Polls: How parties stand in senatorial race
Written by Taiwo AdisaThursday, 31 March 2011
David Mark
By the end of May, the tenure of the current set of senators would lapse and many of them would have to pave the way for new set of lawmakers. In some instances, some of the lawmakers who have changed party alignment may find their way back to the chamber bearing a new identity, while many new hands are sure to take position in the red chamber.
In the battlefield nationwide are candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The All Progressive grand Alliance (APGA). The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Labour Party (LP) and the Accord Party are also proving some challenges in states including Kwara, Anambra , Oyo, Ondo and Ogun.
While the PDP remains the top contender in almost all the states, the challenges it faces are as a result of the fallouts of the primaries, where many of its sitting senators were denied return tickets. Many of those so denied found tickets in the opposing parties, thus creating a stiff contest for the ruling party.
The structure of the outgoing Assembly is one that give the PDP an overwhelming majority. At the height of its control in the chamber, the ruling party had 86 of 109 members, leaving the ACN and the ANPP to share the remaining. But with the widening cracks entering its fold, the PDP lost some senators to defections.
On Saturday, the electorate would, again, have the opportunity of fashioning a new Senate. It is after the final results of the elections that the face of a new Senate would emerge.
One thing that makes the current contest for National Assembly seat unique is the uncertainty that surrounds the zoning arrangement of its presiding officer positions.
In the previous elections, the PDP would have come up with a clear direction as to where the presiding officers would come from, thus limiting the fight for the seat to that zone. In the current scenario however, the South-East, the North-Central and the South-West are hopeful of nicking the Senate top job; so, the competition has become multi-facetted. While the North-Central, which currently hold the position, believes that the zoning arrangement would remain as it is, some leaders of the South-East are popularising the indication that the zone should be given the slot again. Some people are also of the view that the South-West should take the number three seat from the next election, in line with the PDP zoning arrangement.
In states of the South-West, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo, the contest is between the PDP and the opposition parties. All eyes will be on the senatorial candidate of the PDP in Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who currently heads the Appropriation Committee of the Senate. Senator Omisore has been targeted by the ACN as its number one foe and the senator is not oblivious of this. The governor recently accused Omisore of planning to vie for the Senate presidency, if he is re-elected but the senator said he has never given any such indication. If Omisore returns to the Senate, he is sure to get a top Principal Officer position. The same could go for Senator Isiaka Adeleke, if he scales the election huddle.
In Ekiti, two of the incumbent senators are seeking a return to the chamber on Saturday. They are Senator Ayo Arise and Senator Shola Akinyede. The duo currently holds chairmanship positions and they could only get stronger, if they are returned.
In Lagos, only Senator Ganiyu Solomon is seeking a return to the Senate. The other two, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and Senator Munir Muse have been swept aside by their party. If Senator Solomon gets it, his ranking status is sure to attract for him a Grade A Committee. In Oyo State, Senator Kamaru Adedibu is seeking to return to the Senate for the second time. He currently heads the Senate Committee on Industries and if he returns, he could utilise the experience of his first tenure to advantage.
There is a straight battle between the LP and PDP in Ondo State. Incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko is leading the LP challenge to unseat the three senators of the PDP. Two of the PDP senators, Bode Olajumoke (Ondo North) and Gbenga Ogunniya (Ondo Central), are seeking to return to the Senate. Ogunniya is seeking to return to the Senate for the fourth time. Abia State would provide a drama of some sorts in the Saturday contest. The PDP had retained its serving senators; Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Nkechi Nwaogu (Abia Central) and Uche Chukwumerije(Abia North) for the contest. But while the challengers for Abia South and Central are hardly known, the challenge of the former governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, for Abia North appears real.
Kalu had ruled the state for two terms and would be a hard nut to crack for Chukwumerije. In Abia South, leaders of the area who prevailed on Abaribe to return to the Senate and defer his gubernatorial ambition in favour of Governor Theodore Orji were said to be clearing the way for the former deputy governor to return to the Senate. If he returns, Abaribe's strong character and good showing in the first term would earn him some top placements in the chamber this time.
In Cross Rivers, there would be serious attention on the chances of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba(SAN) who is considered the legal technocrat of the current Senate. He is the Deputy Majority Leader and he could move up the leadership position if elected.
Anambra State will also provide some spectacles during the election on Saturday. Some heavyweights are on parade for the contest including the sacked governor of the state, Dr Chris Ngige, and former Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili. The duo are contesting in Anambra Central on the platform of the ACN and the APGA respectively. They have incumbent Senator Annie Okonwkwo to contend with on the ticket of Accord Party.
Somehow, the senatorial district has been dubbed the zone of death, in view of the calibre of politicians who are going head to head. There is still a contention between two PDP chieftains, including Ogugua Okoye and Chidi Offodile, over who will eventually fly the PDP flag.
