Anambra South Coalition Insists on Nnewi North Candidate for Senatorial By-Election

 

 

The Coalition of Anambra South Progressives has issued a strong call for political parties to field candidates from Nnewi North Local Government Area in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial by-election, emphasizing the need for equity and fairness.

The senatorial seat became vacant following the tragic passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024. Since then, the zone has remained without representation in the National Assembly for nearly eight months. During a press conference held in Awka on Monday, the leader of the Coalition, Mr. Obi Chukwuemeka, expressed deep concerns over the prolonged vacancy and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite the process of conducting a by-election.

Chukwuemeka called on INEC to take immediate action, giving the commission a two-month deadline to organize the election, as already approved by the Senate. He stressed that Anambra South has suffered setbacks in infrastructure development and constituency funding since the demise of Senator Ubah.

"Anambra South Has No Voice in the Senate!" – Coalition Laments

“We gather here today to advocate for a core democratic principle: equity and fairness,” Chukwuemeka stated. “The unfortunate passing of our indefatigable senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, has left our people voiceless in the highest legislative body in the country. This is an anomaly that must be corrected without further delay.”

He further argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not permit prolonged vacancies in representation, insisting that it is unacceptable for Anambra South to remain without a senator. According to him, for over seven months, critical decisions affecting the region have been made without their input at the federal level.

Push for Nnewi North Representation

Beyond just calling for an election, the Coalition specifically demanded that all political parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should only field candidates from Nnewi North LGA.

“This is not merely a political consideration but a moral obligation,” Chukwuemeka emphasized. “The people of Nnewi North lost their son while he was serving them. It is only just that they be given the opportunity to complete their rightful tenure.”

The coalition also appealed to political parties to put empathy above political strategy, arguing that choosing a candidate from Nnewi North would be an act of solidarity and fairness. “We are calling on APGA, APC, PDP, the Labour Party, and other political parties to see this as a duty to the people, rather than just another election,” he added.

Respect for Zoning Agreements

Chukwuemeka reminded political stakeholders that during the 2023 general elections, many voters backed Senator Ubah because it was widely believed that Nnewi North should be allowed to complete a second term. According to him, altering this arrangement would set a bad precedent and could lead to political instability in the future.

“Honoring this zoning arrangement will not limit the quality of candidates available for the election but will instead strengthen democracy by ensuring that each region within Anambra South gets fair representation,” he said.

Anambra South Faces Development Crisis

The Coalition leader lamented the current state of infrastructure decay and lack of constituency projects in Anambra South. He argued that without a senator in the National Assembly, the district has been unable to access crucial development funds, leaving communities in dire need.

“Our youths and women are struggling due to a lack of empowerment initiatives, while our roads, schools, and healthcare facilities continue to deteriorate. This is a direct consequence of not having a voice in the Senate,” Chukwuemeka asserted.

He concluded by reiterating the Coalition’s demand for urgent action, stating that the people of Anambra South cannot afford further delays in getting their rightful representation.

With pressure mounting, all eyes are now on INEC and the political parties to determine whether they will heed the call for a by-election that respects the existing political structure and honors the legacy of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.