In the Senate, some of Senator Uche Ekwunife’s colleagues are pushing for her return, while others wish secretly, and relentlessly work to ensure she loses out because of their interest in the plum seat.

The position of the presidency is not quite clear, although some were reportedly uncomfortable that she had the temerity to summon its chief occupant to appear before her committee to explain the queues at filling stations sometimes ago. But some are saying in a subtle manner, “she has come to our side, so we will protect her.” Others, however, fear she can’t be trusted.

Ekwunife recently dumped the PDP for what political analysts say is her fear of the acrimony that may engulf the party’s primaries and consume her ambition. She, however, attributed the move to lack of seriousness in the party. Anambra Central senatorial district is known nationally for its unenviable political history, beset with numerous battles.

Last week, Ekwunife was full of confidence that she will roundly beat her oppositions, as she is the choice of her people.

“All politics is local and my people believe in me. They believe that I served them well during the eight years I spent in the House of Representatives and they want me back. At the right time, they will make their choice. I laugh when I see them trying to discredit me to leverage on the votes. But I can’t be beaten, because I am an example to the fact that when people holding public office sincerely serve their people, they will always return to office. 

“They are jittery because the people want me. Elections are won on ground and I have proved myself to my people,” she said.

She insisted on phone that she never asked the president to appear before her committee, noting that journalists can corroborate her position. “Committees don’t invite the president. We invited the ministry and agencies and interacted with them. There was never a time I ordered the president to come,” she said.

On her colleagues working against her return, she waxed philosophical, saying it is only God that determines who benefits from power. “I am a strong contender and I pray that God will help and give me the grace to perform,” she said.

She attributed her so-called power in the presidency, before and now, to the fact that she is a team player and will not go contrary to her party leaders, who occupy the presidency.

Former Chairman of APGA, Mr. Victor Umeh, has gone public that Ekwunife and the PDP candidate should be barred from the coming election, but the APC has lashed out at him.

Last Monday, Umeh had said it would be an unnecessary legal jeopardy for other parties to present fresh candidates to be submitted, given the ruling of the Court of Appeal and earlier rulings by the Supreme Court.

He said the court ruled out Ekwunife and the PDP from contesting in the fresh election.

“I am ready for the election again, but the important thing to consider now is the need to do everything according to the law. The previous election was nullified because somebody took part, after not being properly nominated by her party, the PDP,” he said.