-Group Accuses Udenwa, Others Of Nepotism
Confusion has engulfed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the emergence of two individuals laying claim to the party’s candidacy for the Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
What appears to be a clandestine move to replace Chinaka Okehi, who was originally shortlisted as the party’s candidate, came to light recently when Okey Okafor allegedly began presenting himself as the NDC’s candidate for the federal constituency.
This development is said to be contrary to a widely circulated party press release that listed Okehi as the duly returned candidate whose name had already been published.
A party source, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, alleged that former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, had been appointed as the party’s South-East leader and was using his influence to ensure that the three elective positions—the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate—were secured by his kinsmen from Orsu Clan.
“As a matter of fact, they continued mounting pressure even after Okehi’s name had been published until they allegedly substituted him with Okey Okafor. It is obvious they are not as interested in Peter Obi’s electoral victory as they claim. Rather, they are more interested in using his popularity to secure elective positions for selfish gain,” the source alleged.
Reacting to the development, Comrade Steve Anugwom, National President of the Isu Clan Consultative Assembly, described the situation as a repeat of what allegedly occurred in 2011, when, according to him, Udenwa appropriated the Orlu Zone senatorial ticket, ensured that the House of Assembly ticket went to his relative, and the House of Representatives ticket to his neighbour.
“So, invariably, Udenwa’s Orsu Clan kinsmen are the people on the ballot in Orlu Zone, probably because of his political closeness to Senator Seraki Dickson,” Anugwom alleged.
He added that the Isu Clan had taken note of what he described as Udenwa’s “shenanigans” and would resist any attempt to sideline or shortchange politicians of Isu extraction.
“Isu Clan will do everything within its power to ensure that no politician of Isu extraction is rubbished, sidelined or shortchanged by any individual or group, no matter how highly or lowly placed,” he said.
Anugwom further urged Udenwa and his associates to concentrate on working towards Peter Obi’s victory in the 2027 general election rather than pursuing what he described as personal political interests that are not in the overall interest of the people.
One factual point to verify before publication: your draft first refers to a repeat of a 2018 conspiracy in the headline, but the body repeatedly mentions 2011. You should confirm the correct year and make the headline consistent with the story.
