2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Ebonyi State
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All 3 Ebonyi State seats in the Senate of Nigeria | ||||||||||||||||
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![]() PDP incumbent retiring PDP incumbent running for re-election |
The 2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Ebonyi State will be held on 25 February 2023, to elect the three federal Senators from Ebonyi State, one from each of the state's three senatorial districts.
The elections will coincide with the 2023 presidential election, as well as other elections to the Senate and elections to the House of Representatives; with state elections being held two weeks later.
Primaries were held between 4 April and 9 June 2022.
Background
[edit]In the previous Senate elections, two of three incumbent senators were returned with Joseph Ogba (PDP-Central) and Sam Egwu (PDP-North) winning re-election while Sonni Ogbuoji (APC-South) retired to unsuccessfully run for governor.
In the South district, Michael Ama Nnachi regained the seat for the PDP with 79% of the vote; the PDP held the other two seats as Ogba was re-elected with 56% of the vote in the Central district while Egwu was returned with 67% in the North district. These results were a part of a continuation of the PDP's control of the state as Governor Dave Umahi was re-elected with over 73% of the vote in the gubernatorial election and the party won a majority in the House of Assembly.
However, the PDP did lose one House of Representatives seat to the APC and although the state was easily won by PDP presidential nominee Atiku Abubakar, it still swung towards Buhari compared to 2015 and had lower turnout.
Overview
[edit]Affiliation | Party | Total | |
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PDP | APC | ||
Previous Election | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Before Election | 3 | 0 | 3 |
After Election | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Summary
[edit]District | Incumbent | Results | ||
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Incumbent | Party | Status | Candidates | |
Ebonyi Central | Joseph Ogba | PDP | Incumbent retired New member elected APC gain |
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Ebonyi North | Sam Egwu | PDP | Incumbent lost re-election New member elected APC gain |
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Ebonyi South | Michael Ama Nnachi | PDP | Incumbent lost re-election New member elected APC gain |
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Ebonyi Central
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The Ebonyi Central Senatorial District covers the local government areas of Ezza North, Ezza South, Ikwo, and Ishielu. The incumbent Joseph Ogba (PDP) was elected with 55.6% of the vote in 2019. In January 2022, Ogba announced that he would run for governor of Ebonyi State instead of seeking re-election.[6]
Primary Elections
[edit]All Progressives Congress
[edit]The primary in Onueke resulted in Kenneth Eze—the Ezza South Local Government Chairman—emerging as the nominee unopposed.[13]
People's Democratic Party
[edit]Primary results showed Lazarus Ogbe—former MHR for Ezza South/Ikwo and former Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs—emerging as the nominee over former Minister of Culture and Tourism Frank Ogbuewu and other candidates in a landslide.[20] However, the national PDP initially attempt to nullify the senatorial primaries;[21] the national party later backtracked amid outcry from victorious candidates (including Ogbe) and INEC listed Ogbe as the legitimate nominee.[22][23]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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PDP | Lazarus Ogbe | 153 | 94.44% | |
PDP | Frank Ogbuewu | 4 | 2.47% | |
PDP | Lawrence Nwuruku | 3 | 1.85% | |
PDP | Tobias Chukwu | 1 | 0.62% | |
PDP | Hyginus Nwokwu | 1 | 0.62% | |
Total votes | 162 | 100.00% |
General election
[edit]Results
[edit]Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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AA | Ephraim Nwonu | |||
ADC | Henry Ikechukwu Ukpabi | |||
APC | Kenneth Eze | |||
APGA | Emmanuel Uzor Onwe | |||
LP | Lawrence Nwuruku | |||
NRM | Stanley Ogechukwu Ogodo | |||
New Nigeria Peoples Party | Benjis Otubo Okechukwu | |||
PDP | Laz Ogbe | |||
SDP | Daniel Mgbada | |||
YPP | Sunday Nwonu | |||
Total votes | 100.00% | |||
Invalid or blank votes | N/A | |||
Turnout |
Ebonyi North
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The Ebonyi North Senatorial District covers the local government areas of Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Izzi, and Ohaukwu. The incumbent Sam Egwu (PDP), who was elected with 66.8% of the vote in 2019, is seeking re-election.
