There is an element of politics in everything we do in life. Politics is involved even in the minute decision we make every day because you have to shuffle ideas and shelve one for the other. Greek philosopher Aristotle sums it up thus “Man is by nature a political animal.” – This explains why we seek to be in control of the helm of affairs wherever we find ourselves. In this report, Emenike Ikedichi Ubani examines the political situation in Abia State and the politicians likely to contest for the seat of power in Umuahia in 2015.
It is a battle of wits, political intrigues and influences as politicians who have an intention to vie for the 2015 gubernatorial election in Abia state have commenced underground moves to position themselves favourably for the task ahead. The political actors and their foot soldiers have started their groundwork, putting in necessary strategies and machinery to realize their lofty dreams. To ensure that they will not be lagging behind when the electoral umpire gives the nod for the contest, many of them have started funding their political structures, foundations and engaging in well-publicized philanthropic works in a calculated bid to endear themselves to the public. They have also started lobbying associations, influential individuals, and traditional rulers in the state in order to soften the ground for the task ahead.
What makes the race more interesting is that Gov Orji would be completing his second and last tenure of office in 2015 and it is assumed that anybody who wins will automatically have greater chances of securing a second term because of the incumbency factor and the huge financial war chest the position guarantees any incumbent amongst other advantages. This makes the race dicey and something to watch out for because it is certainly not going to be for the lily livered and political neophytes.
On the other hand, there is presently an agitation for power to rotate to Ukwa/Ngwa based on an understanding between the founding fathers of Abia state that power should revolve between two major blocs in the state which is the Old Bende and Aba Divisions. The agreement was signed, sealed, and called the “Abia Charter of Equity” between the stakeholders at the creation of the state. The proponents of this position insist that the Old Bende Division which comprises of the present day Bende, Arochukwu,Ohafia,Isiukwuato,Umunneochi,Ikwuano,Umuahia North and South local governments areas have had their turn and it is now the turn of the Aba Division which is the present day Ukwa/Ngwa bloc which encompasses Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa south, Obingwa, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo, Aba North, Aba South, Ukwa East and Ukwa West local governments areas.
However, another group disagrees and argues that It will be in the interest of political equation and equity to zone the governorship slot solely to the Abia South Senatorial zone which comprises of six local government areas namely Aba North and South, Ukwa East and West, Ugwunagbo and Obingwa. They also opine that the three local councils namely Isiala Ngwa North, Osisioma Ngwa and Isiala Ngwa South which falls within the Abia Central zone should wait for power to rotate back there again because the present governor is from that zone. Their central theme is that out of the three senatorial zones of the state, which are Abia South, Abia East and Abia Central, only Abia South is yet to produce a governor as other zones have had their turns. They therefore want the contest to be based on zones and not the Old Bende and Aba divisions.
There is also another school of thought who insists that power is not given on a platter of gold but rather fought for through the ballot. They argue that the race should be thrown open to all and sundry as it will give a leeway for the best candidate to win. They also buttress their argument by saying that the Ngwa people have always contested the gubernatorial elections since 1998 despite the zoning factor. This also accounts for the reason some politicians from other zones are revving up their political machines to slug it out with their counterparts from Ukwa/Ngwa when the time comes.
On the other hand, from all indications, Governor Orji is favourably disposed in having an Ngwa person succeed him and he has been reported severally by the media to have openly expressed his desire at several fora to have someone from the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc replace him as governor when he quits the exalted office in 2015. It is therefore believed that an Ngwa man will surely be governor come 2015 if Gov Orji does not renege on his promise to prop up a successor from the Ngwa clan in the PDP, which is the ruling party in the state. What is not known now is the proponent of zoning that will eventually carry the day when the time comes. It is also clear that Orji and President Goodluck Jonathan hold the aces because they have a greater part to play in whoever will emerge as the flag bearer of the party for the upcoming polls.
Other political parties are yet to indicate whether they would use the zoning formula to produce their candidates. This is however due to the merger of some major opposition parties, which led to the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC), which has been registered and approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).It is believed that they are still trying to put their house in order before making pronouncements in that regard. A faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), which refused to go into the merger, is likely to tow the zoning route as it has a candidate from the Ukwa/Ngwa clan who contested the 2011 guber elections who is also seriously making moves to see that he remains the anointed candidate of the party.
Meanwhile the Peoples Progressive Party (PPA) according to media reports is trying to transmute under a new name and they are still going through the process at the INEC office so there is nothing from that angle for now. There also reports of new parties waiting for approval from INEC. Until they settle down for business, a clear-cut analysis cannot be made on party basis for now but PDP from all indication is the only party firmly on ground in the state.
