Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, the Anambra South Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his admiration for Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, referring to him as his “elder brother”. Onunkwo made this statement during the New Yam Festival at Agbiligba Square in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area. He emphasized that despite their political differences, he harbors no ill feelings towards the governor.
Onunkwo's comments were in response to recent remarks made by Governor Soludo during the commissioning of a 1.03km road project in Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The governor had suggested that Onunkwo, a businessman, should focus on his business rather than politics. Onunkwo, however, chose not to respond to or attack the governor, citing their differing party affiliations. He instead focused on his senatorial ambition and his desire to work with Soludo for the betterment of Anambra South and the state.
The Nation gathered that Onunkwo contributed N170 million to complete the road project. Despite this, Soludo made comments that seemed to downplay Onunkwo's involvement in politics. Onunkwo clarified that his priority is to pursue his current senatorial ambition and work with Soludo if elected to the Senate. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with the governor to bring dividends of democracy to the zone and the state.
Onunkwo previously served as coordinator of Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu's campaign council and chairman of Soludo's campaign council in Ekwusigo Local Government Area before joining the NDC. He was subsequently denied the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senatorial ticket during the party's primaries before moving to the NDC. This experience did not deter Onunkwo from his goal of representing his people in the Senate.
Onunkwo's chances against the incumbent senator representing the district are a topic of interest. He expressed confidence that the electorate would ultimately determine who is popular and capable of representing them. Onunkwo emphasized that he wants to go to the Senate to represent his people well and lift standards. He believes that the electorate will vote for whoever they see as popular and who they think can represent them well.
The NDC candidate's decision not to engage in a public feud with Governor Soludo demonstrates his focus on his senatorial ambition. Onunkwo's statement that Soludo is his elder brother and governor suggests that he values their relationship and is willing to put aside political differences for the greater good. This approach may help Onunkwo gain support from voters who value unity and cooperation.
As the election approaches, Onunkwo's message to the electorate is clear: he is committed to representing them well and working with Governor Soludo to advance the interests of Anambra South and the state. With his NDC ticket, Onunkwo is poised to give the incumbent senator a run for his money. The outcome of the election will ultimately depend on the voters' assessment of the candidates' popularity and capability to represent them effectively.
Key points
- Chief Ebuka Onunkwo says he has no disagreement with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, describing him as his “elder brother”.
- Onunkwo contributed N170 million to complete a 1.03km road project in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
- Onunkwo is confident that the electorate will determine his popularity and capability to represent them in the Senate.
