By Ori Martins(Owerri), Chuma Austin (Enugu), Dan Maduagwu(Umuahia)
The signals emanating from some states in the South East clearly indicate that the 2023 governorship elections in the zone will be fiercely contested. In Abia State for instance, the Ngwa community in Abia Central and Abia South is insisting that power rotation must start from that area of the state while those in Abia North are of the opinion that power which started from that enclave in 1999, having gone round, must come to that part of the state.
In Enugu, the struggle is both intra and inter (intra in PDP between the Ebeano and Gburugburu, and inter between PDP and APC). Of course, the Imo case will still be a straight fight between the APC and PDP even as APGA will still put up a spirited fight. This the story of how the fight for the grab of political power – the governorship struggle – will certainly look like.
Enugu: zoning may knock out Ekweremadu
Arguably, Enugu State is the socio-political heart beat of Igbo land having been the administrative headquarters of the defunct Eastern Region. Enugu is to Ndigbo what Ibadan and Kaduna are to Yorubas and Hausa/Fulanis, respectively.
Despite the fact that the 2023 general election is still afar, emerging events in the Coal City State indicate that politicians particularly political office seekers have begun subterranean meetings, strategizing and re-strategizing ahead of the polls with a view to controlling the political structures of the state.
Prominent persons speculated to be eyeing the governorship seat on the PDP flanks include: Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Professor Barth Nnaji, Chiyiaka Ohaa, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Chief Frank Nweke, Hon. Chijioke Edoga. Professor Barth Nnaji, a one-time Minister of Power, Chief Ohaa, a member of ex-governor Nnamani’s kitchen cabinet; Hon. Ubosi is the current Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly while Chief Nweke is former Minister of Information. Hon. Edoga, a former member of House of Representatives and current Enugu State Commissioner of Environment is a lawyer and prolific writer.
From the APC stable are Chief Ben Eche and George Tagbo Ogara while Professor Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji who is yet to make his political party public has gone ahead to assemble his media team to realize his gubernatorial dream. Apparently to kick-start the governorship struggle, the founder of Ebeano political dynasty and a two- time governor of Enugu State, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani recently set the ball rolling when he visited Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at Government House, Enugu to pay homage to the incumbent.
According to a Public Analyst, Ozo Udenegbarajinobi, “Nnamani’s visit also turned out to be, surprisingly, a transfer of the mantle of leadership of the Ebeano political machine from Senator (former governor) Chimaroke Nnamani to the present lead occupant of the Lion Building”. Udenegbarajinobi noted, “The unleashing of the Ebeano event, especially in the high volume it came, couldn’t have been a surprise to consistent watchers of the political organization. The Ebeano Political Machinery hardly needs introduction in Nigeria’s political discourses. Its history is though relatively young.
Yet, it is certainly one of the earliest that emerged in reaction or preparation for the1999 transition. It was in the gloomy, damp cold days in 1996, during the political transition gyrations and detours of the military. A time only those imbued with turns of faith ever believed that the Army actually wanted to hand over power to the civilians. Ugwuanyi whose structure called “Gburugburu” was strengthened by Ebeano. Ugwuanyi was mandated by the Ebeano group to produce his successor in 2023 which he gladly accepted. Ugwuanyi despite the recent outrage on the state assembly’s plot to legitimize life pension for ex-governors and their deputies, has been able to silence the opposition without firing a shot. Ugwuanyi’s bi-partisan politics brought together all interest groups into one fold, irrespective of political affiliations.
Be that as it may, one figure that kept reverberating in the minds of the Enugu electorate is the former deputy president of the senate, Ekweremadu, who recently told his faithful that he would bow out at the upper chamber in the next political dispensation. Ekweremadu’s absence at the Ebeano solidarity visit to Ugwuanyi late last year further heightened speculation that the Mpu born lawyer cum politician is likely going to try his hand in the governorship race in 2023.
Little wonder, Ekweremadu’s visit to Ugwuanyi after that of Ebeano is seen by many as an afterthought. His critics argued that he (Ekweremadu) is yet to disown a slogan which reads: “Ike is Coming”. Ekweremadu is said to be an apostle of meritocracy, as it could be recalled that the drums of war between him and former state governor, Sullivan Chime, came to the fore when the issue of zoning was mentioned by the ex-governor at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Nike Lake Hotel prior to 2019 governorship poll.
The “Ikeoha” as Ekweremadu is fondly called by his admirers, had at the point faulted Chime for unilaterally zoning the governorship position to Enugu North senatorial zone which eventually produced the incumbent from the PDP saddle.
What later transpired between Ekweremadu and Chime is now history but suffice it to say that it was the first crack in the hitherto harmonious relationship between both leaders. Chime was seriously “bruised” in the crisis that followed as his attempt to retire Ekweremadu did not only backfire but was rather brushed aside which prompted him to decamp to APC.
