Amamgbo, Nwachukwu, Uba — top contenders for Ifeanyi Ubah’s senate seat

It’s just a few hours to the Anambra south senatorial by-election. The All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and other parties are locked in fierce internal and external contests over who succeeds Ifeanyi Ubah at the red chamber.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed August 16 for the by-election, bringing an end to months of uncertainty following Ubah’s death. He was elected under the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2023 but defected to the APC before his demise.

Here’s a look at the major contenders expected to shape the poll.

EMMANUEL NWACHUKWU (APGA)

Nwachukwu, widely known by the alias “Onodugo”, is the anointed candidate of Charles Soludo, the state governor.

Despite his low political profile and being virtually unknown to many even within the party, he emerged following a meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge, after which Soludo reportedly directed other aspirants to step down for him.

Party insiders have expressed concern that the governor may be betting on a weak hand, but hope remains that APGA’s historical dominance in the state and incumbency advantage could play in his favour.

However, the party faces internal grumbling from those who feel Soludo imposed a candidate on the structure, risking a voter backlash.

AZUKA OKWUOSA (APC)

Okwuosa is a familiar name in Anambra politics. A former commissioner and longtime grassroots player, he enjoys the backing of key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress.

Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, coordinator of the Anambra APC Renewal Group, believes Okwuosa’s record outshines those of his rivals across party lines.

“Since the APC has presented a candidate that resonates with party members and the public in Azuka Okwuosa, then the APC can be sure of retaining the seat,” Napoleon said.

“A lot of people who were with Ifeanyi Ubah are with Azuka Okwuosa. APC has a chance. We stand a chance.”

He also cited dissatisfaction with the Soludo administration as fuel for the APC’s momentum, predicting that August 16 would be “a prelude to November 8”, when the party hopes to unseat the APGA governor.

CHRIS UBA (PDP)

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Uba, is a well-known political entity who vied for the same position in 2019 but was defeated by the late Ubah.

Given the prevailing condition of the PDP in Nigeria today, many political observers believe Uba may simply be occupying a symbolic space rather than actively contesting the senate seat.

Though he remains the only candidate from Aguata LGA, there’s little to suggest he will perform better than he did in 2019. Public perception of him remains coloured by his 2003 fallout with Chris Ngige, the former governor, a political episode that still lingers in the memory of many voters.

DONALD AMAMGBO (ADC)

Amamgbo, a businessman and philanthropist, is flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

While the party lacks strong grassroots structures in Anambra, Amamgbo is hoping that personal goodwill and outsider appeal could sway a segment of the electorate disillusioned with traditional politicians.

He is banking on networks in Nnewi and diaspora support to fund and power his campaign, especially via online platforms and youth engagement.

PRINCE OFORBUIKE (YPP)

Oforbuike’s emergence as the YPP candidate shocked many. Seen as a last-minute pick from Orumba south — Soludo’s zone — Oforbuike benefited from a backroom move that saw him outspend an associate of the late Ubah, Sam Ben Nwosu, by purchasing the YPP expression of interest and nomination form, reportedly pegged at N22 million.

But political watchers say Oforbuike stands no real chance in the by-election, given that Orumba South is not a political stronghold in the senatorial district.

THE BATTLE AHEAD

With Nnewi north expected to be the swing bloc, the by-election will likely come down to who secures the loyalty of key local leaders, marshals strong financial backing, and connects with voters at the grassroots level.

The outcome of the poll may also serve as a bellwether for the governorship election scheduled for November 8.