• Makes case for Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh

As permutations for the Imo West Senatorial contest continue to shape political discussions across Orlu Zone, concerned stakeholders within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have cautioned the party against what they described as the dangerous temptation of imposing an unpopular candidate ahead of the next election cycle.

The stakeholders, drawn from various political support groups and grassroots movements within the twelve local government areas in the zone, insisted that the party can only stand a realistic chance against the entrenched political structure of the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Hope Uzodimma if it presents a tested, visible and widely accepted aspirant.

According to them, Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh has continued to emerge as the most formidable figure within the opposition fold due to his growing grassroots acceptance, political reach and ability to connect with ordinary people across communities in Orlu Zone.

They argued that politics in the district has gone beyond elite endorsements and backdoor arrangements, stressing that only a candidate with deep grassroots penetration and people-oriented politics can effectively challenge the ruling establishment.

It was reiterated that the growing strength aligned with Odunzeh from the onset, including the 'OK Movement' and the 'Kwankwasiyya bloc', are coalitions popular among youths and party faithful.

They further warned that presenting a weak or unfamiliar candidate through political godfatherism could spell doom for the party’s chances in the senatorial election.

“This is not the time for political experiments. The people already know those who have remained with them over the years. If the NDC truly wants to confront the political dominance of the APC in Orlu Zone, then the party must field someone with proven grassroots appeal and political courage,” said an aggrieved youth leader from Eziachi ward.

The stakeholders further maintained that among the aspirants being discussed within political circles, Odunzeh remains one of the few names capable of generating genuine excitement among voters and energizing opposition supporters across the district.

They also stressed the need for fairness and equity in the zoning arrangement within Orlu Zone, noting that while areas such as Ideato, Orsu and Oru clans have repeatedly produced senators over the years, the Isu Clan deserves an opportunity to occupy the senatorial seat, where Odunzeh hails from.

According to them, giving the ticket to Isu Clan would not only promote balance but also strengthen the party’s acceptability across the zone.

Meanwhile, political associates of Odunzeh in a press briefing have dismissed as false and misleading a controversial AI generated photograph currently circulating on some social media platforms and blogs bearing the name of Odunze.

The group insisted that the image being linked to the aspirant does not belong to him, questioning the motive behind the circulation of the picture at a time political consultations and NDC senate primary are intensifying within the zone.

They alleged that the development may be part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at distracting the aspirant and misleading members of the public.

The associates urged party members and the public to remain focused on issues of competence, popularity and electability rather than what they described as “desperate propaganda.”

Moreso, the leadership of the NDC and the OK MOVEMENT were advised to consider a direct primary election for Orlu senate rather than a perceived consensus arrangement that may end up ruining the party’s mission statement and public trust gained so far.

Confidence was rife that for someone like Odunzeh who has his UBOM Movement intact, a former governorship candidate that enjoys the masses goodwill, he would emerge victorious if NDC adopts transparent process.