The ‘Ike is coming’ slogan is gaining ground as barring any last change in plans, Ekweremadu is going to be a governorship candidate for the 2023 Enugu governorship election.
Apart from the fact that Ekweremadu extended his dragnet to other senatorial zones, some politicians from both Nkanu and Nsukka axis are teaming up to turn the table against Ugwuanyi who is expected to field a candidate from Enugu East zone. Ugwuanyi, a peaceful governor has maintained a friendly relationship with Ekweremadu just as other stakeholders. But this is power tussle and bookmakers expect Ugwuanyi to stand by the zoning formula which may not go down well with Ekweremadu and his supporters who are positive about their chances of winning the governorship election.
“If this happens, it may draw the line between the duo ahead of the 2023 polls. At that point expect a major switch of loyalty in the PDP structure. Expect surprises too as many shocking realignment is expected. Expect Ekweremadu to join APC if…” Mazi Nnam Mbah, a analyst said in an interview.
For former Aide to Governor Ugwuanyi, Dr John Nwobodo, “To settle the cold war going on in Enugu State as to which of the senatorial zones should produce the next governor for the state, in 2023, rotation of governorship seat should be maintained”. Nwobodo who was also chairman of Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Enugu State chapter, said that the zoning system should be maintained to ensure equity, peace and balance.
Since 1999 that Nigeria returned to civil democracy, the governorship position has been rotating among the three senatorial zones of Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North. Nwobodo told News Echo in Enugu on that it is expedient that the rotation formula should not be altered, adding “Since 1999, Enugu State has maintained the zoning system and it has been working very well. It has ensured stability, peace and progress. He said, “Since the rotation began with the Enugu East Senatorial zone in 1999, it is expected that when the incumbent governor who is from Enugu North finishes in 2023, it should be the turn of Enugu East that started it. Naturally, one expects that it should go to Enugu East Senatorial Zone in 2023”
Commenting on the permutation of some political analysts that since the governorship began with Enugu East, Enugu North which is currently occupying the position should continue in 2023 before it gets to Enugu West and finally to Enugu East, Nwobodo said the analysis is illogical. On those arguing that Greater Awgu was marginalized and should be allowed to produce the next governor, the former IPAC boss said that it does follow reason, pointing out that Greater Awgu, made up of Awgu, Aninri and Oji River, is part of Enugu West and should wait their turn when Enugu East is done.
“Rotation has been on the basis of senatorial zones. Greater Awgu does not stand on its own but is part of Enugu West. So, they should wait, when it is the turn of Enugu West again, they should argue it,” he said. Indeed, to the larger segment of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District, rotation should be jettisoned since the zoning does not produce the best candidates for leadership.
Chief Ben Alukwu a known supporter of Ekweremadu posited that if the rotational arrangement would be allowed to stand, then political stakeholders in the stake must reconvene for formal discussion on the rotation, suggesting that anything short of it, the seat should be thrown open for contest.
While the Enugu West senatorial zone is kicking against zonal arrangement, the people of Enugu-East Senatorial zone and indeed, Isi-Uzo are saying for equity, justice and fairness, they should be allowed to taste the juicy seat at Government House in 2023. Within the Enugu-East, the core Nkanus are of opinion that though Isi-Uzo is part of Enugu-East, Nkanu should be allowed to produce Governor Ugwuanyi’s successor, pointing out that Isi-Uzo has cultural affinity with Enugu North senatorial zone whose term is expected to expire in 2023.
Interestingly, the people of Enugu-North Senatorial zone are throwing up another theory insisting that if the rotational arrangement must continue, then they should be allowed to start the second round of the system, having waited patiently to take the last slot.
Perhaps, it is against the permutation that a House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Pat. Asadu who had earlier made an underground move to contest senatorial seat appears to have changed his mind to gubernatorial race.
Political checks also show that APC the major opposition party in the state does not work on zoning system but it is not leaving anything to chance as the recent registration exercise carried out by the party seems to have brought all the warring factions together. Little wonder, George Ogara, a former APC gubernatorial aspirant in 2019 election told his party faithful during the preregistration exercise at the party’s secretariat, Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South Local Government Area of the state that APC would turn the table against PDP in 2023 gubernatorial poll.
Ogara who at the last minute lost at the court to Senator Ayogu Eze the eventual flag-bearer of APC, noted, “APC has realized that it is better to be one and that is why we are here. We have unified the party and collapsed all forms of factions. This will enable us to be united so as to capture the Lion Building come 2023”
According to Ogara, APC has all it takes to overrun the PDP, alleging poor performance as one of the reasons the electorate will stop the uninterrupted PDP administration in the state which had held sway since 1999. “The administration of PDP in the state is very poor. The infrastructure the current government met on ground has been destroyed already without any repair. No new roads. No monumental project. If you ask me what monumental project this administration will be noted for, the answer is none”, he added.
