Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr David Nweze Umahi, incumbent Senator Micheal Ama Nnachi and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, have made the final list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as candidates of various political parties to represent Ebonyi South in the Senate.
The list was released by the electoral body on September 20, while names of candidates for Governorship and House of Assembly elections will be released on October 4.
Umahi’s name appeared on the list as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), after obtaining a court order to that effect.
Senator Micheal Ama Nnachi, who is the incumbent Senator, is for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Linus Abaa Okorie made the list for the Labour Party, after defecting from the PDP ahead of the party primary in May.
Other candidates for Ebonyi South include Eleje Ifeanyi Inya (APGA), Kelechi Nnachi(SDP),Akpa Nweze Innocent (ADC), Reuben Uche(AA), Ogbonna Idam (NNPP) and Ibeabuchi Ajah (NRM).
However, the contest is actually between Umahi, Ama Nnachi and Abaa Okorie.
Umahi, whose second term in office ends in May next year will fight to become the first Governor of the state to go to the senate from the Government House.
It is pertinent to note that Nnachi who is contesting for second term hails from Afikpo Bloc, comprising two local government areas(Afikpo North and South local government areas) whilst Umahi and Okorie hail from the Old Ohaozara political bloc, comprising three local government areas (Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo).
Okorie who is contesting under the Labour Party was a former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institution.
He represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency between 2011 to 2019.
Ebonyi South Senatorial District is a district to watch ahead, and during the elections.
The Sun