{"id":359809,"date":"2011-04-02T00:13:00","date_gmt":"2011-04-02T00:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ghanamma.net\/2011\/04\/02\/the-battle-ground-states\/"},"modified":"2011-04-02T00:13:00","modified_gmt":"2011-04-02T00:13:00","slug":"the-battle-ground-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2011\/04\/02\/the-battle-ground-states\/","title":{"rendered":"The battle ground states"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Today is D-Day and the die is cast. By noon, after the accreditation exercise expected to start by 8.00 am, Nigerians will begin the process of picking the next set of 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, some areas, certainly, will command more attention than others, given the political situation on ground. It is this consideration that imposes on them the status of what analysts have called the \u2018battle grounds\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally, today\u2019s elections will be taken seriously by political parties, godfathers, candidates and financiers who are worth their names because of the likely \u2018bandwagon\u2019 effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anambra: Clash of titans<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a lot to look forward to in Anambra State where there won\u2019t be governorship election for now. But today\u2019s National Assembly elections has elicited so much interest simply because of the personalities involved. Besides, The All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA) is trying to hold on to Anambra the way ACN has held unto Lagos. The focal point, today, will be Anambra Central Senatorial District.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is going to be former governor of the state, who doubles as the ACN leader in the state, Dr. Chris Ngige, as the ACN candidate versus the former Director-General of National Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex-minister of information, Prof. Dora Akunyili of APGA.<\/span><\/p>\n

She once boasted: “I\u2019m not worried by the emergence of anybody. Everybody is free to vie for any position. The more the merrier.”But Ngige has also declared that he would defeat Akunyili.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said he joined the senatorial race to ensure effective and credible representation for Ndigbo and his home state. Ngige pointed out that the incumbent governor, Mr. Peter Obi and Akunyili hail from the same village, in Agulu, and that the people of his senatorial district would not accept a situation where a governor and a senator would emerge from one village in a senatorial district made up of seven local government areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there is also the incumbent senator from the zone, Senator Annie Okonkwo, who is contesting on the platform of the Accord Party (AP). He had to dump the PDP for AP.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Akunyili is from Agulu in Anaocha council area; Ngige, hails from Alor in Idemili South, and Senator Okonkwo from Ojoto also in the same council area. Both Ngige and Okonkwo belong to the same Idemili North\/South Federal Constituency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ngige, as a former governor of the state is highly loved, particularly, by the people of his Idemili North and South federal constituency who have never stopped being grateful to a man who single-handedly transformed the entire area into a sub-urban city. In all fairness, none of the parties with deference to Ngige stands any chance in Idemili North and South where Ngige is seen as a thin god no matter who they fielded for the election.<\/span><\/p>\n

Given Akunyili\u2019s acceptance by her people, where even traditional rulers in her native Anaocha and Njikoka council areas have endorsed her, and given that these council areas are also those of the governor and the national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, it will be a fait-accompli to say that Akunyili will sweep the votes in these areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is therefore going to be a big showdown and straight fight between the two candidates of the ACN and APGA in Anambra Central Senatorial District today.<\/span><\/p>\n

To brighten the chances of Ngige in the race, however, Senator Okonkwo yesterday stepped down for the former governor.<\/span><\/p>\n

“My action is borne out of respect and honour for Dr. Ngige. Igboland needs liberation and only Dr. Ngige is qualified to lead this battle in the Senate,” Okonkwo said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benue: Generals at war<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Benue South Senatorial District, two Generals are at the fore front of slugging it out in today\u2019s National Assembly elections. Incidentally, it will not be the first time the two Idoma sons will be confronting each other in an electoral contest. Therefore, political observers can look forward to the deployment of both political wizardry and military tactics and strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beside these, popularity, acceptability by the people, strength of the political platform and general mindset of the people will play a major part at today\u2019s election in this zone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senate President David Mark of the PDP is face to face with another General, Lawrence Onoja of the ACN in the battle for Benue South. Politics and campaign here have been generally marked by bitterness and hot exchange of words between the two opposing camps in the run up to the election. Mark is seeking his fourth term in the Senate, while Onoja believes the seat is not his birth right, hence he has vowed to stop Mark even if that is the last thing he will do for Benue South people.<\/span><\/p>\n

