As the hand of clock keeps ticking towards 2015 for the next general election, one location that the primaries for parties to select its candidates and the main election will be interesting to monitor is Ikeduru state constituency in Owerri zone of Imo State. Reason being that the LGA is epicenter of classified politicians in the state. Moreover it has never been an easy task for any aspirant and candidate to easily excel without undergoing scrutiny in the hands of abundant political leaders spearheaded by one and only Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo and the political leader of the area, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Anybody doubting this fact should consult Dr. Ukaegbu, Rt. Hon Kelechi Nwagwu, Chief Sam Aka and Hon Sam Daddy Anyanwu et al what they have experienced winning an elective position in the LGA. Ikeduru no doubt is Iwuanyanwu’s political colony where he is the colossus and adored by many. However, along the line, another influential political playmaker has emerged and fast drawing influence to divide the Ikeduru political class. The person is Prince Charles Amadi, popularly called Chalvon. Chalvon’s meteoric rise in the political circle may not be unconnected to his leadership of the Owerri Zonal Political Leadership Forum, OZOPOLF, which is said to be championing the emergence of Owerri Zone governor in 2015. Chalvon it was gathered can be said to be gathering the desired political clout to rank with Chief Iwuanyanwu in Ikeduru politics\.
The Iwuanyanwu and Chalvon divide will manifest in 2015 election especially in the state Assembly seat to be vacated by the incumbent Hon Sam Daddy Anyanwu, even as other factors like general acceptability by the Ikeduru people will be the determinant factor. Remarkably, Sam Daddy is bidding bye to the House of Assembly Chamber for greener pastures at the Upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly to represent Owerri Zone. The lucky politician from Amaimo honoured with Ikeduru Clan Chief Title has already declared and commenced intentions to run for the Senate position in 2015, thereby creating an opening for a newcomer to represent Ikeduru interest in the House of Assembly.
So far, about twelve persons are reported to be interested and have began consultations to make their dreams come true. One unique aspect of the identity of those filing is that they are from Ikeduru West. In Ikeduru politics, there are two divides of Ikeduru West and Ikeduru East. Sam Daddy who is completing his second tenure is from Ikeduru East. Therefore, it will be abnormal for any Ikeduru East man to venture into the race in 2015.
In the race for the State Assembly Seat is a notable ally of Iwuanyanwu, Sir Bon Unachukwu. Odds favour Unachukwu to pick the PDP ticket for the eventual race. Unachukwu who is a household name in Ikeduru politics was a manager in Hardel &ENIC, one of Iwuanyanwu’s firms. He has proper knowledge of the local terrain of Ikeduru politics to excel having been in the system for a while and enjoying Iwuanyanwu’s tutelage. As a likeable personality and nice jolly good fellow Unachukwu is likely going to get sympathy support across board. Those loyal to Iwuanyanwu and Charlvon Camp may give him support also. Unachukwu is from Atta same community with Iwuanyanwu. Following Unachukwu is shapume. Shapume is another household name in Ikeduru politics.
Though his popular name is shapume but the shrewd grassroots politician is identified as Chief Charles Opara from Uzoagba in Ikeduru west area of the LGA. He is also one of the notable men in Iwuanyanwu camp with strong affinity to Hon SamDaddy. shapume is also familiar with political trends in Ikeduru having functioned as PDP secretary and coordinator of several office seekers in the past. In the last dispensation, he was among the break away group that joined Senator Chris Anyanwu to deliver her in APGA for the Owerri zone Senatorial ticket. Shapume also has an edge to be counted among the top contenders. His only minus is observing a break with PDP departure to APGA. Despite the shortcoming, shapome is enjoying support from the leaders.
If intelligence and academic background should be a yardstick for choosing would be Ikeduru House of Assembly member in 2015, Dr Gabriel Onyekuru from Uzoagba will be at the forefront. He has a rich academic background and political exposure to speak the voice of his constituents if elected. Dr Onyekuru has no blemish unlike some previous politicians who may have smeared their record or integrity. However, the academic doctor should realize that scholarly gains do not translate into political victory considering the murky type of partisan politics played in Nigeria.
Finally from the Uzoagba squad is Chief Dennis Okwu. After previous attempts in the past to unsettle the incumbent for the position, Okwu fondly called Sweet Apple is poised to break the jinx in 2015. A welfarist to the core, Sweet Apple who has his business in Port Harcourt will exploit his community service programs to warm himself into the heart of Ikeduru people. A clearing and forwarding expert, Okwu has also paid his dues in the local scene and eagerly seeking for pay back time. He is also said to be a favourite for the throne considering his large purse which can easily prosecute the election.
Chief Samson Emele (Ability) is another Trojan in Ikeduru politics that cannot be ignored in the race. Emele ran against Sam Daddy three years under ACN and is said to be warming up for freshers in the constituency. Emele is also reported to be in the camp of Charlvon and is back to PDP where he will seek the ticket. Emele is from Umudim Ikeduru West.
Apart from Unachukwu, Atta community has about four aspirants, namely Chidi Okoroafor, Sir Steve Nwaiwu, Chief Sam Okoro, Okaneme Anyaehie and Barr H.N.G Amadi. All of them are plotting political loopholes to excel ahead the election.
Another interesting personality said to be interested in replacing Sam Daddy is the chairman of Ikeduru LGA, Chief Sam Aka. Aka is grounded and has achieved in the past to be counted as a serious contenders. His councilor and other categories of appointees in the LGA during the era can work as foot soldiers and mobilizers for the task ahead.
Following the return of Ishimmiri Njaba, to PDP member representing the state constituency in the House, Hon Chino Obioha who went on the ticket of defunct ACN is also back and trying a second round venture in 2015. However, he will receive obstacles from many aspirants championed by the chairman of Njaba local government Chief Ikwubuo. Fondly called Agunechemba of Njaba people.
As a likeable personality and grassroots-oriented politician, Ikwubuo is a force to reckon with in Njaba politics. He is also highly favoured in the Njaba South and North divide in the sharing of political offices in the areas. The division goes along with Ndi ofe mmiri factor those across the Njaba River on Owerri Orlu road have exhausted their chances and likely to hand over to the Umuaka clan where Ikwubuo comes from: Rt Hon Chuma Nnaji started the race in 1999 to 2003. He merited a second chance from 2003 to 2007 when he became a Depury Speaker. After Nnaji came Hon Barr Joe Emenaha from the other divide than Umuaka Clan. Emenaha who would have covered a second tenure for their area was cut short by his kinsman, and incumbent from the same divide to complete the two tenures. Therefore, Ikwubuo stands a chance since it will be rotated to their clan.
Ikwubuo as a grassroots man is said to be in touch with prominent political leaders and likely to exploit his deep relationship with the councilors of his area, and other local appointees to upset other competitors for the position.