Be that as it may, the thinking of many people in the state is that Ekweremadu is the candidate to beat in 2023 and that is largely why his rumour to move to APC is heightening political tension in the state. Will Ekweremadu move his political train to APC or All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or remain in PDP to advance his political career? This question will be answered as events unfold.
Imo: APC, PDP in battle to the finished
In the beginning, it was a straight political fight between PDP and APP/ANPP in 1999, 2003. Later in 2007, PPA founded by former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, though without any roots, produced the Imo governor but not without the support of PDP. However, APGA shocked all when it produced the governor with Owelle Rochas Okorocha as the candidate in 2011. Owelle, after a while, jumped to APC and won a re-election in 2015. As Okorocha was getting ready to leave the Imo State Government House, he nursed the ambition of handing over to his son-in-law Chief Uche Nwosu.
That singular act divided the APC into three factions to wit: Okorocha’s group, the Coalition faction, comprising the leader TOE Ekechi, then deputy governor Eze Madumere, Jude Ejiogu, etc, and the Hope Uzodimma’s camp. With this, the APC never entered the governorship election with one accord. The result was the emergence of the PDP candidate, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as the winner of the election. Meanwhile, the supreme court, in a most dramatic and magical manner, declared Uzodimma, winner of that election. Therefore, 2023 will still be a straight battle between Uzodimma’s APC and Ihedioha’s PDP. “Uzodimma will like to prove that his victory at the supreme court was not a fluke, while Ihedioha and his PDP still smarting like a wounded lion from what they called “miscarriage of justice” are poised to re-knack their 2019 heroic feat. Here, the Owerri and Okigwe zones who have been complaining of the hijacking of the Imo State Government House by Orlu zone, may decide to work together. Since 1999, Orlu has will be 20 years in office while Owerri zone is none and Okigwe four years”.
If the current fight between Uzodimma, Okorocha and Araraume continues as it is likely assuming none yields ground to each other, APC should kiss 2023 goodbye in Imo State.
Abia: Ngwa force may derail zoning arrangement
Certainly, Abia 2023 will witness fierce horse tradings, alignment and realignment. The zoning arrangement commenced in 1999 which saw Abia North producing Chief Orji Uzor Kalu as governor on the platform of PDP, was equally graciously respected by Kalu himself who also insisted that power could not go to the south without touching down at the central. To that effect, he aided the emergence of Chief Theodore Orji in 2007, that time, not in PDP but PPA. Before not too long, the two Orjis fell apart and Theodore left PPA for PDP and easily won a re-election in 2011. According to Barrister Udo Chima Njoku, “ In 2015, Orji was lauded when he still toed the path of zoning and assiduously worked for the election of the present governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. It is expected that he too will obey the zoning arrangement that has kept Abia in peace”.
Indeed, there is already a trouble of zoning in Abia. The Ngwa clan that has nine out of the 17 local governments in the state is of the opinion that power must still be retained in the area. “The zoning arrangement in the state is a good one”, said Engineer Jude Ubani, a political commentator. He added, “The zoning first produced Orji Kalu from Abia North. The second was Theodore Orji from Abia Central, and then the current governor, Ikpeazu from the South. Remember in 2007, Kalu told us that power could not jump from north to south without stopover at central. Now, do you honestly think that, as it is now, that power can fly from south to north without it starting all over again from the north, move to central and then north? What I am saying is that power must stay in the north for the next eight years. We are still obeying zoning”.
There are Ngwa wards who are even saying that enough of zoning. Those who belong to this school of thought are saying that “since the three zones have had opportunities in the rotation arrangement, there is no basis again for any zoning again. All the zones in the state have men and women of capacity, courage and capacity. Let anyone who wants to contest the Abia election indicate interest and the people will decide”, Chika Abana, a public opinion moulder said.
Really, it said that there are well known Ngwa sons and daughters who are interested in the 2023 governorship tussle and so their associations are now supporting the idea of no zoning. Politicians like Enyinnaya Abaribe, Reagan Ufomba, Nkechi Nwogu, etc are all eyeing the Abia Government House, Umuahia.
Those in the north like minister of state, Dr. Uche Ogan., Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe., and the deputy governor Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu are all eyes on the governor’s seat. Ibe revealed why he should run for the governorship election in 2023. He said; “I have full intention to be governor of Abia State. I started having that intention to be governor in 2011 and in 2014, I had that intention also, but the then governor Theodore Orji, a man who believed in zoning for peace, stability and development asked me to wait, that it was zoned to Abia South, the Ngwa enclave. Now I believe after waiting for this long, I should be in the race.”
