TDStrong political reactions have continued to trail reports that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is considering handing its ticket for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency to a serving lawmaker, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, through a zoning or consensus arrangement ahead of the 2026 primary elections.
Party stakeholders and political observers within the constituency have described the alleged move as a dangerous gamble.
they said it is capable of destabilising the party’s grassroots structure and weakening its electoral chances.
The Emergence of Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe
Uzokwe, who hails from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives.
He emerged victorious in the 2024 rerun election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The rerun followed prolonged legal and electoral disputes arising from the 2023 general election.
However, critics of the proposed arrangement insist that the lawmaker’s political history in his home base raises serious concerns about his electoral strength.
Uzokwe, an Inconsequential Political Light Weight
According to political analysts in the area, Uzokwe suffered a major setback during the 2023 election in Ekwusigo Local Government — his ancestral domain.
He reportedly lost heavily to his APGA counterpart there despite serving at the time as the President General of Ozubulu community.
During the said election, Uzokwe garnered a paltry 5,938 votes compared to the 11,048 polled by Nwachukwu Uchenna Clement Eleodimmuo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Opponents within the political bloc argue that such a performance should serve as a warning signal to any party considering offering him an automatic ticket.
“Politics is local.
“If a candidate could not convincingly dominate his own local government while occupying such a powerful community leadership position, what assurance exists that he can withstand the fierce political battle expected in 2026?” a stakeholder from Nnewi South questioned.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s Influence
Observers further noted that Uzokwe’s eventual victory in the 2024 rerun election was significantly aided by the political machinery and influence of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.
Senator Ubah is widely regarded as the major political force behind the Young Progressives Party (YPP) structure in Anambra South at the time.
The late senator’s influence, financial strength and grassroots network were believed to have played decisive roles in mobilising support across the constituency during the rerun.
With Senator Ubah now deceased, critics argue that the political equation has drastically changed.
They contend that Uzokwe may struggle to retain the seat without the backing of the late political heavyweight whose structure allegedly powered his emergence.
Uzokwe’s Structure, Legacy, Grassroots Influence
Adding to the concerns is the fact that Uzokwe is no longer serving as the President General of Ozubulu community.
This is a position many believe previously boosted his grassroots visibility and influence.
Political commentators say the loss of both the community leadership platform and the support structure associated with Senator Ubah leaves major questions hanging over his political future.
“On what structure, legacy or grassroots influence will he rely in 2026?” another concerned party loyalist asked.
Despite the growing criticism, supporters of the federal lawmaker insist that his current incumbency and legislative exposure still place him in a strong position ahead of future contests.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC had not officially confirmed whether a consensus arrangement in favour of Uzokwe had been concluded.