Primary elections
[edit]All Progressives Congress
[edit]The primary at the local government headquarters of Abakaliki LGA resulted in Onyekachi Nwaebonyi—former Commissioner for Capital City Development and former state PDP Chairman—emerging as the nominee over former MHR Elizabeth Ogbaga in a landslide. After the primary, Nwaebonyi stated that he 'would focus on youth empowerment and capacity building' and thanked Governor Dave Umahi for his support.[24][13]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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APC | Onyekachi Nwaebonyi | 272 | 97.84% | |
APC | Elizabeth Ogbaga | 6 | 2.16% | |
Total votes | 278 | 100.00% | ||
Invalid or blank votes | 1 | N/A | ||
Turnout | 279 | 100.00% |
People's Democratic Party
[edit]On the primary date, Egwu was renominated at the state PDP secretariat in Abakaliki; he won unanimously over Ojemba Chikodili Fidelis Mbam and Emeka Otozi, who both boycotted the primary and rejected the results. After the primary, Egwu praised the primary's conduct and thanked delegates.[27][20] However, the national PDP initially attempt to nullify the senatorial primaries;[21] the national party later backtracked amid outcry from victorious candidates and INEC listed Egwu as the legitimate nominee.[22][23] Mbam approached the judiciary to challenge the results but his case and appeals were dismissed by rulings from a High Court, Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court by November.[28]
Campaign
[edit]In review of the campaign in December 2022, reporting from The Nation categorized Nwaebonyi as the frontrunner due to clan and regional dynamics that work against Egwu's third term bid. Pundits also contend that the APC could be boosted in the district as its gubernatorial nominee—Francis Nwifuru—is a native of the area.[29]
General election
[edit]Results
[edit]Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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AA | Ikeria Solomon Chibuike | |||
ADC | Samuel Igum Nwojiji | |||
APC | Onyekachi Nwaebonyi | |||
APGA | Silas Chibueze Nwidembia | |||
LP | Vincent Chukwu Ejiofor | |||
NRM | Solomon Igwe Otubo | |||
New Nigeria Peoples Party | Ambrose Nwizi Nwokoro | |||
PDP | Sam Egwu | |||
SDP | Destiny U. Nwodom | |||
Total votes | 100.00% | |||
Invalid or blank votes | N/A | |||
Turnout |
Ebonyi South
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The Ebonyi South Senatorial District covers the local government areas of Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ivo, Ohaozara, and Onicha. The incumbent Michael Ama Nnachi (PDP), who was elected with 78.8% of the vote in 2019, is seeking re-election.
Primary elections
[edit]All Progressives Congress
[edit]Prior to the primary, Governor Dave Umahi reportedly issued a directive for aspirants to step down in favour of a single candidate; however, Ann Agom-Eze refused to drop out for Austin Umahi—a former PDP official and brother of Governor Dave Umahi. On the original primary date, Austin Umahi defeated Agom-Eze by a wide margin and thanked delegates after the results were announced.[30][13] Despite gratitude in victory, Austin Umahi was revealed to have been a placeholder for his brother as Austin Umahi withdrew from the nomination and an impromptu rerun primary was won by Dave Umahi unopposed on 10 June.[31] However, the sudden primary ruled to be illegitimate by a High Court as Agom-Eze's name was not on the ballot and INEC did not list Dave Umahi on its provisional nominee list in June.[32][33] In response, the state APC initially claimed that INEC had made an error before changing course and conducting a new rerun primary at the local government headquarters of Afikpo North LGA on 1 August;[34] Dave Umahi easily won but Agom-Eze continued to claim that the rerun primaries should not have allowed new candidates and thus she was the rightful nominee.[35] Due to her claims, the Ebonyi APC expelled Agom-Eze for 'rebellious and unruly behaviour' as she is allegedly "being bankrolled by the opposition party."[36] In response, Agom-Eze claimed that she faced persistent harassment and death threats due to her opposition to Umahi.[37] Her lawsuit eventually made its way to the Supreme Court in December, which ruled in favour of Umahi.[38]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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APC | Austin Umahi | 279 | 98.24% | |
APC | Ann Agom-Eze | 5 | 1.76% | |
Total votes | 284 | 100.00% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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APC | Dave Umahi | 250 | 93.28% | |
APC | Austin Umahi (withdrawn) | 10 | 3.73% | |
APC | Chiko Elizabeth Nwakaego | 5 | 1.87% | |
APC | Ibiam Margret Ezenwanyi | 3 | 1.12% | |
APC | Ann Agom-Eze | 0 | 0.00% | |
Total votes | 268 | 100.00% | ||
Invalid or blank votes | 7 | N/A | ||
Turnout | 275 | 100.00% |
People's Democratic Party
