The atmosphere in the polity is gradually hotting up with various aspirants contesting for elective political offices throwing their hats into the ring for the 2015 contests.
Though, some of the contenders have indicated their interest, others are still consulting with leaders and elders of their respective political parties before declaring their interest.
In Abia State, the political lanscape has been ignited with all manner of consultations ongoing.
Already, the state is swarming with aspirants, particularly in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aspirants that have so far declared interest to take over from the incumbent governor, Chief Theodore Orji, in 2015, are the current Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Oti, who though has denied it; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Uche Oga, Mr. Okey Emutchay, Mr Friday Nwosu, Hon. Acho Nwakanma, Chief Mark Wabara and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
While a few aspirants have visited the state PDP secretariat in Umuahia to formally tell the party executives of their intention to contest for the state plum job, others have not been inclined to meet the people in the various zones and local governments.
For Senator Abaribe, who represents Abia-South Senatorial District, political pundits posit that he has received the most rave review because of his political pedigree not only in the state but also nationally, where he has straddled the chambers of the Senate in the past seven years.
To many, Abaribe’s serial consultation visits to all nooks and crannies of the state have made and confirmed that the Senate spokesman remains the issue in Abia politics.
Analysts further opine that the lawmaker’s consultations, which have taken him to all the three senatorial zones of the state and currently to all the local government areas, have showcased his grassroots mobilisation skill.
To actualise his ambition, Abaribe has set up the Alasaala Campaign Team (ACT).
This informed his visit to 10 local government areas of the state which included Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North, Umunneochi, Isikwuato, Bende, Ikwuano, Aba North and Aba South.
When his consultation train berthed at Isikwuato local government area, the team was well received by the executives in the area who stated that his integrity stands him out among the lot.
The leaders, however, assured the Senator of their support and respect for zoning as announced by the state chapter of the PDP.
Abaribe, who was deputy governor of the state from 1999 to 2003, is believed to have a track record which gives him an edge over others to succeed the outgoing governor.
Also, perhaps, what continues to endear him to people is his grassroots followership but his popularity has also sent jitters down the spine of his perceived opponents, who have resorted to innuendoes and sponsorship of false publications apparently to slow down his wide acceptability in the state.
But the lawmaker’s camp was quick to dismiss it saying it is just a futile tactic to play catch-up by other aspirants.
Observers believe that the contest will no doubt elicit national interest owing to the personalities involved.
Though it is speculated that the governor may have anointed his successor but this position has been debunked by Governor Theodore Orji, who promises to ensure a level playing field to all contenders.
For the Abaribe, his appeal to PDP leadership in the state is to create a level playing field for all its aspirants during the governorship primaries.
In all, the heat is on and of course a frenzied apprehension is trailing every move, but the people of the state seem resolute in demanding a fair and level playing ground for all the aspirants.
Though, some of the contenders have indicated their interest, others are still consulting with leaders and elders of their respective political parties before declaring their interest.
In Abia State, the political lanscape has been ignited with all manner of consultations ongoing.
Already, the state is swarming with aspirants, particularly in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aspirants that have so far declared interest to take over from the incumbent governor, Chief Theodore Orji, in 2015, are the current Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Oti, who though has denied it; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Uche Oga, Mr. Okey Emutchay, Mr Friday Nwosu, Hon. Acho Nwakanma, Chief Mark Wabara and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
While a few aspirants have visited the state PDP secretariat in Umuahia to formally tell the party executives of their intention to contest for the state plum job, others have not been inclined to meet the people in the various zones and local governments.
For Senator Abaribe, who represents Abia-South Senatorial District, political pundits posit that he has received the most rave review because of his political pedigree not only in the state but also nationally, where he has straddled the chambers of the Senate in the past seven years.
To many, Abaribe’s serial consultation visits to all nooks and crannies of the state have made and confirmed that the Senate spokesman remains the issue in Abia politics.
Analysts further opine that the lawmaker’s consultations, which have taken him to all the three senatorial zones of the state and currently to all the local government areas, have showcased his grassroots mobilisation skill.
To actualise his ambition, Abaribe has set up the Alasaala Campaign Team (ACT).
This informed his visit to 10 local government areas of the state which included Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North, Umunneochi, Isikwuato, Bende, Ikwuano, Aba North and Aba South.
When his consultation train berthed at Isikwuato local government area, the team was well received by the executives in the area who stated that his integrity stands him out among the lot.
The leaders, however, assured the Senator of their support and respect for zoning as announced by the state chapter of the PDP.
Abaribe, who was deputy governor of the state from 1999 to 2003, is believed to have a track record which gives him an edge over others to succeed the outgoing governor.
Also, perhaps, what continues to endear him to people is his grassroots followership but his popularity has also sent jitters down the spine of his perceived opponents, who have resorted to innuendoes and sponsorship of false publications apparently to slow down his wide acceptability in the state.
But the lawmaker’s camp was quick to dismiss it saying it is just a futile tactic to play catch-up by other aspirants.
Observers believe that the contest will no doubt elicit national interest owing to the personalities involved.
Though it is speculated that the governor may have anointed his successor but this position has been debunked by Governor Theodore Orji, who promises to ensure a level playing field to all contenders.
For the Abaribe, his appeal to PDP leadership in the state is to create a level playing field for all its aspirants during the governorship primaries.
In all, the heat is on and of course a frenzied apprehension is trailing every move, but the people of the state seem resolute in demanding a fair and level playing ground for all the aspirants.