Elections
Ukachukwu And Ekwunife: Two Alpha Lions In One Den!
By Emmanuel Aziken
If Evangelist Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC clinches the Anambra governorship with Senator Uche Ekwunife as his deputy, the state may witness either a golden era of political experience — or a combustible clash of egos.
Ukachukwu and Ekwunife come with intimidating resumes. Ukachukwu, a billionaire-businessman-turned-politician, once held sway in the House of Representatives where he built a reputation as a bold voice. He left the House of Representatives to form one of the biggest property magnates in the FCT.
His gubernatorial campaigns have long revolved around his promise of industrial revolution and grassroots transformation. His image is that of a deep-pocketed investor who sees governance as an extension of his entrepreneurial footprint.
Ekwunife, popularly called “Iyom,” has a different brand from Ukachukwu. Having conquered both the House of Representatives and the Senate, she is known for her grassroots charm, fierce debating style, and audacity in breaking male-dominated political barriers. In fact, she is one of the few women to have bestridden both chambers of the National Assembly, carving out a loyal following.
But therein lies the tension: would a Governor Ukachukwu easily accommodate a deputy like Ekwunife who herself has severally sought the governorship and whose political weight may rival his? Deputies in Nigeria are often reduced to ceremonial roles, yet Ekwunife is unlikely to stay quietly in the shadows.
Supporters say their combined strengths — Ukachukwu’s business muscle and Ekwunife’s political grassroots machinery — could deliver unprecedented development. Critics warn, however, that their egos and history of strong-headed politics may trigger rival camps within Government House.
In the end, Anambra’s story under the pair would hinge on one test: can two political heavyweights who once bestrode different arms of the National Assembly now pull in the same direction for governance?
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