[edit]On the primary date, Ama Nnachi was renominated in Afikpo North; he won in a landslide over Batholomew Olughu and Linus Chinedu Okorie.[20] However, the national PDP initially attempt to nullify the senatorial primaries;[21] the national party later backtracked amid outcry from victorious candidates and INEC listed Ama Nnachi as the legitimate nominee.[22][23]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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PDP | Michael Ama Nnachi | 152 | 98.70% | |
PDP | Batholomew Olughu | 1 | 0.65% | |
PDP | Linus Chinedu Okorie | 1 | 0.65% | |
Total votes | 100.00% |
Campaign
[edit]Analysis at the start of the official campaign period in early October categorized the election as a four-way race between Ama Nnachi, APGA nominee Ifeanyi Eleje, LP nominee Linus Abaa Okorie, and Umahi. Pundits noted LGA-based regional dynamics along with potential paths of victory for the major contenders.[42] Later that month, national attention turned to the race due to the reported kidnapping of Okorie by gunman on 16 October;[43] however, a later police statement stated that he had been arrested and detained.[44] The LP protested the arrest as political persecution by Umahi and critics labeled the arrest as another example of governors using security forces to abuse the opposition.[45][46] At the end of that month, an analysis piece from The Guardian also focused on regional dynamics as Eleje and Ama Nnachi are from Afikpo while Okorie and Umahi are from the Ivo-Ohaozara-Onicha axis. The report also reviewed the Okorie-Umahi political relationship from 2011 before reviewing attempts to free Okorie from detention. The election was also categorized as one of several examples of incumbent governors in competitive Senate races.[47]
By November, the campaign became a focal point for criticism of Umahi's alleged authoritarianism as Okorie remained detained until 29 November and Eleje accused security forces of "not allowing the citizens' freedom of expression." These events along with criticism from the PDP and anti-Umahi APC members led observers to label state security forces as effectively Umahi's private militia.[48] In an electoral analysis piece in December 2022, reporters from The Nation stated that Okorie's detention had backfired on Umahi amid public outcry, especially in Onicha—which is both Okorie's native LGA and electorally crucial to win the district.[29] Later that month, a Daily Trust article on the race repeated previous issues for Umahi due to regional dynamics, but also contended that Okorie's detention had hurt his campaigning and Ama Nnachi lacked significant political clout.[49]
General election
[edit]Results
[edit]Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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AA | Reuben Uche Egwu | |||
ADC | Macson Innocent Akpanwaze | |||
APC | Dave Umahi | |||
APGA | Ifeanyi Eleje | |||
LP | Linus Abaa Okorie | |||
NRM | Levi Ajah Ibeabuchi | |||
New Nigeria Peoples Party | Leo Ogbonnia Idam | |||
PDP | Michael Ama Nnachi | |||
SDP | Kelechi Nnachi Olughu | |||
YPP | Rhoda Ebere Nwamini | |||
Total votes | 100.00% | |||
Invalid or blank votes | N/A | |||
Turnout |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Aliuna, Godwin (28 May 2022). "Umahi's younger brother, Eze, Nwaebonyi emerge winners of Ebonyi APC senatorial primaries". Daily Post. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Adenekan, Samson. "Download: Full List of 2023 Presidential, Vice Presidential, NASS candidates". Premium Times. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ a b c EgwuAgha, Amarachukwu. "Egwu, Ama-Nnachi, Ogbe pick Ebonyi PDP senatorial tickets". Blueprint Newspaper. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ Aliuna, Godwin (30 May 2022). "2023: Ex-governor, Egwu wins Ebonyi North senatorial primary election". Daily Post. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ Banjo, Noah (10 June 2022). "Umahi emerges APC senatorial candidate after presidential primary loss". The Punch. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ^ "2023: Senator Ogba joins Ebonyi gov race". The Punch. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Odunsi, Wale. "2023: APC extends sale of forms, fixes dates to elect delegates". Daily Post. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Nseyen, Nsikak. "2023: APC fixes new date for governorship primaries, others". Daily Post. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Majeed, Bakare (20 April 2022). "UPDATED: 2023: APC fixes presidential forms for N100 million, adopts indirect primaries". Premium Times. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- ^ a b c Angbulu, Stephen; Ayeni, Victor; Dada, Peter; Naku, Dennis; Ede, Raphael (21 April 2022). "Presidential primary: APC silent on zoning, Nigerians condemn N100m nomination fee". The Punch. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- ^ a b c APC Nigeria [@OfficialAPCNg] (11 May 2022). "NEW DATES" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c APC Nigeria [@OfficialAPCNg] (18 May 2022). "ADJUSTED TIMETABLE" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c Aliuna, Godwin. "Umahi's younger brother, Eze, Nwaebonyi emerge winners of Ebonyi APC senatorial primaries". Daily Post. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Angbulu, Stephen (21 April 2022). "2023: PDP extends sale of forms for fourth time". The Punch. