit.
For APGA, the choice of who flies the party’s flag in the coming Anambra South senatorial by-election might be Chris Azubugo, Akai Egwuonwu, or Pascal Agbodike. All have their strengths, but by far, Akai Egwuonwu has a head start because he is new and without previous political baggage. The only challenge with the ticket of APGA for now is how to harmonize Chief Edozie Njoku’s led APGA recognized by law and the one led by Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, is not recognized by law but is supported by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Chief Dozie Ikedife is also interested in the race, on the platform of the APC. Chief Ikedife is an experienced politician and a firm supporter of Sen. Ubah until his sudden demise. If he gets the ticket of the party, he might do well in the election and leverage a part of Sen. Ubah’s support base.
Chief Donald Amamgbo has likely thrown himself into the ring of play. His party might be Labour Party. Chief Donald is a popular lawyer and businessman with solid networks and he hails from Ihiala. If he has decided fully to go into the contest, he will make a grand mark.
Except there is any serious alteration in the present state of things, one of the persons here mentioned would eventually emerge as Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah’s replacement around the first or second quarter of the year 2025.
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