ABIA 2023: IS UKO NKOLE ABOUT TO PLAY THE POLITICAL ATILOGWU FOR SEN. MAO OHUABUNWA?
Until Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu defeated incumbent Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa in 2019 to emerge as the Senator representing the enterprising people of Abia North , it all seemed that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had a pact with MAO that guarnatees his return to represent the party at the National Assembly.
Sen. MAO for whatever reason (s) bestrode the Abia North political space like a colossus in 2007, 2015 and 2019. In the new political dispensation commencing 1999, the former Senator who goes with the sobriquet, “Follow Better” was the first person to be elected as member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he rose to become the Deputy Leader of the House.
However, what may haunt the Ancient Mao for a long time would be thoughts that in elections held in recent time, no PDP candidate except Uko Nkole has won in his Ndi Okoro Mgbeke Aro Ward 3. It is even more disturbing when one remembers that Sen. Mao lost in his Polling Unit and Ward during the 2019 Senatorial elections.
THE UKO NKOLE CHALLENGE
While trying to do a brief background check on “Follow Better”, the main gist is that the incumbent and second term member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Uko Nkole is set to play the political Atilogwu for the former Senator. Hon. Nkole has set up a robust campaign structure across the local governments and Independent National Electoral (INEC) Wards across Abia North. Atilogwu is an Igbo spirited youth dance that focuses on vigorous body movements and often includes acrobatics. Uko is basking in the euphoria of a Federal Lawmaker who raised the bar of quality representation, attracting worthwhile projects and most importantly sitting deep in the consciousness of his constituents.
For the records, Uko bruised Arua Arunsi in 2011, when he (Uko) fought as a presumed political neophyte during the primaries for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency. His exemplary courage and rare resilience sent shock waves to Arua who was believed to be the “anointed’ aspirant. When we remember too that Uko had sought admission and was admitted to train as a Pilot, it is a further statement that he could dare fear for all it is worth.
BENUDECHUKWU.COM gathered that Uko may have nursed the ambition of seeking higher position, considering the way and manner he expanded his tentacles, built bridges and fixed his eyes on returning dividends of democracy to his Arochukwu/Ohafia constituents.
It is not certain between the competence of Uko and the perceived belief that MAO may have performed below expectation as a Senator, which would form the fulcrum of the Uko Campaign for Senate; the indisputable fact is that in Uko, MAO has a fierce contender.
UKO’S STRENGTH
1. There may not be a better way to evaluate the people’s validation of a politician’s performance better than returning him elected. With Uko’s two successive terms, it is obvious that he has attained a certain confidence level that encourages him to thread where Angels dare.
2. His constituents who dub him “MR. PROJECTS” simply acknowledge his interventions in education; road infrastructure, employment, agriculture and rural urban development.
3. Uko has enviable signature projects dotting the Federal Constituency he speaks for. The Nmuri Concrete Bridge at Ohafia and the huge feat of attracting the Ohafia – Ozuabam – Bende Road among several other projects speak eloquently in the Town Planner’s favour.
4. Many believe Uko pays attention to tiny details, hence was able to identify that the people of Akanu Ohafia, until his useful intervention have never enjoyed pipe borne out.
5. UKO underscores and values friendship; explaining his constant engagements with critical stakeholders so much that political observers think he spends more time in Abia than he does in Abuja.
5. At about 47 years, Uko represents the desired paradigm shift as more and more people are ready to vote with their legs and hands to cause a radical enthronement of younger and more enterprising persons.
WEAKNESSES
1. It is yet to be seen how Uko hopes to upstage a MAO in a PDP primaries with most of the voters being familiar with Ancient MAO, not so much for his previous score card but largely for having the right party connections.
2. The many graduates who UKO aided their employment in various Federal Establishments may likely not be delegates at the primaries to choose who will fly the PDP flag for Senate in Abia North.
This scenario appears dicey. Uko seems to hold the four aces though. However, we will still ask, IS UKO NKOLE READY TO PLAY THE POLITICAL ATILOGWU FOR SEN. MAO OHUABUNWA?
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