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ "IPOB's Sit-At-Home Forces PDP To Shift Primaries In South East". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ a b c Yakubu, Dirisu (16 March 2022). "[BREAKING] 2023: PDP Presidential primary holds in May". Vanguard. Abuja. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- ^ a b c Akpan, Samuel (17 March 2022). "2023: PDP releases pre-election schedule, fixes presidential primary poll for May 28". TheCable. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- ^ a b c Official PDP Nigeria [@OfficialPDPNig] (5 May 2022). "2023 General Elections: @OfficialPDPNig updated Time Table and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general elections. See below" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Oyeleke, Sodiq. "2023: Again, PDP adjusts dates for primaries". The Punch. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ a b c d e EgwuAgha, Amarachukwu. "Egwu, Ama-Nnachi, Ogbe pick Ebonyi PDP senatorial tickets". Blueprint Newspaper. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Oyero, Kayode. "PDP cancels all primaries in Ebonyi". The Punch. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Akpa, Nnamdi. "Ebonyi PDP candidates dissociate from fresh primary". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Okutu, Peter. "2023: INEC unveils Ebonyi PDP NASS candidates". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b Okutu, Peter. "2023: Ex-PDP Chair wins APC Ebonyi North Senatorial district primary election". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ "IPOB's Sit-At-Home Forces PDP To Shift Primaries In South East". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ Oyeleke, Sodiq. "2023: Again, PDP adjusts dates for primaries". The Punch. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ Agbana, Rotimi. "Egwu Clinches Ebonyi PDP Senatorial Ticket For Third Term". Independent Nigeria. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Aliuna, Godwin. "2023: Supreme Court affirms ex-gov. Egwu as PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North". Daily Post. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ^ a b Odufowokan, ‘Dare; Anioke, Ogochukwu; Gill, Nsa; Njoku, Chris; Oladele, Bisi; Duruiheoma, Damian; Nwankwo, Sunny; Onu, Nwanosike. "2023: Senate races to watch". The Nation. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ "Umahi's younger brother wins APC's senatorial ticket in Ebonyi". Peoples Gazette. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Banjo, Noah. "Umahi emerges APC senatorial candidate after presidential primary loss". The Punch. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Okutu, Peter. "Ebonyi South Senatorial seat: Ann Agom Eze appeals High Court judgement". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Ugwu, Chinagorom. "Umahi's name missing as INEC publishes list of senatorial candidates". Premium Times. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ Okutu, Peter. "Senatorial ambition: Ebonyi APC debunks claim of Umahi's removal as Party's candidate". Vanguard. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ a b Nnachi, Edward. "Umahi emerges Ebonyi south senatorial candidate". The Punch. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
- ^ "Ebonyi APC expels Gov Umahi's opponent for senatorial ticket". Premium Times. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
- ^ Nnachi, Edward. "My life under threat for contesting against Ebonyi governor – Agom-Eze". The Punch. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
- ^ Ugwu, Francis. "Supreme Court confirms Umahi as APC candidate for Ebonyi South". Daily Post. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
- ^ "Nyako clinches APC ticket for Adamawa central senatorial district". Premium Times. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ "IPOB's Sit-At-Home Forces PDP To Shift Primaries In South East". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ Oyeleke, Sodiq. "2023: Again, PDP adjusts dates for primaries". The Punch. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ Agwu, Chijioke. "Nigeria Decides 2023: Umahi, Ebonyi South senatorial seat and battle ahead". The Sun. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ Nnachi, Edward. "Gunmen kidnap Labour Party Ebonyi senatorial candidate". The Punch. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ "Ebonyi LP senatorial candidate arrested, not abducted – Police". The Punch. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ Alechenu, John. "LP demands release of abducted Ebonyi senatorial candidate". Vanguard. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ "Museveni tactics in Ebonyi". The Sun. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ Sobechi, Leo. "How Obidient 'Tsunami' tests Southeast governors' Senatorial ambition". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ Nnachi, Edward. "Ebonyi Ebubeagu: When security outfit is termed weapon of oppression". The Punch. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
- ^ "Umahi, 2 Others In Epic Battle For Ebonyi South Senatorial Seat". Daily Trust. Retrieved 28 December 2022.