Pictures top to down: L-R: Hon Chinedu Anyaso, Hon Lotanna Ikebunwa and Hon Peter Uzokwe
By David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
A critical assessment of three aspirants, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Hon. Lotanna Ikebunwa, and Hon. Chinedu Anyaso jostling to represent Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly reveals a contest shaped by incumbency pressures, intra-party rivalry, and the strategic advantage of broader grassroots and economic networks.
Hon. Peter Uzokwe (Incumbent – ADC aspirant)
Uzokwe’s primary strength is incumbency. As the sitting member of the House of Representatives for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, he benefits from name recognition, legislative exposure, and access to federal influence.
However, incumbency also invites scrutiny. Elections at this level are often referendums on performance, and any perceived gap in constituency engagement, project delivery, or accessibility can significantly erode voter confidence.
Within the ADC, Uzokwe’s experience may give him a marginal edge in securing the ticket, but that advantage is not absolute. Internal dissatisfaction or a desire for change among party stakeholders could weaken his hold.
More importantly, the ADC is seen to lack the deep-rooted electoral dominance in the three Council Areas in particular and Anambra State generally that can easily convert candidacy into victory.
Hon. Lotanna Ikebunwa (ADC aspirant)
Ikebunwa, a mentee of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, represents a reformist challenge within the same party. His candidacy is likely built around the argument for fresh leadership and renewed energy. This positioning can resonate, particularly if there is fatigue with the incumbent.
However, his biggest hurdle is structural. Unseating a sitting lawmaker in a party primary requires not just popularity but strong party members control, good relationship and political machinery.
Even if he manages to clinch the ADC ticket, he would still face the uphill task of selling the party to a broader electorate where ADC’s influence is relatively limited.
Hon. Chinedu Anyaso (APGA aspirant)
Anyaso emerges as the most strategically positioned among the three. His advantage operates on multiple levels:
First, party strength. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has a long-standing political identity in Anambra State, with a loyal voter base and strong grassroots appeal. This gives Anyaso a structural head start that ADC candidates may struggle to match.
Second, organizational and economic influence. As the South East and parts of Kogi Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Anyaso commands a wide-reaching network that extends beyond politics into commerce and daily community life. This is not a ceremonial role, it translates into relationships, influence, and mobilization capacity across towns and interest groups within and beyond the constituency.
Third, narrative advantage. Anyaso is not weighed down by the liabilities of incumbency. He can present himself as a candidate of both competence and renewal, someone who understands leadership at scale while offering a fresh legislative vision.
That balance is often decisive in competitive elections.
Ticket Prospects
ADC: Likely to be a tightly contested primary between Uzokwe and Ikebunwa. Uzokwe may have a slight edge due to incumbency, but internal fractures are almost inevitable.
APGA: Anyaso appears well-positioned as a consensus or leading aspirant, with a clearer path to securing the ticket.
General Election Outlook
The general election dynamics strongly favor a candidate who combines party structure with grassroots penetration:
A divided ADC, emerging from a contentious primary, risks entering the election weakened and less cohesive.
APGA, with its established base in Anambra, is better positioned to consolidate votes across the constituency.
Anyaso’s combination of party advantage, expansive economic networks, and a compelling reform narrative gives him a decisive edge.
Unlike Uzokwe, who must defend his record, or Ikebunwa, who must first overcome internal party resistance, Anyaso can focus early on building a broad, unified coalition of voters.
In the final analysis, while Uzokwe brings experience and Ikebunwa offers internal competition, both are constrained by party limitations and electoral realities. Anyaso, by contrast, aligns structural strength with grassroots influence and strategic positioning.
If he secures the APGA ticket as anticipated and sustains a disciplined, well-funded campaign, he stands out not just as the likely winner, but as a candidate capable of securing victory by a clear and commanding margin.
