One-time Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Prince Osita Ezenwa, has declared his intention to contest the senate position for Anambra Central senatorial zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) next year. The seat is presently occupied by Dr. Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ezenwa, who spoke to political stakeholders in his zone at his country home in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, said that his decision to join the race was taken after wide consultations.

The former SSG’s entry into the race brings to six the number of people eyeing the coveted seat on the platform of PDP. Other contenders include Mr. Obiora Okonkwo, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, Mr. Kodilichukwu Okelekwe.

From outside the PDP, big names such as Senator Chris Ngige and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, are also in the race.

According to Ezenwa, who served as SSG under former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, “Having acquired so much experience in the political arena, beginning with my first appointment as a special assistant to the late Governor Christian Onoh in 1983 and rising to become the SSG, I felt the need to serve the people at the highest level of legislative making.”

He promised that if elected into the Senate, he would pursue the issue of unemployment in the zone. Stressing the need for politicians to play the game according to the rules, Ezenwa urged the leadership of PDP to provide a level playing field for all the aspirants so that the party could go into the main election as a united body. He said that PDP has the largest followership in the state and could therefore win election easily if the members work together.

Ezenwa has in the past served as Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area and later as campaign manager for Comrade Tony Nwoye, the unsuccessful candidate of PDP in the November 2013 governorship election in the state.

•Photo shows Senator Chris Ngige, whose seat Prince Ezenwa and others are aiming to snatch.

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