It would be recalled that during the 2007 senatorial race, Mark also faced a similar challenge from the duo of Onoja and Alhaji Usman Abubakar. They are back again in the race to see who will represent the Benue South Senatorial District at the Upper Legislative Chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

From all indications, the Benue South Senatorial election promises to be a hot contest, with the recent defection of several political actors across the state from PDP to ACN. PDP in the state will have an Herculean task delivering the zone. But the question being asked is, can Onoja stop Mark\u2019s fourth term bid? The answer will be given today by the electorate in Benue South Senatorial District.<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing that is worth mentioning is the fact that the ACN in Benue State today boasts of who is who in the politics of the state. And there has been a noticeable level of intolerance towards the members of the ACN, which clearly suggests that the ruling party may be jittery. Indeed, those who are in the know tip Benue as one of the new states that the ACN will win in this April election. And it may jolly well start from today\u2019s National Assembly elections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imo: Wind of change in the air<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Imo political landscape is charged to the brim. A strong wind of change is blowing across the state. There is plenty of political manoeuvring, scheming and horse trading. The level of political awareness this time is also very high. Expectedly, there are anxiety and tension all over the place as the 2011 general elections kick off today with the conduct of National Assembly elections in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the emergence of the ACN as the major opposition party in the state, the PDP has been having sleepless nights trying to formulate plans that would checkmate the rising profile of the ACN in the state. Before this time, the presumed opposition was the ANPP but has lost that position to the ACN.<\/span><\/p>\n

The interesting thing about the emergence of ACN in the state is that they were all former PDP heavyweights.<\/span><\/p>\n

They include the former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa; Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and Dr. Alex Obi, among others. These are men of “timber and caliber” as far as Imo politics is concerned and in the past ten years these men make things happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Politically, when they speak, the political equation in the state is changed to their direction. They hold the aces politically and have the capacity to determine where the pendulum swings at the end of the day. You discard them at your peril. And that is why analysts are already reckoning that Imo State is gone from the fold of the PDP. They reckon that the ACN will berth first in the South East in the Heartland State.<\/span><\/p>\n

The senatorial race in the three zones of the state, namely, Okigwe, Owerri and Orlu zones would present interesting contest.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Okigwe Zone, the PDP is presenting Ambassador Mathew Nwagwu; while the ACN is presenting the former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is featuring Chief Anumudu. The race in Okigwe zone would be a straight battle between ACN and PDP as the APGA candidate is relatively unknown in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

The winner of the senatorial election in Okigwe zone would be determined by who calls the highest shots at the top most level.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senator Araraume is a noted figure in Okigwe zone and equally the same applies to the incumbent governor, Chief Ohakim who has consolidated his leadership position serving as governor in the past four years. The actual battle would depend on who blinks first between the senator and the governor. It\u2019s going to be a battle of the titians in Okigwe zone, all things being equal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chief Iwu has an added advantage over Amb. Nwagwu, this is due to the fact that his senior brother, Chief Maurice Iwu, commands a lot of influence in Okigwe zone and would play a major role in who comes out tops in this election.<\/span><\/p>\n

The former National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Nze Ozi Chukwu, is a force to reckon with in PDP both in the state and nationally. He has the political sagacity and intellectual prowess to deliver any candidate of his choice in the zone. However, with his wife made to step down for Amb. Nwagwu it\u2019s likely he may not want to bring to bear all the forces within his reach to support a candidate other than his wife, Chief Comfort Chukwu, who was almost clinching the PDP ticket before she was asked to step down for Amb. Nwagwu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Owerri zone presents a combination of very strong contenders in three visible political party\u2019s in the state. Their names ring a bell any time. The list is made up of Senator Chris Anyanwu, who is running on the ticket of APGA, Ambassador Kema Chikwe contesting under the platform of PDP and Hon. Uche Onyeagocha flying the ACN flag.<\/span><\/p>\n

