Essential Ndubuisi
By Linus Chukwuma
The festive season has offered so much in terms of engagements. Politicians especially guber aspirants have squared up in the ring, telling Ndi Anambra what distinguished them from the pool of choices. It’s particularly less than a year to go to the polls, but before then, there must be an internal democratic processes – primaries – to select candidates in every party. At the moment, the greatest threat to the present seat of power is the Peoples Democratic Party.
Never in the history of the party have we had the rarity of what we are witnessing – eminently qualified – personalities with intimidating track records to trounce convincingly other parties, going forward, in the polls. My statistics may be erroneous, but I doubt, if PDP have won more than two LGAs in guber elections in Anambra since 2003.
The Senator representing Anambra Central, Uche Ekwunife, had on January 3, 2021, told Anambra North stakeholders of the party in a meeting held at the residence of Dr. Okey Umeano in Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, Anambra state, that she is in the Governorship race to win. She reiterated that, the party ticket should be given to someone who understands the peculiarities of every zone, broad-minded and has the capacity to gather people together to make PDP a formidable platform in the state.
Without no iota of contempt to other parties, but the seriousness and insistence are indicators that PDP is a party to beat. I agree completely with the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology, that the upcoming election will be a defining moment for the party.
Almost the last thing I remembered on the last day of examination – in the University – was the defining moment. Five years before that day, I was at an impasse on whether or not to continue with the academic pursuit. Thus, as far as I can remember, my academic defining moment was picking the Pre-degree form in same institution.
Not many knew how many times I wrote Jamb before I was offered admission. Thousands of stories out there are even more touching than mine. In contrast, our defining moments are never the same.
In a widely circulated statement issued by Ekwunife’s SA Media, Kingsley Ubani, on January 4, 2020, he stated that, the Igbo-ukwu born Senator promised to conduct LGA election within a year upon coming to power. I read, also that Ekwunife will reduce cost of governance. Many especially women have quoted her, saying that she will create a platform for women to come onboard. All said, the promises are enticing, very good if I must say.
Ekwunife’s knack for winning elections is not up in the air. Her two sponsored bills: Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2019 and Local Government Autonomy Bill 2020 gives credence to her word.
Her brio and feats have made her the foremost aspirant in the party. And it will be a no-brainer to have a seasoned administrator like Ekwunife fly the party flag.
For the PDP, Anambra guber election will present Nigerians ample opportunity to witness how resolved they are to reclaim Aso rock in 2023. And it begins with the choice of candidate. There should be no room for trial and error of any sort.
Yes, Ekwunife has assured that her vehicle is already driving towards Agu Awka, all the party delegates need is, to hand her over the ticket. The statement validates that giving her the ticket will be a defining moment for the party and the state. Those who know the Senator very well trust, that she has the courage and strength to squarely face governance, if elected.
