Hon. Jude Osumuoh Emerges Nzuko-Ora Nnewi President After Tightly Fought Election

 

NNEWI, ANAMBRA — In a show of democracy and community participation, the people of Nnewi, under the umbrella of Nsuko-Ora Nnewi, came out in their numbers on Sunday to elect a new leadership that will steer the affairs of the industrial town for the next four years. Following a tightly contested election, Hon. Jude Osumuoh, a seasoned community leader and respected businessman, emerged victorious, edging out his rival, Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, in a nail-biting finish.

The election, which held under a peaceful and well-organized atmosphere, saw delegates and stakeholders from across the four quarters of Nnewi—Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi—gather to decide on who would lead the apex town union into a new era.

Osumuoh, a former National Chairman of Ndiakwu-Otolo Nnewi and also a past President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), secured 133 votes to defeat Prof. Chukwuma, who garnered 117 votes. With a slim margin of just 16 votes, the contest was a testament to how much support both candidates enjoyed within the community.

The newly elected leader will take over from Chief Maduka Atuenyi, who has served as President for the past four years. Atuenyi’s tenure was marked by infrastructural push, peaceful engagements, and community development projects, setting the bar high for his successor.

Hon. Osumuoh, who also served as the immediate past Vice President of Nsuko-Ora Nnewi, is no stranger to the complexities and responsibilities of the role. His track record in both traditional leadership and economic development gives him an edge as a bridge between Nnewi's industrious commercial community and its cultural heritage.

In his acceptance speech, Osumuoh expressed gratitude to the people of Nnewi for the confidence reposed in him. He praised the maturity displayed by the electorate and extended an olive branch to his opponent, Prof. Chukwuma, urging him and his supporters to join hands in building a stronger Nnewi.

“This is a victory for Nnewi, not just for me. I salute Prof. Chukwuma for a hard-fought campaign and his contributions to the town’s intellectual and cultural capital. Now is the time for unity and progress,” Osumuoh declared.

Observers described the election as one of the most competitive in recent years, pointing to the high voter turnout and the spirited campaigns that preceded the event. Both candidates had put forward compelling visions for the town’s development, especially in light of Nnewi's standing as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs.

Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, a respected academic and community advocate, congratulated his opponent in a brief but gracious message, stating that he remains committed to the growth and stability of Nnewi, regardless of the election outcome.

With Osumuoh now set to take the reins, residents and stakeholders are hopeful that his administration will consolidate on the gains of the past while tackling pressing issues such as infrastructure, youth empowerment, and increased collaboration with state and federal agencies.

As Nnewi looks forward to the next four years, all eyes will be on Hon. Jude Osumuoh to bring his experience, leadership, and vision to bear in a way that honors the town’s rich legacy and propels it into even greater prominence.