NDC Primaries: Proposal to restrict Ebonyi Senate and House of Representatives seats to a single ward is a blatant injustice, says Akuma

Chief Nelson Akuma, a prominent Chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed disappointment over plans to zone both senatorial and House of Representative seats to the same ward in Ebonyi State, citing this as a potential threat to the party's electoral chances in the forthcoming general election.

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This concern was voiced after his screening in Abuja, where he emphasized that such a move would undermine the party's prospects in the state.

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Akuma noted that Ebonyi south senatorial zone, comprising Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ivo, Ohaozara, and Onicha local governments, with 63 wards and 1044 polling units, cannot reasonably have both senatorial and House of Representative seats zoned to a single ward.

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He argued that allowing such a scenario would erode inclusion and a sense of belonging among party members, as the zone boasts an abundance of competent, quality, and talented individuals, making it unnecessary to restrict selection to one ward.

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Those pushing for this arrangement, Akuma asserted, can be characterized as enemies of the party in the state, working against its best interests.

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Akuma urged the party's leaders, both at the state and national levels, to intervene promptly and prevent the party from descending into chaos.

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Highlighting the rich history of Ebonyi South, Akuma mentioned notable figures such as Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam, the first Governor of the Eastern Region, and Lady Uche Azikiwe, the first lady of Nigeria, emphasizing the zone's sophistication and abundance of talent.

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Akuma appealed for fair representation to mitigate conflict, stressing that it is unjust for one ward to hold both Senate and House of Representative seats, and called for the party's leaders to act swiftly to address this issue.

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If the party handles the zoning of tickets correctly, Akuma believes NDC could become the dominant party in Ebonyi State, given its rapid growth in popularity.

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Akuma warned that allowing a single ward to dominate the party's nominations would hinder the party's momentum and potentially damage its prospects in the state.

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He recalled the enthusiastic reception Peter Obi received during his visit to Abakaliki, which Akuma sees as indicative of the party's popularity in Ebonyi State, and cautioned against undermining this goodwill.

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Akuma concluded by stating that he has already begun receiving complaints from concerned party supporters, underscoring the need for the party's leaders to prevent this potentially damaging scenario from unfolding.