Anambra PDP Gov Primaries: Andy Uba Wins

Senator Andy Uba, former Special Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, was yesterday declared winner of one of the parallel primaries organised by the PDP to pick its candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.

Former students leader, Tony Nwoye polled 498 votes in the other primaries, followed by Senator Nicholas Ukachukwu with 378 votes. Uba, according to the result declared after the election conducted by the Kenneth Emeakayi faction recognised by the party’s national secretariat polled 645 votes, followed by Emma Anosike with 110 votes.

Jerry Ugwoke got 86;Patrick Ugbomah -89;Mike Okoye -22;Ugochukwu Okeke -20;Alex Obiogolu -17;Mrs Josephine Anenih -3;Walter Okeke -2;and Tony Nwoye -1. The result was announced by the Returning Officer, Dr. Kenneth Enemuoh.

The election was supervised by a delegation led by Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State. With him were Sen. Ndoma Egba and Gombe State Governor Dankwambo.

It was almost marred by a fight between supporters of two of the aspirants during the accreditation of delegates. The police led by the Area Commander for Awka, Deputy Commissioner of Police Yusuf had to tear gas the arena to disperse the crowd. Two persons were injured. The parallel primaries organised by the INEC and Court recognised Ejike Oguebego faction were peaceful.

Before their accreditation exercise, the aspirants had met with the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ballah Nasarawa where they had a closed door meeting. Governors Shema and Dankwabo who also attended the meeting pleaded with them to eschew rancour in the interest of the party. Shema said only one person can be governor at a time.

However, one of the aspirants, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, told The Nation yesterday that what happened in the place was the same old story. He said some aspirants used thugs to cause confusion before the Police intervention adding, “if we continue like this, I pity PDP”. At the Emmaus House venue of the parallel primaries, supervised by PDP leaders from the Southeast, Azodo, Emeke and Dike praised the Oguegbego led PDP for organizing a rancour free primary, adding that the credibility of the exercise was not in doubt.
The returning officer of the exercise was former speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. KC Enemo led a five man team which included the South East PDP Women leader Mrs. Tonia Nnankwu.