The deadline established by the Independent National Electoral Commission for all registered political parties interested in competing in the November 2021 Anambra State governorship election elapses in less than 24 hours. The situation has therefore heightened last minute maneuvering and jostling within the ranks of the Jude Okeke-led leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) and its candidate in the election, Right Honourable Chuma Umeoji.
It will be noted that according to the election timetable provided by INEC, political parties are expected to submit the personal particulars and names/list of nominated candidates between July 2 and July 9, 2021.
With the development, APGA leadership and Umeoji, who is a current member of the House of Representatives have been under great pressure and lobbying over the choice of who becomes the governorship candidate’s running partner in the race.
Those who have been mounting the pressure are critical stakeholders in the state, including elder statesmen, party stalwarts, the church and some members of the traditional institution among others.
Those who have been shortlisted as possible deputy governorship candidate to run alongside Umeoji include two prominent female professors, two former United Nations ambassadors, one House of Assembly member and two former members of the House of Representatives.
Prominent among those being put forward for the role though is a renowned Professor and Dean of one of the Federal Universities.
She is an award-winning writer with over 14 years of research work.
Many concerned stakeholders and major officials of APGA including Umeoji’s countless followers and supporters are positively disposed to picking a woman as his running mate.
They are on the same page on their position that a female running mate with spotless and high sounding academic achievements will go a long way in aiding the upcoming government to have all the requisite capacity to keep the APGA agenda going and revitalized further in the state. The need for women inclusivity and closure of the gap between the elderly and new generation is been considered as vital to the upcoming APGA government .
The stakeholders are also of the view that having a woman and a professional as a running partner for Umeoji, this will prevent distraction.
After emerging successful in the election, they are contending that with the choice of the woman, Umeoji would focus on steering the operations of the state without being burdened down by pointless rivalry and fights between governors and deputies.
If the wishes of APGA stakeholders sail through as anticipated, the party will be fielding a young vivacious and academic giant as deputy governor.
