Drama took the centrestage as three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contestants for the House of Representatives for Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State yesterday declared themselves winners in parallel primaries conducted at three venues in the industrial town of Nnewi.
At Nnewi Youth League Hall, Mr. Julius Oforma was announced winner with 121 votes while at another exercise that took place later at Anaedo Social Club, the incumbent member of House of Representatives for the area, Chief Chris Azubougu, was declared winner with 105 votes out of the total 123 votes cast. Similarly, at Kings Palace Hotel, the third aspirant, Dr. Harry Ohanezi, was declared winner.
The PDP senatorial primary election in the state was, however, devoid of such drama. Senator Andy Ubah emerged as the party’s candidate for Anambra North, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife for Anambra Central and Mrs. Stella Oduah for Anambra North.
In the case of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), candidates that emerged victorious were the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, unopposed for Anambra Central; Chief Dubem Obaze, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi, for Anambra North; former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Ernest Ndukwe, for Anambra South.
Though Umeh was the only aspirant in his zone, delegates of the party still voted at a well-attended primaries held at the Finotel Hotels, Awka.
Speaking after the declaration, a visibly elated Umeh said that he would not disappoint the people of the zone if he emerges victorious at the end of the polls.
In Anambra North, Obaze polled 219 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr. Patrick Obianwu, who scored 145 votes. Chief Mike Areh scored 39 votes, Chief Nelson Onubuogu 26 votes and Chief Emmanuel Okafor 13 votes.
In Anambra South, Chief Ndukwe polled more than 300 votes to defeat the former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Okey Udeh, and former Commissioner for Information, Chief Maja Umeh.
•Photo shows Victor Umeh.
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
