By Asogwa Damian
([email protected])
As the wait continues for the Independent National Electoral Commission to release the timetable for the by-election to replace the late senator who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, political tensions within the zone appear to be rising.
Reports emerging from the district suggest that a group of influential politicians is allegedly working behind the scenes to undermine younger political figures believed to be potential contenders for the seat.
Sources within the political circle claim the group fears that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah may support a younger candidate with “energy and vision” to represent the district and consolidate on the administration’s development agenda.
According to the sources, several politicians in the zone—some of whom reportedly opposed the governor during the 2023 election but later benefited from appointments and contracts—have begun coordinating efforts to discredit individuals perceived as possible candidates.
The alleged strategy, insiders say, includes the formation of a media team tasked with launching attacks on younger political actors from the zone, particularly those from the Nsukka/Igboeze South federal constituency.
One of the early targets, according to the report, was the chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, who is widely seen as a strong supporter of the governor’s administration and maintains strong grassroots connections across the senatorial district.
Sources claim the alleged campaign aims to portray the council chairman as overly ambitious in order to diminish his chances of being considered for the vacant senatorial seat.
Another reported tactic involves sponsoring articles in both traditional and social media intended to portray the chairman as sympathetic to critics of the governor—an allegation observers say could damage his political standing.
The report further claims that several prominent figures—including a former gubernatorial aspirant, former commissioners, former heads of government agencies, retiring public servants, a former state party chairman, a previous senatorial candidate, and some businessmen—have been meeting privately and online to coordinate the strategy.
According to insiders, one such meeting allegedly took place shortly after the burial of late Senator Okey Ezea, during which names of younger political figures believed to be potential favourites of the governor were reportedly listed for targeted attacks and blackmail.
The individuals reportedly identified include the member representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, Chidi Obetta; the chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Jude Asogwa; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Sunday Ajogwu; former chairman of Igboeze South Local Government, Peter Andy Omeje; former chairman of Nsukka Local Government, Tony Ugwu; board member of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Favour Asogwa; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Experiential Learning, Chinyere Onyisi; and former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Erochukwu Ugwueze, among others.
Sources also claim that when initial media attacks against the Igboeze South council chairman failed to gain traction, attention shifted to Hon. Obetta, whom some members of the alleged group reportedly see as a strong contender due to his close relationship with the governor and his connections within the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Further claims indicate that the group may have begun reaching out to bloggers and media handlers known for aggressive online campaigns, with the aim of gradually introducing narratives that could damage the reputations of the identified individuals while projecting their preferred aspirant more positively.
Observers warn that such political manoeuvring, if left unchecked, could deepen divisions within Enugu North and undermine unity among stakeholders in the district.
Many party supporters are already expressing concern that internal rivalries and sponsored media attacks may weaken collective support for the administration of Governor Mbah.
Political analysts are therefore urging restraint, emphasising that the process of selecting a replacement for the senatorial seat should be guided by fairness, competence, and the broader interests of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District.
