It is no news that the Independent National Electoral Commission has released its final list of candidates that will be vying for the Anambra governorship seat come November 16, but what is till surprising and baffling is the unexpected exclusion of the two main contenders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra; Tony Nwoye And Senator Andy Ubah.
It will be recalled that these political gladiators of Anambra state PDP have had to clash over who will represent the party in the fourth coming governorship elections, as parallel primaries were conducted the same day in the state and both men emerged flag bearers of both factions, an event which became a problem for the ruling party at the center, considering the fact that the PDP vowed to do all it can to claim former PDP controlled states from opposition of which Anambra state is one.
The National working Committee in a swift reaction, recognised the primary which produced Tony Nwoye and conducted by the Katsina state governor, stating that any other individual parading him or herself as flag bearer of the party, should be dealt with by security operatives in the country.
The PDP Leadership then summoned Andy Ubah and others to appear before it for questioning, but they refused which led to their suspension from the party.
Ubah and the others on learning of their suspension, headed to the court, where the suspension order was overturned, while asking parties to maintain status quo till the outcome of its judgement.
The court later recognised Tony Nwoye as the flag bearer of the PDP in line with the leadership of the party but in a twist of event, Nicholas Ukachukwu the candidate that came second behind Tony Nwoye during the primaries, went to court challenging the emergence of Tony Nwoye, with a claim that he won the primaries.
The court ruled in favour of Nicholas Ukachukwu, hinting that Tony Nwoye actually does not qualify as a candidate in the primaries.
On grounds of the latest order as delivered by the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/296/2013 – Nicholas Chukwuejekwu Ukachukwu vs. Dr. Tony Nwoye & 3 Ors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) then listed Nicholas Ukachukwu as the Flag bearer of the PDP with the names of 22 other governorship candidates for the Anambra polls in November 16.
INEC said it has made use of the court orders and the form submitted by parties to compile the names on its candidate’s list.
APGA which almost had the same issue with the PDP also got Mr. Willie Obiano as its flag bearer, while Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah was listed for Labour Party and Mr. Chris Ngige for the APC.
INEC said the names on the list are the people permitted to conduct electioneering campaigns for the election.
The electoral commission however warned that any violation of this rule amounts to an electoral offence and security agencies are advised to intervene.