The contest in Owerri Zone is sure not going to be an easy one as it presents an array of politicians that have all it takes to win an election. All the three contestants are no green horns as far as Owerri zone politics is concerned. Who ever emerges victorious at the polls would know that it was not an easy battle as the zone presents the mother of all battles in the quest for the senatorial ticket.<\/span><\/p>\n

Onyeagocha has the capacity to spring a surprise when you least expected if his election into the House in 2009 is anything to go by. The same situation may likely present itself this time around. He has the charisma to turn things around within a short period. That was exactly what happened in 2009.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senator Anyanwu of APGA is well known in Owerri and she commands a lot of respect among politicians in the state. She is the serving senator representing Owerri zone in the Senate and actually contesting the PDP primaries and failed to pick the party ticket.<\/span><\/p>\n

She later joined APGA where she is running to represent the zone for a second time. Given her connections and her antecedents to turn things around within a short period, she presents a strong contender in retaining the seat she presently occupy\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amb. Chikwe was the immediate past Amb. to the country in Iceland she is a notable figure as far Imo politics is concerned. Her political clout is well known in the state and nationally. She is said to be close to the PDP top hierarchy and would be banking on the present PDP structure to deliver her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The governor, Chief Ohakim, is perceived to be interested in her emergence as a senator, going by the number of aspirants that showed interest in the race before they were asked to step down for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, with the support of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who is a notable figure in Owerri zone and most times dictates who gets what, she has a good chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Orlu zone, Chief Achike Udenwa, the former governor of the state and the ACN candidate holds sway like an emperor. He could be referred to as the best candidate Orlu has had, going by the way he affected the lives of the people positively when he was the governor of the state. The senatorial battle in the zone is between Chief Udenwa of the ACN and Chief Hope Uzodinma of the PDP.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PDP did not have it easy producing a candidate, no thanks to the various litigations that characterised the PDP primaries in the state. While the PDP was trying to sort itself out on who becomes their candidate, the ACN flag bearer, Chief Udenwa was busy campaigning in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chief Udenwa is the candidate to beat in Orlu zone, this is due to his acceptability among his people, which endeared him to the grassroots. He knows the terrain and would work hard to emerge victorious in the election.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plateau: Change versus consolidation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Plateau State, PDP, LP, CPC, ANPP, DPP, ACN are the political parties fielding candidates for the National Assembly elections. All the contending parties are fielding 13 candidates for the three senatorial positions in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the PDP and LP are undoubtedly the highest contending parties for the senatorial election considering the weight and popularity of both parties as well as the popularity of the candidates flying the flag of both parties in the senatorial election.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, in Plateau North zone, the battle is squarely between the incumbent Senator Gyang Dantong of the PDP and the candidate of the Labor Party (LP) Lumumba Da Ade. Dantong originally appeared the man to beat in today\u2019s election if he is the only candidate from the Berom tribe. But now that he has to slug it out with three other Berom candidates, the massive Berom votes will be split and that has brighten the chances of the LP candidate, Lumumba Da Ade, who is from Bassa local government.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Plateau Central zone, the candidate of LP, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye, the former governor of the state is certain to be ahead of others. The PDP senatorial candidate in the zone Dr. Dauda Gowon, who is comparatively less popular on the political turf, is likely to come as the runner-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

The battle at the Plateau South zone is between the two Generals; the incumbent Gen. John Shagaya of the LP and Gen. Jeremiah Useni of the DPP. Political analysts in the state see two of them as the favorites but the PDP candidate in the zone, Victor Lar, may spring a surprise that will shock the two Generals.<\/span><\/p>\n

