Tension has continued to grow in Abia on who emerges the flagbearer of Labour Party (LP) flagbearer come November 02, 2024 LG Polls in Abia.
Political analysts have continued to look at the credentials and prospects of some frontline aspirants in the LP as as the count down to the Abia LG Polls commenced.
Rumours have been flying and so many permutations have been going on on the November 2, 2024 Abia LG elections. A case study is Isiala Ngwa North LGA where three persons have shown interest to be the mayor of the local government. It is said that there are two old names and one new name who are interested in handling the zeal of the local government.
Let’s take a look at the three aspirants and what they represent;
1. HON. CY NWANKWO: It is said that Hon. CY Nwankwo is the current Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. A business mogul and philantropist who has helped the downtrodden in Isiala Ngwa North through his CY Nwankwo foundation. Mr. Nwankwo resides abroad and has been in active politics since the time of Gov. TA Orji. According to information available, the current Mayor boasts of having the governor’s blessings and has the financial muscle to be the executive mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. It is said that he has the support of the members of Abia Arise Structure, a structure of the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti and the face-off with the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe on who is the leader of Isiala Ngwa North might be a blow to his emergence as Ginger is well rooted in the grassroot.
2. AMB. INNOCENT CHIEDOZIE URUAKPA: Innocent, a young and vibrant business man who suffered defeat in the last election. He vied to be the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly but unfortunately lost to Hon. Iheonunekwu Collins Ugochukwu (OCHAKE) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Having contested under Labour Party platform and failed, he believes that he should be compensated with the office of the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. According to information he boasts of having the supports of Mr. Alex Alozie, Pastor Caleb Ajagba who is the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and his Otawike group. Addressing his followers, he claimed he has been helping Hon. Ginger Onwusibe in funding his Otawike structure since 2021.
3. ENGR. CYRIL ISHMAEL: In a society where having a “godfather” or a powerful connection is often seen as a guarantee for success, Engr. Cyril is shattering glass ceilings and defying conventions. This talented engineer has taken the road less traveled, choosing to be a self-sponsored candidate in his journey to excellence. Cyril is an American Military Veteran Invested in Auto Industry and Real Estates. Cyril seems to be the new comer who is vying out of his own personal conviction. Addressing his critics who called him new comer few days ago, he emphasized that he is firm believer in the saying that “we are blessed to be a blessing”, which is why he has always dedicated his resources to helping the poorest and weakest amongst us, stressing that charity begins at home. Engr. Cyril is said to be convinced that his vision for Isialangwa North is one that will place the LGA in the proper place of pride among the comity of LGAs. Cyril enjoys organic followers because of his philanthropic gestures as he has built houses, sponsored scholarships, host medical outreach programs, business start ups for the youths and many others but his major blow might be that he has no godfather. He seems to be an independent aspirant and such things hardly work here in Nigeria.
It will be interesting days ahead as the people of Isiala Ngwa North decide who will lead them if only the party will give all the aspirants a level playing ground and not impose candidates on the people.
