Victor Ezeja
To clear the air on the permutations making the round about imposition of candidates in Enugu State, the governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has said such will not take place in the build up to the primary elections at least within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Ugwuanyi made this known on Thursday in Enugu while addressing some protesters from Udi North State Constituency in Udi Local Government Area of the state.
While addressing the protesters in Igbo language, the governor distanced himself from any attempt to impose candidates on the party and the people, vowing that he would remain neutral as aspirants for all elective positions continue with their consultations begining from local government level up to governorship.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEnugu State is predominantly, PDP which has retained power virtually at all levels since 1999.
There have been reports of the governor making moves to endorse a candidate who would succeed him.
Some stakeholders from Udi led the protest against alleged imposition of candidate for the Udi North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
Ugwuanyi said his interest is to ensure the sustenance of the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
He urged the protesters to return to their constituency and engage with other stakeholders on how to resolve the issue of who would represent them in the State House of Assembly, adding that he would only intervene if they fail to reach a compromise on who gets the party ticket.
Leader of the group, Mr Chidi Wilfred, said they embarked on the peaceful protest as a result of what he called “intra constituency marginalisation in their area.”
His words, “We came to register our grievances and hopelessness as it seems the government is playing on us or making light of our cry.”
Wilfred who is also the coordinator of Intellectual Young Leaders of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, lamented that only one electoral ward has been representing the constituency in the state House of Assembly for the past 12 years.
“The same ward wants to go for the fourth time, whereas, some wards in the constituency have not gone even once.
“We expect the government, like every other sensible and sensitive government, to respond to our call for fairness and equity,” Wilfred stated.
He further said they expect the state government to address the issue of marginalisation in the area in order to give them a sense of belonging.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