Both Akunyili and Ngige enjoy good following in the area but Akunyili is said to enjoy the backing of Governor Peter Obi, whose party rules the state. If Akunyili defeats Ngige, it would easily raise the profile of female politicians and demystify the claim that women necessarily should play the back role in politics.
Benue scenario
In Benue State, the real battle for the soul of the new Senate would be in Benue South, where incumbent Senate President, Senator David Mark, would be seeking a return to the chamber, his main challenger being the ACN candidate, General Lawrence Onoja.
In the state, the battle is mainly between the PDP and the ACN, which has become the major opposition party to the PDP, which has dominated the control of power and state mechanism in the past 13 years.
The new status of the ACN is a fallout of the last year's dumping of the PDP by some of its prominent members who lost their primaries and had to seek nomination in their new found party. In Benue South, the PDP primaries produced Senator Mark as its standard-bearer. The senator would be making a fourth appearance in the Senate, if he defeats his ACN rival, General Onoja.
Former Governor George Akume now representing the Benue North West as a senator called its quits with the party, when it was clear to him that his chances of winning the primaries was slim against Honourable Tergun Tsegba of the House of Representatives, who had indicated his interest to contest the slot. He was said to enjoy the backing of the incumbent governor, Gabriel Suswam. Akume declared for the ACN and was given the nod to re-contest for the Benue North-West Senatorial District.
The former national chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Barnabas Gemade, who lost to Senator Joseph Akaagerger in 2007 for the Benue North-East Sentorial District, got the ticket during the party's primaries. And when the result was declared, incumbent Senator Akaagerger parted ways with the party and joined the ACN which also paraded him as their standard-bearer.
Senator Mark has been at the Senate three times and is now gunning for the fourth term. In Benue South which he has represented for 12 years, the Senate President is a household name because of his contributions at the Senate and in his zone.
Before he became a senator, he used his influence to cite a digital exchange in Otukpo – the only one in Benue State and as a senator, he donated a building to the Nigeria Open University named Otukpo Study Centre and has given scholarship to over 9,000 students from the Benue South Senatorial District.
At the Senate, he remains the first Nigeria to preside over the highest law making assembly for four years without any move to impeach him and when the country ran into turbulent waters when the late president, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua, was brought in unconscious before his death, Mark ensured that the Doctrine of Necessity was introduced and passed to smoothen the now President Jonathan to take over the mantle of leadership.
Mark is also spearheading the move for the creation of an Apa State, given that it is the dream of the Idoma people who feel marginalised by their Tiv brothers since the creation of the state in 1967.
General Onoja has come out strongly against Mark who, he said, should not be allowed to return for the fourth term. Onoja, who had lost at the PDP primaries to Mark in 2007 and 2010, is said to have influenced the creation of Ohimini, Agatu and Obi local government council areas of the state.
He posited that the creation of Apa State should not be seen only as Mark's idea that he too had contributed to its coming into existence.
The rivalry between him and Mark is taking a dangerous dimension as it has nosedived to personality clash. They are both retired generals which makes the angling for the senatorial slot interesting.
Akume, who has Tsegba to beat to return for his second term, ruled Benue for eight years. But Tsegba have maintained that Akume's eight years while in office did not move the state forward.
Senator Akaagerger is a first timer in Senate who is angling for the Benue North-East Senatorial slot against a formidable candidate, Engineer Gemade, who he floored at the PDP primaries in 2007. But in the party's primaries in 2010, Gemade defeated Akaagerger. After losing, he decided to quit the party and contest the slot on the platform of the ACN. Akaagerger was military administrator of Katsina State and a lawyer by profession. He makes contribution during debates at the Senate and has always defended the interest of the state and its people on the floor of the House.
Political commentators are of the view that Gemade's presence in this year's contest may rob Akagerger of another chance to return because the former chairman is a more formidable candidate.
Enugu scenario
In Enugu State, there are three senatorial zones in the state which are: Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu West, with arrays of contestants trying to occupy the seats at the Upper House in May this year.
Indeed, the struggle for the soul of Enugu is unpredictable, as recent events have shown that the PDP may not repeat the same feat of 2007, where the party captured all available elective positions in the state, right from the councillorship to the National Assembly.
In Enugu East, three people are trying to unseat the former governor of Enugu State and leader of Ebeano, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, who had since dumped the PDP for the Peoples Democratic for Change (PDC). They are Honourable Gil Nnaji (PDP); Dr Ben Nwoye representing the ACN; and Chief Silk Ugwuogbu (APGA).
