Former senators and political heavyweights, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and businessman-philanthropist Ebuka Onunkwo, have emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidates for the 2027 general elections in Anambra State.

The trio secured their party’s tickets during the NDC primary elections held across the state on Friday.

While Umeh clinched the ticket for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Nwoye emerged victorious in Anambra North, and Onunkwo secured the nomination for Anambra South.

The primaries, conducted under the party’s direct voting system using Option A4, witnessed a significant turnout of party members across the state. Accreditation commenced in the morning, followed by voting exercises that party officials described as peaceful, transparent, and orderly.

Beyond the senatorial contests, the exercise also produced candidates for the House of Representatives and the Anambra State House of Assembly, with the party successfully nominating 11 House of Representatives candidates and 30 State Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking after the exercise, Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, hailed the conduct of party members and electoral officials, describing the primaries as one of the most credible and rancour-free ever witnessed in the state.

According to him, the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparent leadership selection.

“We congratulate all aspirants who emerged victorious and commend those who did not win for their maturity and sportsmanship. The process has strengthened our party and positioned us strongly for the general elections,” Uzoezie said.

Speaking on behalf of the victorious candidates, Onunkwo praised party members for their discipline and commitment throughout the exercise.

He said the emerging candidates were united by a common vision to deliver quality representation and accelerate development across Anambra State.

“We are delighted with the peaceful conduct of the primaries and deeply appreciate our members for their maturity and commitment to the democratic process.

“Anambra is blessed with capable men and women who are prepared to serve. With the calibre of candidates our party has produced, we are confident that the state will witness people-oriented representation and a new era of progress,” he stated.

The successful conduct of the primaries is expected to boost the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections as the party intensifies efforts to expand its influence across Anambra State.