BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Respite has come the way of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finally publishing his name as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in next year’s general elections.
The electoral umpire indicated that the Ebonyi Chief Executive made its list based on the existing court order. Governor Umahi had been in court with Mrs Ann Nwanyibuife Agom-Eze over who becomes the authentic candidate to represent APC in the Ebonyi South Senatorial zone.
Going by the INEC’s published list, also making the list are Linus Abba Okorie of the Labour Party (LP), and Senator Ama Nnachi as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s flagbearer.
The checklist also has Egwu Reuben Uche, (AA), Akpanwaze Macson Innocent (ADC), Eleje Ifeanyi Inya, (APGA), Leo Ogbonna Idam (NNPP), Ibeabuchi Levi Ajah NRM, and Kelechi Nnachi Ulohuo (SDP).
According to INEC, the battle for Ebonyi North senatorial ticket will feature Senator Samuel Ominyi Egwu of the PDP, Onyekachi Nwebonyi of the ruling APC, and Enigwe Anslem Okwy who will be representing LP.
Similarly, the race for Ebonyi Central senatorial seat will feature Lazarus Ogbe of the PDP, Kenneth Eze Emeke of APC, Onwe Uzor Emmanuel (APGA), and Nwuruku Lawrence (LP).
Meanwhile, insiders close to businessman and President/CEO of Ultimus Holdings, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court as the PDP Gubernatorial candidate for Ebonyi State, hinted about celebrations in his camp with claims that all their associates made the list as PDP candidates for the National Assembly seats.
In the tussle to control the soul of opposition PDP in Ebonyi State, Senator Obinna Ogba, who had his gubernatorial dreams thwarted by the apex Court ruling, had a few days ago addressed his supporters urging them to keep hope alive as the INEC-recognised list of National Assembly candidates for the 2023 general elections are members of his camp.
