The political calculation in Owerri zone’s APC chapter has been significantly altered by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi’s defection from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Onyewuchi’s move, witnessed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, APC National Vice Chairman, South, Hon Emma Eneukwu, and other top leaders on the floor of the Senate, has made him an asset to the party in the State and the Uzodimma administration.
As a two term Senator and having previously stayed in the House Of Representatives for eight years, Onyewuchi may have become the supreme leader of the APC in Owerri zone on the basis that he is the highest public office holder.
Analysts believe that the Senator will be a front-runner for the 2027 guber race, if he declares his candidacy given his evolving newfound influence within the party
However, his entrance into the party from the Labour Party has received mixed reactions from other APC leaders in the zone, who have been secretly harbouring ambitions to succeed Governor Uzodimma in 2027.
Some of the top notch leaders who spoke to INNONEWS say he is no threat to their guber ambitions, or to anyone.
“Everyone is free to contest for anything within the party. And no one’s ambition is greater than that of the other. No one is superior or inferior in this party.
“We welcome his entrance and even commend our Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for spinning the web that caught Onyewuchi to our fold” said one of the leaders of the party who does not want his name mentioned.
However, before Senator Onyewuichi’s cross over to the APC, there has been lack of coordination among party chieftains in Owerri zone, which has been evident.
Notable leaders like Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Prince Alex Mbata, Chief Henry Njoku (Harritex), and other political heavyweights alleged to be nursing guber ambitions in 2027 are said not to be on the same page.
Incidentally, the trio including the Senator, are from Owerri North Local Government Area, one of the nine local governments which make up Owerri Zone.
Based on the foregoing, analysts contend that Onyewuchi’s arrival in the APC is expected to change the dynamics within the party.
“The Senator’s influence may now be the rallying point for the party, potentially overshadowing other leaders’ ambitions and creating uncertainty in the zone” said another party leader in the zone who spoke on condition of anonymity
“The APC in Owerri zone is now faced with the challenge of managing the ambitions of its leaders and ensuring a united front ahead of the 2027 elections” the party leader concluded.
However, some party sources warn that Senator Onyewuchi may dump the APC if his gubernatorial ambition fails in 2027.
“He is a serial political party defector…if he comes to APC and he does not succeed, he will jump ship and leave the party without blinking an eye lid ,” said another top party leader.
Since 1999, Senator Onyewuchi has romanced about five political parties.