Ahead of the local council elections set for October 2024 in Enugu State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a significant step by electing its chairmanship candidates for all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) on Wednesday. This crucial process was a part of the party’s broader effort to prepare for the upcoming elections.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, the PDP also held elections to select its councillorship candidates for the 260 electoral wards throughout the state. This comprehensive selection process aimed to ensure that the party’s candidates are well-prepared and representative of the diverse communities within Enugu State.
Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State extended his congratulations to all the winners and commended the party members for their peaceful and orderly conduct during both primary elections. The smooth running of these elections was a significant achievement and demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
The Wednesday event was marked by a large turnout of party delegates and stakeholders from all 17 LGAs. This high level of participation was a testament to the party’s strong organizational structure and the enthusiasm of its members. The elections saw most candidates emerging victorious after weeks of consensus-building and negotiations. Many of the aspirants who did not win the primary elections openly supported the successful candidates and encouraged their supporters to back them in the general elections.
Among the candidates who were re-elected were two former council chairmen: Hon. Okechukwu Edeh of Nkanu East LGA and Hon. Obiora Obeagu of Isi-Uzo LGA. Edeh received a unanimous vote, garnering all 42 votes cast by delegates in Nkanu East LGA. Similarly, Obeagu achieved a clean sweep in Isi-Uzo LGA, receiving all 33 votes cast by delegates.
Other notable winners include; Beloved Dan Anike for Enugu East, Jude Asogwa for Nsukka, Caleb Ani for Enugu South, Ibenaku Onoh for Enugu North, John Ogbodo for Nkanu West, Ugochukwu Nwanjoku for Aninri, Uche Okolo for Awgu, Vita Ndu for Ezeagu, Gregory Anyaegbudike for Oji River, Hyginus Agu for Udi, Michael Ogala for Igboeze North, Ferdinand Ukwueze for Igboeze South, Aka Eze Aka for Udenu, Eric Odo for Igbo Etiti, Chijioke Ezugwu for Uzo Uwani.
In their acceptance speeches, both Edeh and Obeagu expressed their gratitude to the party members for their trust and support. They assured that they would work diligently to support Governor Mbah’s rural development initiatives if elected by the people in October. Edeh emphasized his readiness to serve and urged his supporters to work hard in their campaigns.
Governor Mbah praised the conduct of the primary elections, highlighting their peaceful and fair nature. He expressed satisfaction with the process and confidence in the quality of the candidates selected. The governor reiterated his belief that the PDP’s candidates are well-equipped to drive innovative development programs at the grassroots level.
Other prominent figures who attended and supported the process included Hon. Okey Mbah, the Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development Mrs. Ngozi Enih, PDP state Youth Leader Hon. Patrick Okoh, and several other key stakeholders. They commended the primary elections and voiced their confidence in the PDP’s ability to succeed in the upcoming elections.
Prof. Chris Ngwu, Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), who observed the elections at Amagunze, described the process as “credible, free, and fair.” He reaffirmed ENSIEC’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process.
