Widow of Murdered Anambra Lawmaker Steps Into Political Arena Amid Party Confusion and Public Support

 

The political landscape of Anambra State is stirring again, this time with an emotional mix of grief, hope and controversy. Mrs. Justina Azuka, the widow of the slain member of the State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, has officially joined the race to fill the seat left vacant by her late husband. Posters bearing her image and political aspiration have surfaced, signaling her intention to contest the Onitsha North 1 Constituency seat.

A tragic cloud still hovers over the murder of Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped in Onitsha on Christmas Eve of 2024. Despite public outcry and unconfirmed reports that a hefty ransom had been paid, his decomposed remains were discovered weeks later at the foot of the Second Niger Bridge. His death not only shocked the state but also sparked a flood of sympathy and public demand for his wife to step into his shoes.

Public sentiment has since gathered behind Mrs. Justina Azuka, with community leaders, political stakeholders and civil society groups urging the Labour Party to nominate her as a show of solidarity and continuity. The call was both a gesture of compassion and political strategy, as many believed her candidacy would resonate deeply with constituents.

However, despite the groundswell of support and widespread speculation that the Labour Party would back her bid, a fresh twist has emerged. Campaign materials now show her flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. This unexpected shift has left political observers and supporters puzzled, questioning whether Labour Party had abandoned her or whether deeper internal politics were at play.

A source close to the Labour Party leadership shed light on the situation, explaining that while Mrs. Azuka was initially selected as the party's consensus candidate, issues with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complicated the process. According to the source, “She was our original candidate. But due to the legal uncertainties around the Abure and Nenadi Usman leadership tussle within LP, it became risky to proceed with her name on our platform. The party had to act fast and move her candidacy to ADC to avoid any INEC-related setbacks.”

The same source confirmed that despite her running on a different party's ticket, the Labour Party will fully support her campaign. “All our leaders are with her. Her campaign is being coordinated by our top political strategists. We are not fielding anyone against her; we will throw our weight behind her from the background,” the source added confidently.

This alignment across party lines has added a curious twist to the unfolding narrative, as it essentially turns Mrs. Azuka into a unity candidate, drawing sympathy votes and cross-party endorsements.

Meanwhile, the race is not without strong opposition. The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has nominated Mimih Ikpeazu-Azikiwe, a scion of the respected Ikpeazu dynasty. Known for her political pedigree and grassroots connection, Ikpeazu-Azikiwe is expected to mount a serious challenge. Her entry has transformed the contest into a high-stakes battle not only of sympathy and legacy, but also of strategy and influence.

Analysts believe the emotional weight of Justice Azuka’s brutal death may work in favor of his widow. For many in Onitsha North 1, voting for her would not merely be a political decision but an act of remembrance and justice. However, with APGA’s candidate coming from a prominent political family and commanding a solid support base, the election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable by-elections in recent memory.

On the streets of Onitsha, the campaign has already begun to gain momentum. Residents can be seen debating the implications of Mrs. Azuka’s party switch and the symbolism her candidacy represents. While the emotional narrative around her campaign is powerful, it remains to be seen whether it will translate into electoral victory, especially in a state known for its unpredictable political shifts.

Beyond the contest, larger questions loom regarding the security of political actors, the responsiveness of law enforcement and the role of party machinery in times of tragedy. For now, all eyes are fixed on Justina Azuka and what could be both a personal and political comeback amidst the most tragic of circumstances.