From all indications, this time, it is \u2018change versus consolidation\u2019. The opposition is clamouring for change while the incumbent is advocating for consolidation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Above all, the overall victory in the National Assembly elections in the state will largely depend on how free and fair the election is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Osun: Oyinlola, Omisore in battle of their lives<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Senatorial candidates of the PDP in Osun State will be going into today\u2019s elections without the confidence and psychological advantage of being in the party which controls the state. That status has been lost to the ACN. Observers are therefore keen to know how Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, will deal with the fierce challenge from his main challenger, Babajide Omoworare of ACN for the Osun East senatorial district. Omisore is seeking a third term in the Senate. In Osun Central, deposed former governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, flying the flag of the PDP, will have to contend with Prof. Sola Adeyeye of the ACN.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no gain saying the fact that the two major parties \u2013 ACN and PDP will throw everything at their disposal into today\u2019s contest. The PDP will be struggling to reclaim what it has had, albeit illegally all this while but lost judicially to the ACN. And as for those in the ACN, they believe that the \u2018broom revolution\u2019 has come to stay in the state of the Living Spring and there would be no looking back or giving any chance to any group to reverse the status quo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ekiti: A two-horse race as Ojudu, Fayose battle for Ekiti Central<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The contest in Ekiti is going to be very keen, especially, in Ekiti Central. Here, both candidates and parties are popular. We have Babafemi Ojudu, a journalist and pro-democracy crusader, flying the flag of the ruling ACN. He is being challenged by Ayo Fayose, former governor and candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kayode Alufa of PDP.<\/span><\/p>\n

The race promises to be keen because candidates have mounted aggressive campaigns in all the major towns in the district, including Ado, Ifelodun\/Irepodun, Ijero, Ekiti West and Efon councils on a daily basis. Bookmakers have branded it a two-horse race between Ojudu and Fayose. Incumbent senator, Bode Ola, came in after the Court of Appeal kicked Femi Kila out of office. The popularity rating of PDP in the zone is really very low just now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kwara: Saraki, Oloriegbe set for Kwara Central tussle<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Kwara State, all eyes will be on the Central Senatorial District where the incumbent governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, is trying to replace his sister, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, now seeking to be the first woman governor of the Middle Belt state under the platform of the All Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).<\/span><\/p>\n

Governor Saraki, flying PDP flag, will slug it out with Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the ACN. Others include ACPN\u2019s Hajia Rukayat Alaro Isa and Alhaji Tunde Mohammed of DPP.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opinions are divided over who will carry the day between Saraki and the equally influential Oloriegbe. But Saraki not only enjoys incumbency factor, he is a two-term governor. Despite the differences between him and his father, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the latter\u2019s influence may work in his favour, more so that he is not contesting directly against his sister, Gbemisola, in the district.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Oloriegbe\u2019s influence and popularity has grown tremendously of recent to the extent that he is said to be a very \u2018big headache\u2019 to the governor and other candidates. Besides Oloriegbe\u2019s personal strength, the popularity of his party\u2019s governorship candidate, Dele Belgore (SAN) may work in his favour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ogun: ACN, ready to pounce<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The battle for today\u2019s National Assembly elections will be fiercest in Ogun East and Ogun Central. Although PDP has little electoral value in Ogun State just now because of internal crisis which has dealt a mortal blow to a once united and vibrant party in the state, the influence of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, will likely aid his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the ACN candidate in Ogun Central, Gbenga Obadara, public opinion is strongly in support of a change at all levels of elective offices and ACN represents that desired change in the estimation of many Ogun people, including the Egbas. The strong influence of ACN\u2019s governorship candidate, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and his robust campaign will assist Obadara today.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ogun East, the contest is between Alhaji Gbenga Kaka of ACN. The other candidates are, in the estimation of the people, political non-starters who bank on what their godfathers and financiers could get for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Kaka, the ACN candidate, is immensely popular. He controls a large following in Ijebuland and will be banking on experience and viability of platform. Kaka was former deputy governor during the Chief Segun Osoba administration and later governorship candidate of Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in 2007 elections. He enjoys enormous goodwill from the people. In a fair contest, Kaka stands a brighter chance of winning Ogun East seat at the Senate.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PDP has been in turmoil in the past two years in the state and the situation has degenerated systematically on a daily basis until the party was split into two with a faction loyal to the incumbent governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel defecting into the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) while the remaining faction queued behind former president and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the battle here is three dimensional. On two fronts, the factions of what used to be the PDP family in the state will be trying frantically to out do each other. Here, the reputation, popularity and claim to having the most potent political machinery would be tested. It is going to be a fight between Obasanjo and Governor Daniel. Both have their gubernatorial candidates (Gen. Tunji Olurin \u2013 PDP; Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega \u2013PPN), senatorial candidates and House of Representatives candidates.<\/span><\/p>\n

