By David Onwuchekwa
When Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death in July 2024 created a vacuum in Anambra South’s Senate seat, it set the stage for a political contest with implications beyond legislative representation.
The outcome will influence not only the voice of the district in the National Assembly but also the balance of political power ahead of the 2025 governorship election and the 2027 national race.
With the August 16 by-election approaching, four visible contenders have emerged with distinct political capital, campaign styles, and challenges.
Chief Emmanuel “Emma” Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is a banker, accountant and entrepreneur, unanimously endorsed by APGA leadership, signalling strong internal unity.
He has pledged to focus on empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable growth for the district. With APGA’s dominance in Anambra politics and the full backing of Governor Charles Soludo, Nwachukwu enjoys strong party machinery, early momentum and wide visibility.
However, his heavy reliance on the APGA brand means he could be vulnerable if voter apathy sets in or if dissatisfaction with Soludo’s administration rubs off on him. If APGA remains united and turnout in its strongholds is high, Nwachukwu is widely seen as the front-runner.
Chief Sir Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a seasoned politician, former Commissioner for Works and Transport, former local government chairman and respected figure in the South East. He secured the APC ticket with a decisive 470–57 primary win and has been engaging traditional rulers, women’s groups and youth leaders in an organised campaign.
His strengths lie in experience, discipline and the backing of the ruling party at the federal level.
However, APC’s historical weakness in Anambra and the need to break into APGA’s strongholds remain major hurdles. Okwuosa’s best chance lies in converting party structure into grassroots votes, particularly in a low-turnout scenario.
Barrister Donald Amamgbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) represents a fresh, untested option. A lawyer by training, he has focused on positioning himself as an alternative to the dominant parties. While ADC lacks the organisational depth of APGA or APC, Amamgbo’s candidacy could influence the race by drawing support from young or undecided voters, potentially affecting the margins in tight local contests.
As the election nears, the key determinants will include party mobilisation and unity, the effect of vote splitting by minor parties, the weight of endorsements and grassroots energy, as well as turnout and the credibility of the voting process. A fair and peaceful election will likely favour APGA’s numbers advantage, while any disruption or low turnout could give APC an opening.
At present, Nwachukwu holds the edge as the establishment favourite, Okwuosa stands as the strongest challenger with the organisational discipline to spring an upset, and Amamgbo remains the wild card capable of shifting the final outcome.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has settled for Chief Chris Uba as its candidate for the August 16 contest .
Uba’s emergence followed the endorsement of the PDP Grassroots Alliance, which backed him as a consensus choice without fresh primaries, citing his long-standing loyalty to the party and his deep political experience.
A well-known figure in Anambra politics, Uba enjoys strong name recognition and significant visibility across the district, advantages that could aid his campaign.
However, his candidacy also comes with notable challenges. Uba’s political history is shadowed by controversies, including past allegations linked to the 2003 political crisis involving then Governor Chris Ngige, which continue to shape public perception.
His defeat in the 2019 senatorial race by the late Ifeanyi Ubah further raises questions about his electoral appeal. Some analysts believe his selection may be more symbolic than strategic, given the PDP’s weakened base in the South East and APGA’s dominance in Anambra politics.
As the by-election draws closer, Uba will be relying on party loyalty, grassroots support, and his political stature to turn the tide in his favour, while contending with the weight of past controversies and a formidable field of opponents.
Saturday August 16 will determine who the cap fits.
