Ripples over INEC’s PDP list in Anambra

The list of senatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is causing ripples in Anambra State.

The commission on Tuesday listed the state’s political godfather, Chief Chris Uba, Senator Annie Okonkwo and former Minister of Transport Chief John Emeka as the candidates.

PDP had submitted the names of Uche Ekwunife representing Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constituency, former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and Senator Andy Uba to INEC.

Following the latest development, some people believed it was the end of PDP in the state. Others saw it as a good action.

One of the party’s chieftains and the state Coordinator, Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM), Comrade Obi Ochije, told The Nation yesterday in Awka that the people would vote for those who had the interest of the state at heart.

He said what the country needed at this period were people who could instil discipline and give the people the dividends of democracy.

Ochije said: “Nobody is talking about party any longer, but anybody or group that can save the country. The nation is in a bad shape and needs good governance.”

Another member of the PDP, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation that things had fallen apart in the PDP.

Despite INEC’s list, Ekwunife said she would go ahead with her campaigns.

The Nation learnt that Chris Uba would storm Anambra State tomorrow to begin his campaigns.

A source said he would arrive the state with PDP bigwigs, adding that members would await him and his entourage at the Amansea border of Enugu and Anambra states.

Ekwunife yesterday visited the monarch of Nawfia, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, Igwe of Nawgu and Igwe of Abba, both in Dunukofia Local Government.

She said: “Our senatorial project is still on course, no shaking.”