This development is what seems to make the third leg of the contest here very interesting. The ACN is parading Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a candidate that is popular and generally acceptable which is of course reinforced by a perfectly stable platform and so makes the ACN the party to beat in Ogun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abia: Kalu battles Chukwumerije<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The situation in Abia is such that will be decided by the personality of the candidates and their political platforms. But all eyes would be on Abia North where Senator Uche Chukwumerije, the former information minister, flying the flag of the PDP will slug it out with former governor of the state, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu. He is on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).<\/span><\/p>\n

Jigawa: Big fight as Saminu Turaki confronts Lamido\u2019s men<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s senatorial contest in Jigawa State will be a big fight for political supremacy. It is simply an extension of the battle of supremacy between the two leading gladiators in the state: Governor Sule Lamido and his predecessor in office, Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turaki\u2019s line up are men of \u2018timber and calibre\u2019 known to have played significant roles in his eight-year administration with their grassroots contacts going for them, while Lamido\u2019s men consist of men who have lived among the people and are known for their philanthropic gestures, too. It has been dubbed \u2018the big fight\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (ACN) will lead the charge from the North-West senatorial zone. He is not just a former governor but was a successful business man even before he ventured into politics. He is also a dogged fighter who ruled the state for eight years and his influence cannot be wished away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senator Turaki remains a man to beat and despite the emergence of some home boys gunning for his seat, his followership in the 12 local councils that make up the Senatorial slot is phenomenal. And an observer has said that the ACN may be PDP\u2019s Achilles Hills in Jigawa in the polls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edo: Godfathers dig in<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Edo State, the contest is not only for the candidates of the various parties. Godfathers will also join the fray. And the struggle is going to be a straight one between the ACN and the PDP.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some of the contending candidates, it is a battle between old foes. They were at the battle field at the intra-party level of the PDP during the 2007 elections but were cheated out or told out rightly not to contest the primaries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Except for the recent defection of Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon, to the ACN, the PDP dominated the National Assembly like a colossus. But things are, perhaps, about to change. It will be the first all inclusive election since 2007.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the northern axis, Senator Yisa Braimoh and Tunde Akogun, all of the PDP, will slug it out with Deacon Obende Domingo, Pally Iriase, Peter Akpatason and Abubakar Momoh of the ACN.<\/span><\/p>\n

This district has been predicted to be an easy ride for the ACN owing to the fact that Governor Adams Oshiomhole hails from Edo North. Another factor is the achievements of the ACN-led government. Roads are being constructed in areas where the people were earlier told that it was difficult to construct roads because of the huge cost and terrains.<\/span><\/p>\n

The people of Akoko-Edo from where Obende hails from will surely vote en-masse for their son because of the zeal to have an Akoko-Edo person at the Senate. Besides, ACN won two re-run elections held in Akoko-Edo.<\/span><\/p>\n

But same could not be said of Braimoh who hails from Owan because of the influence of the former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Hon. Pally Iriase.<\/span><\/p>\n

