Abia State of Nigeria is carefully, tactfully and Constitutionally divided into 3 outstanding Senatorial Districts. Since after the return of democracy in 1999, the State has enjoyed relative peace vis-a-viz the occupation of the most exalted political position in the State. Irrespective of the series of contests that bedeviled previous elections, Abians have conspicuously honored an existing CHATER OF EQUITY by strategically choosing from a Zone that is yet to occupy the office of the Governor. It is not germane to lay much emphasis on the utilitarian value of this equity oriented formula which has promoted peaceful coexistence and even distribution of democratic dividends to all parts of the State.
In 1999, Dr Orji Uzo Kalu, whose nativity is traceable to Igbere in Abia North, bypassed Abia Central in view of their geographical proximity and chose his running mate from Abia South. This tactful selection heralded his smooth ride in the 1999 general election. His successor- Sen T.A ORJI ( OCHENDO GLOBAL ) in 2007 adopted a similar pattern by choosing his running mate from Abia South. He abandoned Abia North owing to the fact that they had already produced a Governor and they all belong to the Old BENDE bloc. In 2015, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu bypassed Abia Central where his predecessor came from and chose his running mate from Abia North. This is a perfect and the best democratic arrangement that can fit in in our local circumstance.
Interestingly, 2019 is around the corner. Political Parties have concluded their primaries and their candidates emerged. The two candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) are worthy of public analysis vis-a-viz the already existing pattern in choice of running mates in Abia State.
Dr Alex Otti of Arochukwu in Abia North, has by his conduct, shown his readiness to sideline the people of Abia Central and Abia South if elected in 2019. Though this plot cannot materialize as a result of practical impossibility, it is still pertinent to draw the attention of fellow Abians to it. No Governorship candidate in the history of Abia State has chosen his running mate from the same Senatorial Constituency. It has never worked and will never work. Dr Alex Otti is from Abia North ( Arochukwu ) while his Deputy- Dr Mrs Eme Uche Eme is also from Abia North ( Ohafia ).
Let's assume without conceding that Dr Alex Otti is from Abia Central, his biological relationship with Abia North ought to have influenced his choice of running mate from Abia South. This is by a reasonable man's standard. Contrary to the already established pattern of sharing power in the State, Otti, deliberately derailed and pitched his tent in Abia North. All his plans are to ensure that Abia North takes it all if he is elected into power in 2019.
It is quite unfortunate that Dr Alex Otti's plan will be frustrated by Abians in 2019.
Ngwa Okereke
Public Affairs Analyst
Writes from Umuahia.....
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