A renown American political philosophy of French extraction, Maris Dyverger once wrote: “The Supreme Authority in any political system is derived from the popular will of the people who may voluntarily transfer such political authority to their representatives whether in the Legislature or Executive.” That is why many people condemn anybody who acquire political authority through election rigging, coup detat or other forms of machination, such a person lacks both moral and political authority. That makes it imperative for those seeking political public office to ensure that they have the popular will of the people as the foundation upon which they should represent the people.
Thus, as the next general elections beckons, many aspirants, particularly those aspiring to the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives or State House of Assembly have been moving around their prescribed constituencies trying to enlist the support of the people and eventually their popular will through appropriate election.
One such person who has been traversing all the nooks and cronies of the Owerri Senatorial Zone is Honourable Dr. Samuel Danddy Anyanwu, currently representing Ikeduru Local Government Constituency. In fact, as things stand now, nobody
would argue that this lanky, well… built with imposing personality has not given his aspiration time, efforts and resources.
Recently, at the NUJ Press Centre Owerri, a number of Journalists had gathered to take a stock of what is on the ground as far as many races are concerned. In fact, in almost unison, they agreed that the only race which is like not to cause a lot of headaches for parties and individual aspirants is that of Owerri Senatorial race. Most of them said that they based their assessments on the reality of the matter because Sam Danddy Anyanwu appears to be ahead of those who have already declared for the Senate seat in Owerri Zone.
Besides, there appears not to be many interested aspirants for that position anywhere in Owerri Zone. Unlike in Orlu Senatorial Zone where it is strongly believed that Senator Hope Uzodima is likely to re-contest because if he wins as he is likely to, it will make him a third term Senator which will place him on a high position vie for the Senate President or Leader if the political calculations remains as they are today in the Senate. Although, Senate Osita Izunaso is going to be a formidable opponent, Hope as a serving Senator may have more resources and connections to rattle Osita, a fine gentleman who successfully completed four years in the senate popular with people. Of course, political calculation is not the same thing as empirical statistics.
In Okigwe Senatorial interests, the aspiration of Benjamin Uwajimogu, of the current Senator and two others may make the race very keenly contested. However, everybody knows that the Senate Seat is likely to go to Okigwe North since Okigwe South had held it twice since the
emergence of the current dispensation, besides, Benjamin Uwajimogo’s track record as the speaker of Imo House is likely to impair his chances.
Furthermore, why many believe that Honourable Danddy Anyanwu is ahead of other aspirants is the extent of his mobilization, contact and solicitation. It is on record that he has so far touched base with notable leaders in the nine Local Government Areas that make up the zone. His aspiration has so far received popular reception among the stakeholders in those Local Government Areas particularly in Mbaise Area, Ikeduru and Mbaitolu.
Besides, those two or three others who have indicated interest tend not to be serious. Perhaps, they were merely flying kites to assess their electability prospects. But over and above every other thing, what is going for Honourable Daddy Anyanwu is his background and track record which is both solid and intimidating. Having served his Ikeduru Local Government Area as both Transition Chairman and also as an elected Chairman and in addition having been elected twice with solid votes to Imo House of Assembly, in addition to other political public offices he held in the past, he is certainly the man to beat.
Moreover, having started his bid quite early, he has placed himself in a better position. After all, “early to bed is early to rise.” And in political contest, starting early certainly places one on a solid advantage. However, nobody not even Sam Daddy himself can count his eggs before they are hatched. Because, twists and turns in politics are too unpredictable. But for sure Honourable Daddy Anyanwu has gone far and his experience and knowledge are things that will make his armoury solid and himself invincible.
