The Political Heat of Ebonyi Senate Race: Who’s Got the Spike Shoes?

The Ebonyi Central Senate seat race is heating up like a long-distance 5000-meter competition, with political athletes lacing up their Spike Shoes in preparation for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

As political parties prepare for their congresses in the coming year, candidates dust off their strategies, make alliances, and position themselves for the grueling laps ahead. Here’s a rundown of the key contenders in this race and their prospects:

Senator Obinna Ogba

The immediate past Senator enters the race amidst concerns about his " protruding stomach and its potential impact on his endurance. Having lost his seat in the last race, Ogba will need to convince everyone that he’s ready for a serious comeback. Known for his confident strides and larger-than-life presence, the big question remains: Can he still sprint effectively, or will his proud stomach slow him down?

Barr. Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, fondly called the Silent Achiever, has been busy rallying support at the nation’s capital, Abuja. He appears to have a calculated strategy aiming to compete vigorously in the final two laps of the race. To achieve this, he is reportedly planning factional and parallel party primaries.

He’s also leveraging his influence over the current Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo, who happens to be his in-law.

Barr. Nwankwo has been touring the 20 INEC wards in Ikwo, promising councilors and stakeholders loans of ₦1 million, which will be converted to grants if they support Igwe. Perhaps someone should remind Barr.Nwankwo that primary school teachers are still owed three months salary.

Senator Engr. Ken Chukwuemeka Eze

The incumbent Senator representing Ebonyi Central Zone has a long history of political victories. However, his performance in the 2023 race revealed some cracks in his technique, particularly with his fallout from the excellent technical team; that guided him to victory.

Unless he mends fences with his former team, his chances of making it past the heats look slim.

Chief Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbee

A former House of Representatives member, Ogbee has faced two consecutive losses—first to Rt. Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah in 2019 and then Senator Eze in 2023. Despite his defection to the ruling APC, it’s unclear if his new spike shoes or technical team will be enough to propel him to victory. Or is he hoping for a Ghanaian-style comeback, à la John Mahama?

High Chief Chibuike Orogwu

Known as “Odumba Worldwide” and “Baby Oku”, this heavyweight businessman and philanthropist from the Ezza extraction is banking on his acts of generosity and business connections to carry him through.

However, history hasn’t been kind to business moguls in Ebonyi State politics, with most bowing out before the third lap of the race. Will Chief Chibuike defy the odds?

Dr. Chike Onwe

A former Commissioner for Information, Dr. Onwe is said to be at the Margaret Umahi International Market surveying the cost of a fairly used pair of spike shoes. While he may lack a solid track record of endurance in political races, some hope he has recalibrated his lungs and ribs for the challenge.

Senator Barr. Emmanuel Onwe

A UK-trained lawyer, Senator Onwe is known for his intellectual prowess. In the last race, he dropped out on the fifth lap. Perhaps, with recalibrated lungs and a new pair of spike shoes, he’s ready for redemption this time around.

Hon. Anayo Edwin Nwonu

The immediate past House of Representatives member for Ezza-North/Ishielu Federal Constituency also joins the race. Having lost his seat to an unknown athlete in the last contest, the big question remains: does he now have the stamina to compete with the senior boys?

Architect Dr. Christian Asaga Nwali (C-Sagas)

A philanthropist and architect, C-Sagas is still weighing his options—whether to run for the House of Representatives or aim for the Senate.

Given the “Kenyan breed athlete” currently defending the House seat, he’s leaning towards the Senate race but might end up cheering from the sidelines.

However, an inside source has revealed that he has no intention of competing but for the fear of not disappointing some of his loyalists who are currently asking him to compete has made him decide to continue.

Amb. Franklin Nchita Ogbuewu

The former Minister of Culture and Tourism is still in the corner, trying to come to terms with himself on whether to join the race or not. As he deliberates, his supporters await a definitive decision.

Hon. Kenneth Ugbala, Ph.D.

A former Secretary to the State Government and currently the member representing the South East Zone in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Ugbala has entered the race with some notable backing. Reliable sources confirm that the current Minister for Works is assuring him of victory. However, Ugbala himself has admitted concerns about his level of endurance. Will external support outweigh his doubts?

Hon. Sunday Ogodo

The former Chairman of Ezza-South LGA is yet to declare his aspirations publicly.

Observers note that he may be hesitating because he realizes that this is not “a parlor-to-bedroom race”. If he decides to join, he will need more than quiet contemplation to compete against seasoned athletes.

Ebonyi South Zone

Though the incumbent Senator Anthony Okorie is under an oath to only hold the seat for one term, it appears he is making undercover plans to return. Much, however, depends on the Minister from the zone.

If the Minister fails to secure a second term in office, he might go back home to compete against his brother, Austin Umahi, and Senator Anthony. If the Minister secures a second term, he is likely to substitute Senator Anthony with Hon.Darlington Okereke. The zone is bracing itself for an intense showdown.

Ebonyi North Zone

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi appears to be losing his grassroots support. Should he finally lose his grip, he will have to contend with Elizabeth Ogbaga and three other yet-to-be-identified contenders. The race in this zone is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable contests yet.

This race isn’t just about who can run; it’s about endurance, preparation, and strategy.Athletes who think they can skip training or cut corners risk being disqualified by the officials.

Those without competitive experience should enroll in a good academy and learn how to use spike shoes. After all, attempting to run barefoot in a 5000-meter senior boys’ race is a recipe for muscle strains or cardiac attacks.

One thing is certain: this won’t be an easy race. Let the games begin!