Just as all eyes are on Enugu East Senatorial zone apparently to know the fate of the Nnamani as it would be litmus test between him and his erstwhile political son, Governor Sullivan Chime, the same can be said of Enugu North and Enugu West senatorial zones, where Senator Ayogu Eze and Ekweremadu hold sway at the Senate. Credit should be given to the PDC for blazing the trail in house-to-house campaign in the state.
According to Dr Nwoye, it is anguish for the people of the state who, he said, had passed through hell for voting in the PDP government in the last 12 years, promising that the ACN, if voted into office, would bring positive change in governance in the state.
According to him, the ACN would reduce poverty to the barest minimum in the state by creating employment opportunities for the youths who have been roaming the streets without gainful jobs.
He advised the people of the zone to come out en masse and exercise their civic rights by casting votes for candidates of their choice, adding that they should equally protect their votes by remaining at the polling booths until votes are counted.
While Dr Nwoye is talking of change, the man who is currently occupying the seat said the people of the state should forgive him for installing a bad leader. Senator Nnamani, who scored first in house-to-house campaign said he would bring positive change through his party, where he is pushing the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dan Shere, to take over from Governor Chime in April election. If the current rating of electioneering campaign is anything to go by in the state, then Senator Nnamani is the candidate to beat in Enugu East senatorial election.
In Enugu West, the people keen in occupying the seat of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremad are Ndubuisi Elechi Onyia (APGA) and Professor Nick Eze (ACN).
Also in Enugu North Senatorial zone, the Senate Committee Chairman on Information, Ayogu Eze, is faced with Dr Mike Ajaogwu of LP; Chief Victor Amorha (PDC); General J.O.J Okologau (ACN).
It was gathered that the division in opposition could be a plus for Senator's Eze's realisation of his second term ambition as the opposition could not present a common front to fight the incumbent.
However, it appears that Eze is not taking anything for granted as he commenced, recently a house-to-house re-election campaign in all the wards of the six local government areas in his constituency.
Senator Eze said that the campaign is complementary to the visible achievements of all the PDP political office holders, not only in his senatorial district but in the entire Enugu State.
Indeed, the battle for Senate in the Coal City State will not only be interesting but also contentious.
VANGUARDApril Poll: Star senatorial contests to watch
PoliticsMar 30, 2011
By Dayo Benson, Assistant Editor
IN another 48 hours, the much awaited April poll begin with National Assembly election. Senators and House of Representatives candidates across parties will vie for seats in the two legislative chambers. Some sitting senators and Representatives will be seeking to renew their mandates just are prospective federal legislators are out to unseat the incumbents.
Undoubtedly, the senatorial poll is likely to engage attention of analysts and political watchers more than House of Representatives because of some star contest it promises. These star contestants are the ones to watch in this Saturday senatorial race.
Mark Vs Onoja: Before venturing into partisan politics, the two had shot into limelight in the course of their career as military officers.
At different times, they were military governors. They are from the same Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State. Those are what they share in common. For Senate President, Senator David Bondventure Mark and Lawrence Onoja, the Benue South Senatorial District sit is a fight to finish.
Before now, the duo had traded accusations and counter-accusations. How Onoja, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN candidate hopes to unseat Mark, a three-time Senator remains to be seen as the two opponents perfect their strategies ahead Saturday. While Mark is banking on the combination of his experience and position in the Senate, Onoja hopes to ride to the hallow upper chamber of the National Assembly on the crest wave of ACN soaring popularity as a credible alternative to ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
However, the choice between the duo is for the people to make as they cast their ballot.
Akume Vs Tsegba: Like Mark against Onoja, another star contest in Benue is between former governor turned Senator George Akume and House of Representative member, Hon. Tsegbu Tsegba. The former was the Speaker protempore during the stand-off that led to the removal of Mrs. Patricia Ette as House of Representatives. Senator Akume who is ACN candidate will flex his political muscles against former fellow PDP member. Akume faces an up-hill task in the opponent who was once his political son.
Tsegba who will not leave anything to chances to upstage his ex-mentor in counting on the backing of Governor Gabriel Suswan. Will a House of Representatives member defeat an ex-governor and serving senator?
Anyanwu Vs Chikwe: Imo East Senatorial District race between Senator Chris Anyanwu and Dr.(Mrs) Kema Chikwe can well be described as a clash of political amazons. The two are eyeing Imo East Senatorial seat which Anyanwu currently occupies. Until her defecting to All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA.
Senator Anyanwu was a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP senator. The fall-out of PDP primary which saw Chikwe emerging as the party's senatorial candidate compelled Senator Anyanwu to pitch her tent with APGA in a bid to retain her seat.
She, like other serving senators who are facing stiff oppositions, will rely on her experience and popularity to hold on to her seat.
Her challenger who is not less experienced is relying on her goodwill as a former aviation minister.