There is however a snag in the wheels of progress for the Ukwa/Ngwa clan who are agitating for power to be given to them. This, according to some political pundits is the large number of politicians rumoured to be interested in the highly coveted seat from the Ngwa clan. This, it has been noted has been the albatross of the clan in previous elections. Their inability to become organized and come out as one strong and united front with a candidate has made the seat elude them for a long time in spite of their much touted population advantage. Everybody wants to be a leader and in charge. There is even a saying that there are always one or two politicians in every family in the Ngwa clan most especially in Obingwa local government, which is noted as the “heart of politics” in the state.
Be it as it may, it is pertinent to highlight some politicians who are believed to be interested in the gubernatorial race gauging from their activities, which point towards that direction.
The prominent among the likely contestants are follows:
Barr.Friday Nwanozie Nwosu
He aptly fits into the Igbo saying which goes thus “if you overlook/ignore the small pot, it will boil over and douse your fire.” The meteoric rise of this grassroots politician in the politics of Abia State has surprised many who did not count him a factor in the scheme of things few years back.
The legal practitioner and human rights activist who hails from Mgboko Umuoria in Obingwa LGA earned the sobriquet of Ikpeghiebeghi (money cannot buy) because of his principled stand during the Otu-Onu battle during the reign of former governor, Orji uzor Kalu. It is said that he was offered large sums of money and juicy appointments in order to support the former governor in his re-election bid and leave the Out-Onu camp but he rejected all offers amidst political persecution and intimidation. He was a staunch supporter of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. That action has endeared him to his supporters who see him as someone who cannot be bought. He is said to have been one of the strong pillars of the movement, which nearly stopped Kalu from getting a second term in office.
Nwosu has always been a strong advocate for power shift to his Ngwa clan. He is a counsel to the federal government of Nigeria and is believed to unfettered access to the presidency anytime he wants because of the influence of his friend the Bayelsa State governor,Henry Seriake Dickson. Dickson who is said to be seriously in support of his political ambition is said to be his colleague while they were in the police force and they attended Law school together .
His unique selling point appears to be his accessibility for now by the people he is rumoured to be planning to govern. Furthermore, one of his strengths is that he has not held any visible political position prior to his perceived ambition and does not belong to any of the known political camps in the state. He seems to be content in building a power base for himself without antagonizing anybody. His rating rose further when he attracted two sitting governors, Gov. Orji and his Bayelsa counterpart, Seriake Dickson at the traditional marriage ceremony of his daughter in his country home some months ago. It almost became a political carnival because it attracted prominent politicians from within and outside the state. He is said to have a huge financial war chest to prosecute his perceived ambition when the time comes.
Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe
Senator Abaribe hails from Ohuru in Obingwa LGA. He is an economist by profession. A former deputy governor of Abia state who fell out with his boss, Orji Kalu in their first tenure. He contested the 2003 guber race against Kalu as the flag bearer of All Nigerian peoples Party, (ANPP) but lost due to the exigencies of that time. His name is synonymous with the Otu-Onu slogan, which was a brand name in Abia State as at then. He is noted to have ignited a lot of political consciousness amongst his Ngwa kinsmen during his political battles with Orji Kalu and his electioneering campaigns thereafter. He indicated interest to contest the 2007 guber race in PDP but stepped down for Chief Onyema Ugochukwu in obedience to the party’s directive. He was also interested in the 2011 governorship polls but shelved it due to his reconciliation with Governor Orji who came back to the party from PPA. Again, it is also said to have been in obedience and in the interest
of his party.
Abaribe who is a two time senator and who also doubles as the mouth-piece of the Senate in his capacity as the Chairman media and Communication Committee has never wavered in his desire to become the governor of Abia State. It is believed that he is gearing up to take another shot at the highly coveted seat in 2015.He is known to be a master strategist who is very good in political battles. His country home in Ohuru was the meeting point for politicians in Abia South during the 2011 elections and all battles to win elections for the PDP were planned from there. He has a large following who believe staunchly in him. He also has the resources to give other aspirants a run for their money.
Hon Uzo Azubuike
Barr. Uzo Azubuike is a grassroot politician who has held positions at the local level and risen gradually to assume higher positions of authority at the national level. He is adept at making friends and valuable connections wherever he is. He hails from Umuosu Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA which is located in Abia Central. He was a state legislator for eight years and became the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly as at then.
