Ndoma-Egba, Chukwumerije, Lokpobiri, Uba, others bid National Assembly bye

Ndoma-Egba

They never saw it coming. Their plan was to walk-over their challengers and get the tickets to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But they got it all wrong as they kissed the National Assembly bye, writes Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu. 

How are the mighty fallen? They exuded confidence before the parliamentary primaries. But, when the wheat were separated from the chaff, their egos were bruised. The so-called Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gladiators were demystified at the shadow poll.

Losers

Chukwumerije

 In Abia North Senatorial District, ebullient and fork-tongued Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, the combative wordsmith and Information Secretary under the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), fell at the primaries. His political strength failed him. Next year, he would bow out of the Senate after two terms.

Ndoma-Egba

In Cross River State, legal luminary and Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, lost his deposit at the primaries. It was a keenly contested exercise. The senator, who has been elected three times, was floored by the House of Representatives member, John Owan Enoh. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) will be missed in the Upper Chamber by his colleagues – Senate President David Mark and his deputy, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu.

Ugbesia

In Edo State, former minister Senator Odion Ugbesia also lost at the primaries. In the Senate, he is the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce and Trade. The senator from Edo Central, was elected in 2007. His godfather, elders statesman Chief Tony Anenih, could not save him.

Itulah

 Also, House of Representatives member Friday Itulah, who represents Esan Southeast Northeast in the Lower Chamber of the House of Representatives could not make it.

Aguariavwodo

The tenure of Emmanuel Aguariavwodo will be brief in the Senate. He was elected during the senatorial by-election in Delta Central, following the death of Senator Pius Ewherido. His attempt to clinche the ticket of the PDP for his Senatorial Zone failed.

Lokpobiri

 In Bayelsa West, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who was first elected on the platform of the PDP, failed in his third term bid. From 1999 to 2003, he was a  member of the House of Assembly. He was the Speaker until May 2001.

Ola

 In Ekiti Central, Senator Bode Ola’s dream was dashed. Although Governor Ayodele Fayose was rooting for his candidature, pressure by notable monarchs made the governor to back out. Instead of Ola, former House of Representatives member Mrs. Fatimah Rasaki, was endorsed by stakeholders.

Gbajabiamila

 On Lagos Central, Hakeem Gbajabiamila, an engineer and  former Commissioner for Water Front and a one-time governorship aspirant in 2007, could not make it. He was defeated at the primaries by the PDP governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Dr. Adegboyega Dosunmu.

Winners

Mark:

Senate President David Mark has secured the ticket in Benue South for the fifth time. He was set to defeat Chief Mike Onoja, who hurriedly withdrew from the race. Nevertheless, the shadow poll was held and he scored 384 votes to pick the ticket. There was jubilation in Otupko, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Agatu, Oju, Obi, Ohimini and Apa local governments which constitute the constitute the district. If the PDP retains power in next year’s poll and he defeats his APC challenger, the retired General may retain his seat as the Senate President.

Suswam:

Following the withdrawal of the former PDP National Chairman, Chief Barnabas Gemade, from the senatorial race in the Northeast, the coast was clear for Governor Gabriel Suswan to emerge as the flag bearer. The lawyer had earlier protested moves by the PDP national leadership to make him step down for Gemade. If Gemade defects to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and he gets the ticket, the battle will become more interesting.

Aku:

In Benue North, Mike Aku was elected by delegates. But, the battle will now shift to the general election where he will have to face a lot of heat from the APC candidate, former Governor George Akume.

Ekweremadu:

Ike Ekweremadu is the Deputy Senate President. The lawyer fought a big battle to retain the ticket. He survived pressure on him to step down. Senator David Mark threw his support behind him. In fact, he travelled to Enugu State to drum support for him among constituents. Both have worked harmoniously in the Senate.

Manager:

Senator James Manager is s strong politician. He is also a lucky man. When Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan unfolded his ambition for the Senate, people thought that his time was up in the Senate. But, through serious horse trading, wheeling and dealing, the governor was compelled to step down.

Uba:

Eselu Chris Uba has sacked his brother, Senator Andy Uba. At the primaries monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, he won the ticket. A parallel primary election of the PDP also produced another candidate. But, it is doubtful, if the party will accept the result.

Kashamu:

Billionaire businessman Prince Buruji Kashamu emerged as the PDP senatorial candidate in Ogun East. Ahead of the primaries, former Governor Gbenga Daniel had stepped down, following the partisan heat. The ticket will further embolden Kashamu in his anti-Olusengun Obasanjo politics and enable him to consolidate his hold on the district chapter.

Adeyemi

 Despite stiff opposition from a former Senator, Tunde Ogbeha and former Governor of the old Western Region, Gen. David Jemibewon (rtd), Senator  Smarth Adeyemi has clinched his party’s ticket to represent the Kogi West Senatorial District. the threats by the duo to stop the third-term bid of the former Presdent of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) collapsed like a pack of cards at the part’s shadow poll.