Chukwumerije Vs Orji Kalu: This is another case of a battle between a political godfather and godson. Senator Uche Chukwumerije is the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District. His opponent is former governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
The former is PDP candidate while the latter is the candidate of Progressive People Alliance, PPA. Interestingly, Chukwumerije, until recently was a senator on the platform of PPA which he dumped for APGA where he had a stint before settling for PDP. On his part, Orji Kalu was the founder of PPA and its one time presidential aspirant. He, actually gave Chukwumerije the party's ticket to the senate in 2007.
Watchers of Abia politics see Chukwumerije's ambition as a political affront to Orji Kalu. Their supporters in the state have reportedly clashed several times. Chukwumerije enjoys the support of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, who incidentally was also a protege of Orji Kalu until they fell apart and the governor left PPA for PDP after a brief stop-over with APGA. For Orji Kalu, the senatorial race is a struggle for political re-assertion and relevance if not survival. Will he allow himself to be rubbished by a senator he made? The day after Saturday will tell.
Ngige Vs Akunyili: Anambra Central Senatorial District contest like others promises to be interesting. Even if the seat is being occupied by Senator Ani Okonkwo, of PDP, many observers see it more as a fight between former governor Chris Ngige and Prof. Dora Akunyili. Ngige is running on the ticket of ACN while Akunyili is holding the banner of APGA.
For the senatorial seat, Akunyili resigned her appointment as a minister and even dumped PDP for APGA. Some watchers were bewildered over her action considering the role she had played in Anambra PDP. Obviously, Akunyili has distinguished herself in public service both as NAFDAC director-general and as a minister. Many will not forget her lofty role in the latter days of late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
But will all these translate to good fortune for her at the poll? She has a formidable opponent in Ngige who came second in February 10, 2010 governorship election in the state. On a scale of popularity, Ngige is as popular as his opponent.
Over the years, he has earned a lot of goodwill especially as a former governor of the state. His achievements then still speak for him. This is the credential he is taking to the poll on Saturday. Will all these stand to his advantage? The people of Anambra Central will decide.
Oyinlola Vs Adeyeye:- For ouster governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Saturday senatorial election is a redemptive mission after losing his position to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of ACN. The Ibadan Court of Appeal judgement which sacked Oyinlola from office following ACN governorship petition was undoubtedly a big blow.
Prior to the November last year verdict, Oyinlola had indicated his intention to go to the Senate on completion of his second term tenure as Osun State governor. The court judgment coming at the twilight of his administration was a dent on his credential. Hence, clinching the Osun Central Senatorial slot is a task that must be accomplished for him to sustain his relevance in Osun politics. But he has strong opponents to contend with in Prof. Sola Adeyeye a House of Representatives member.
Adeyeye is bearing the banner of ACN in the state. The election will be a show of strength between ACN and PDP. Beyond that, Oyinlola is squared up against a candidate whose party is out to prove that it is in total control of the state. He also has another opponent in Senator Felix Ogunwale of the Accord Party.
Omisore Vs Omoworare:- Another senatorial race in Osun State is a return match between Senator Iyiola Omisore and Hon. Jide Omoworare for Osun East Senatorial District also known as Ife/Ijesha. Omisore is Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation while Omoworare is ACN senatorial candidate in 2007 and a member of Lagos State House of Assembly between 1999-2007. Indeed, Saturday poll is a third leg between the two. The second was in 2009 when Court of Appeal nullified Omisore's mandate and ordered a re-run.
Omisore won the election which the ACN disputed. Until former governor Oyinlola was sacked, Omisore was primed to succeed him as he was set to pick the PDP governorship ticket. The enthronement of Governor Aregbesola which automatically truncated Omisore's ambition made him fall-back on the contest for senatorial seat which he still occupies. Will Omoworare turn the table this time around or will Omisore retain his seat? The die is cast.
Agagu Vs Kunlere:- Former governor Olusegun Agagu is another ouster chief executive of a state seeking a seat in the Senate. His opponent is Boluwaji Kunlere, an aide to Governor Olusegun Mimiko. As a former deputy governor of Ondo State, an ex-minister and former governor, analysts believe that Kunlere who was a former council chairman before he was made Special Adviser to Mimiko, is no match to Agagu. So, the Ondo South Senatorial District seat is actually a contest between Mimiko and Agagu. Like Osun when ACN is out to prove a point, Ondo race is a first showdown between PDP and Labour Party which must convince all that it is in control of the state.
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NOT TO TALK OF:
* Arise (PDP, incumbent) vs. Adetunmbi (ACN) - in Ekiti North Senatorial District
* Ojudu (ACN) vs. Fayose (LP) - in Ekiti Central Senatorial District
* Akinyede (PDP, incumbent) vs. Adeniyi (ACN) - in Ekiti South Senatorial District
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