Uzo is currently a first timer in the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of PDP and chairs the House Committee on Public Petitions. He is very close to Governor Orji and is said to have his ears at all times as most of his desires are given due attention. It is believed that the Governor will gladly have Uzo succeed him as the next governor of Abia state if he has his way. Uzo was recently given a grand civil reception by Aba Ngwa traditional Rulers on the grounds of Abia State Polytechnic. He brought the leadership of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha to the event. Other prominent politicians who graced the event include Governor Orji and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Ude Okochukwu amongst others where they all gave excellent speeches extolling his virtues and urged the public to support him in whatever political endeavour he aims at in future.
Sen Nkechi Nwaogu
The delectable senator was born in Umuapu, Isialangwa south LGA but is married in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. Sen Nkechi was a close associate of Senator Abaribe during the Otu-Onu days. He was central to her winning election into the House of Representatives in 2003 to represent the Obingwa/ugwunagbo/Ossisioma Federal Constituency. In 2007, she decided to move higher and contested for a seat in the Senate which she won to represent Abia Central Senatorial zone. She is currently on her second lap. Da nkee as she is fondly called by her supporters has degrees in Management. Her political career started in 1998/1999 when she unsuccessfully sought to be governor on the platforms of UNCP and APP respectively.
Nkechi who is the Chairman senate Committee on Gas Resources in the senate appears from public opinion to be the best in terms of representations among the three senators from the state. She is a politician who strives to achieve what she wants and she has not lost any election since 2003.She is the only woman that appears to be interested in governing Abia State. It remains to be seen if the society and the women folk will give her support to achieve the lofty ambition when the time comes.
Chukwuemeka Wogu
Barr Wogu is the current Minister of Labour and Productivity and he is a grassroot politician who has also been a vice-chairman and later former council chairman of Aba South LGA in Abia State. He later won a seat to the federal House of Representatives in 1998. He also worked briefly in former Gov.Kalu’s government as a political adviser before representing Abia State for two terms at the Revenue Mobiliization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) before he was appointed a minister by President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2010 when he was still in acting capacity .He is also said to have a cozy relationship with the President which could work in his factor in the event that he declares for the plum job.
Reagan John Ufomba
Ufomba is a business man turned politician who hails from Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa local government council which is in Abia Central zone. He served in ex Gov Orji Kalu’s administration as a special assistant. He contested the 2011 gubernatorial election as the flag bearer of APGA but lost to the incumbent governor. His teeming supporters call him Ochiagha. He seems to be the only strong critic of Gov Orji’s administration after the election as others have hibernated or joined the ruling party in order to get patronage and survive. He has not relented in telling the public that he still wants to have a chance at the position come 2015 using APGA as a platform. His faction of the party did not join the Rochas faction in the merger with the All Progressive Congress (APC). He is very active on the social media, especially facebook which he is using to brand himself and reach out to the public in readiness for the looming battle. He has earned many
supporters for his outspokenness and for being one of the consistent critic of the present administration.
Rt Hon, Eric Acho Nwakanma
Nwakanma hails from Umuorji Ohanze village in Obingwa LGA. He has degrees in Biochemistry. He became prominent in Abia State politics in 1999 when he won election into the Abia State House of Assembly to represent Obingwa East Constituency. He also became the Deputy Speaker of the House before becoming a Deputy Governor of the state under the leadership of ex Gov Orji Kalu. He was called back to serve again in the position in 2010 when Comrade Chris Akoma fell out with Gov.Orji.
He is a rival of Senator Abaribe and he gave Abaribe a run for his money in a hot contest for the Abia South Senatorial position on the umbrella of Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) in 2007 but lost to the later. It was also believed that he was revving up his political machinery for the same position in 2011 but buried his ambition due to an agreement between the Orji’s camp and the Abaribe’s camp where it was decided that political office holders in the various camps be given the support the go back for a second tenure in the spirit of reconciliation.
He is reportedly nursing the ambition to vie for the governorship post in 2015 and he also has admirers who eulogize him for the road which he built while he held the reins of office as an acting governor during his reign with his former boss,Orji Kalu. The road which was christened Acho Nwakanma road leads directly to his compound in Ohanze.
His supporters say it is an indication that he will do well in office if given the opportunity since he could achieve that feat in a short while. Acho is also a very close pal of Governor Orji who goes to various official engagements with him. He was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Board of National Neuro Psychiatry Hospital, Enugu by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Comrade Chris Akoma
Akoma is from Nenu village in Obingwa LGA.He began his political career in Abia state when he was told to drop his ambition for House of Assembly for Uche Nwanpka in 2003.He was later compensated with the post of a special adviser to ex gov,Orji Kalu before holding the portfolio of the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the same administration.He was thereafter drafted to contest the 2007 gubernatorial election as a running mate to Gov.Orji in Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) which they won.