The return of Tunde Akogun to the House of Representatives is slim. He couldn\u2019t deliver Akoko-Edo in the re-run elections. His opponent Peter Akpatason, former National President of NUPENG, is quite popular and sure to replace Akogun.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Central is going to be the clash of the godfathers. It is home to Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority, Chief Tony Anenih and a chieftain of the ACN, Chief Tom Ikimi. The PDP has never lost an election in Edo Central and they hope never to do so. The battle for the district is unpredictable.<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Senatorial District reputed to be the most populated, PDP\u2019s candidate, Senator Daisy Danjuma, is battling to reclaim the seat from Senator Ehigie Uzamere, now of ACN.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACN members in the state are crying foul following what they described as police harassment. Acting on petitions from the PDP, the police clamped down on candidates and supporters of the ACN. Obende Domingo and Akpatason were invited for questioning based on a petition written by Akogun that the duo were stockpiling arms in preparation for the elections. Also, Inenegbeki and four others were arrested and detained for days by the police.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the real battle for the National Assembly is between Governor Oshiomhole on the one side and Chief Anenih and Chief Ogiadomhe on the other side. Ogiadomhe must prove to the Presidency that everything has turned around for good for the PDP in the state and Chief Anenih will show his ability to deliver PDP to the state. For Oshiomhole, the results of the elections will show if the people really appreciate on-going developments in the state and his chances in the 2012 governorship election.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ondo: Three-horse race<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a three-horse race in Ondo State – the ruling Labour Party (LP), ACN and PDP. The LP parades Chief Ayo Akinyelure a.k.a All over<\/em> as its senatorial candidate in the Central. In the South, the party is fielding a lawyer and immediate past Special Adviser on Political matters to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr. Boluwaji Kunlere as its senatorial candidate. In the North, Prof. Ajayi Borofface, the Asiwaju of Akoko land is slugging it out with contestants from other parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the PDP, serving senator, Gbenga Ogunniya who was elected as a senator representing Ondo Central District since 1999, first under the platform of Alliance for Democracy [AD] is contesting for the fourth term in the upper chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the South District, the PDP has former Governor Olusegun Agagu from Iju-Odo in Okitipupa local government as its candidate. Both Agagu and Kunlere of LP are from the same local government.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agagu, no doubt, is a seasoned politician and very intelligent, he may spring surprises especially in the District comprising Irele, Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Ile-Oluji\/Oke-Igbo local governments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Incumbent Senator Bode Olajumoke is the PDP senatorial candidate in the Northern District. He has very good credentials and unblemished antecedents. Besides, he is very close to Governor Mimiko, but observers maintain that the state chief executive will definitely work for his party\u2019s candidate, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice rather than Olajumoke, the PDP\u2019s candidate.<\/span><\/p>\n

The post-party primaries of the ruling LP which prompted the defection of some aggrieved contestants from the party has invariably paid off for the ACN. The party is now growing at a faster speed; it is becoming a new bride that everybody wants to woo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Already, the three senatorial candidates presented by the party under the new leadership of a woman lawyer, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose [nee Ajasin] comprising Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former minister, for the Northern District; Dr. Michael Akintade, a US-based medical doctor, for the Central District and another medical director of a Lagos based Hospital, Dr. Paul Akintelure in the south will definitely slug it out with their opponents in other political parties.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Read more here:
\nThe battle ground states<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today is D-Day and the die is cast. By noon, after the accreditation exercise expected to start by 8.00 am, Nigerians will begin the process of picking the next set of 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members across the country. However, some areas, certainly, will command more attention than others, given the political situation on ground<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-359809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nThe battle ground states - Ghanamma.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2011\/04\/02\/the-battle-ground-states\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"The battle ground states - Ghanamma.com\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Today is D-Day and the die is cast. By noon, after the accreditation exercise expected to start by 8.00 am, Nigerians will begin the process of picking the next set of 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members across the country. 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