Ebonyi South Elite Class Vows to Resist APC’s Attempt to Exclude Chief Austin Umahi from Senate By-election

The Ebonyi South Elite Class has declared its firm opposition to any move by the State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at sidelining Chief Austin Umahi from the upcoming senatorial district bye-election scheduled for February 2024.

Expressing their discontent, the group strongly criticized the decision of the APC’s SWC to zone the senatorial ticket to Onicha Local Government Area, labeling it as undemocratic and unjust.

The APC’s SWC, following an emergency meeting, announced the zoning of the senatorial position to Onicha LGA, thereby excluding Ohaozara LGA, Chief Austin Umahi’s hometown.

Dr. James Enyinnaya, the national coordinator of the Ebonyi South Elite Class, emphasized in a statement that the SWC’s reasoning behind the decision was misleading. Contrary to claims that Onicha LGA lacked political representation, Enyinnaya pointed out notable individuals from the council holding significant positions in the state.

Examples include Prof. Monday Igwe, the medical director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, the current vice chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Rt. Hon Valentine Okike, a commissioner in the state, and Engr. Felix Igboke, the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat.

Enyinnaya highlighted that despite these positions, Onicha people had not supported the APC during the last general elections. He cited instances where they opted for candidates from other parties, such as the Labour Party.

“Hon Ogbonna Okike, Valentine’s younger brother, is an SSA to the governor, and the council boasts two other SSA’s and two SA’s,” he mentioned, illustrating the political influence of Onicha LGA.

The group further underlined that Onicha residents had chosen to vote for the Labour Party candidate instead of supporting their own, Igboke, during the House of Representatives elections.

Enyinnaya concluded by pointing out that a candidate from Onicha LGA had previously contested for the Senate under the Labour Party but did not secure victory.