By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has produced its candidate for the upcoming Anambra South Senatorial by-election scheduled for August 16, as former governorship aspirant, Chief Sir Azuka Okwuosa, emerged victorious in the party’s primary election.
Chief Okwuosa, a seasoned politician who has held different positions in the past, polled a total of 470 votes to defeat his closest rival, Barrister Obinna Uzor, who garnered 57 votes. Out of 594 delegates who participated across the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial zone, 22 votes were declared invalid.
The APC primary, which was peacefully conducted at the Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, was overseen by a seven-member electoral committee from the APC National Secretariat, chaired by Chief Henry Ikoh. The exercise witnessed the presence of INEC officials, security agencies, media representatives, and party stakeholders.
Announcing the results, Chief Ikoh declared Okwuosa as the duly elected candidate, noting that the process was transparent and in accordance with the party’s guidelines.
“By the authority given to me by the acting national vice chairman of APC, I confirm that election was held before INEC, security agents, media, and delegates. The exercise was peaceful, and I hereby declare that Azuka Okwuosa won the election and is hereby returned,” he declared.
In his post-election remarks, Chief Okwuosa expressed elation at his victory but noted that the celebration was mixed with a deep sense of responsibility, especially as the by-election arose following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away a year ago in the United Kingdom.
“He was a great senator, and within the period he was in the Senate, he did a lot. I see this as a challenge for me to take over from where he stopped,” Okwuosa stated, while dedicating the victory to the entire APC family.
Born on November 3, 1959, in Jos, Plateau State, to a devout Christian family from Anambra, Chief Okwuosa is widely respected in the political landscape of the state. His political journey has seen him previously run for the governorship under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and he also had a brief spell in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 1999 and 2003 before settling in the APC, which he described as a party that aligns with his aspirations for the greater good of Anambra State.
A man known for his bridge-building capacity and conflict-resolution prowess, Okwuosa has served as Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Council, Commissioner for Works and Transport in Anambra State, and Secretary-General of the South-East Development Initiative from 2002 to 2010.
In his reaction to the outcome of the primary election, the Anambra South Zonal APC Chairman, Chief Izuchukwu Okeke, congratulated Okwuosa on his resounding victory, describing him as a seasoned and reliable politician whose candidature would further strengthen the APC’s presence in the zone. He commended the peaceful conduct of the election and the maturity displayed by the delegates and aspirants throughout the process.
He further assured that the party leadership in the zone would mobilize all necessary support to ensure Okwuosa’s victory in the main election, stressing that APC in Anambra South is now more united and determined than ever. According to him, Okwuosa’s emergence has rekindled hope among party members and positioned APC strongly ahead of the by-election.
“We believe that with Chief Azuka Okwuosa as our flag bearer, APC stands a solid chance to reclaim Anambra South in the forthcoming by-election. His wealth of experience, political pedigree, and deep connection with the grassroots will be instrumental in this journey,” Chief Okeke stated.
Also reacting, the Nnewi South APC Chairman, Mazi Chidi Orjika, hailed the emergence of Okwuosa, describing him as a credible and marketable candidate whose candidature is widely acceptable not only within the party but also across party lines in the zone. He commended the delegates for their wisdom and for placing the party’s interest above personal considerations.
Mazi Orjika emphasized that the APC in Nnewi South and the entire Anambra South zone would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the party wins the forthcoming election. He noted that the entire party structure in the zone is already mobilizing for an aggressive, issue-based campaign that will secure victory for the APC.
While also paying tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Mazi Orjika described his death as a painful loss to Anambra South, but added that with Okwuosa now in the race, the party is fielding a worthy successor who understands the challenges of the zone and has the capacity to deliver qualitative representation.
With Okwuosa’s emergence, political analysts predict a robust contest in the August 16 by-election in Anambra South, as the APC strategizes to make a formidable push for the senatorial seat in a region where the party has been working to consolidate its presence.