At a certain point, he was the rallying point for the joint ticket when his boss, Orji was arrested and put in detention by the EFCC at a point in the campaign.
He fell out with Gov Orji in 2010 in the buildup to the 2011 general elections when he miscalculated and elected to stay in PPA with their godfather, former governor, Orji Kalu while Gov Orji decamped to APGA. That was a big mistake as political pundits allege that Orji Kalu did not give him the much promised and needed political and financial support in his quest to be governor in 2011. Sources say he is not happy with the way he was treated by Orji Kalu despite his loyalty as he would have still been in power as the deputy governor of the state in the present administration if he had followed Gov Orji.
He has since then been silent politically. But he may also be bidding his time while studying the terrain to decide if he will throw his hat in the ring for a rebound come 2015. The platform he may use to contest is not yet known.
Dr Nyerere Anyim
Anyim is from Aburuike Isiugwu village in Obingwa LGA. He is a certified accountant and can also be called a rival of Senator Abaribe because he has contested for the Abia South Senatorial seat with him in 2007 and 2011 but also lost to the later. He is the General Manager of the Rochas Group of companies owned by the Imo state governor , Owelle Rochas Okorocha who is believed sponsored his two previous failed attempts at the senate seat.
Nyerere is hoping to leverage on the political machine of his boss, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state to capture Abia State for their new party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). Nyerere is also the National Vice-Chairman of the newly registered party. He also has funds at his disposal to pursue his ambition.
Chief Marc Wabara
He hails from Ohambele in Ukwa East LGA and he is speculated to also have his eyes on the gubernatorial polls come 2015.He is a former banker who made his mark in the institution and he headed the defunct Hallmark bank. He indicated interest in the gubernatorial polls in 2007 but later withdraw when he saw that the chances did not favour him. He was more in the limelight when his brother ,the former senate president, Senator Aldopus Wabara was in power but he hibernated for quite a while. He may be planning a rebound to the political scene from all indications.
Chris Nkwonta
He is businessman with deep pockets and has been noted for a lot of philanthropic activities. Nkonta is from Akwete in Ukwa East LGA. He appeared on the political scene in the 2011 election and contested with Senator Abaribe for the Abia South Senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to the later. He has enormous resources to prosecute whatever political position he eventually decides to go for in 2015.It is believed that he has undergone more political tutelage and baptism which may serve him better in further elections. He is also a staunch member of the ruling PDP as he was appointed the Chairman of an 11 member Abia State Subsidy Re-investment Board.
Chief Okezie Orji
Orji is a PDP chieftain and an indigene of Akpaa-Mbato in Obingwa LGA. He became prominent in political activities in the state when he contested the 2007 PDP primaries election with Chief Onyema Ugochukwu. He gave Onyema a run for his money but lost the ticket to the later. He is an associate of Governor Orji and once held the post of a Commissioner for lands and Housing in the state.
Chief Ikechi Emenike
He is a renowned publisher, politician, and philanthropist from Umukabia Okpuala village in the Ohuhu Community of Umuahia North LGA. He once contested for the 2003 Abia North Senatorial elections in ANPP and lost. In 2007, he contested the gubernatorial election under the ANPP platform and lost to Gov Orji. In 2011, he decamped to PDP and contested the guber ticket with Gov Orji and also lost to the later. A testament to his popularity was the roll call of prominent politicians which cut across party lines at the dedication of a church in memory of his late father in his village in December last year. Emenike is also very wealthy to comfortably finance his electioneering campaigns.
At this juncture,it is pertinent to state that the list of potential candidates for the 2015 governorship election in Abia State is inexhaustible for now. Names like that of former House of Representatives member, Hon Stanley Ohajuruka, Prince Paul Ikonne, the current Acountant General of Abia State, Chief Gabriel Onyendilefu, and a three time member the House of Assembly representing Obingwa West Constituency, Hon Uche Nwampka are being touted as potential aspirants.
Majority of the intending aspirants are in the People’s Democratic Party at least for now. It is indisputable that some of them may be pretenders aiming to be compensated with contracts or juicy appointments at the federal level and even seats in the national assembly, if they come to terms with the anointed candidate at the end of the day while some are actually spoilers. Furthermore, it is expected that as the time draws near, more aspirants who have watching in the sidelines and gauging the atmosphere will throw their hat in the ring. It is also certain that in due course, the chaff will be separated from the wheat and the zoning formula mentioned earlier in this piece may be a deciding factor.
Who will emerge Governor at the end of the day? Only God has the answer to the question as no fortuneteller can accurately predict the person in this unpredictably game called politics.
