Intriguing and suspense-filled are the words that best describe the political atmosphere in Enugu as the day draws near to the gubernatorial primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, PDP has enjoyed an unbroken rule in the state and has occupied every available political position.
With the dominance of the party in the state, anyone who successfully lands the party's ticket will most likely cruise to victory at the
gubernatorial polls next year.

Major political gladiators in the state have thrown their hats into the ring in clinching the PDP gubernatorial ticket. Prominent among these contenders is a onetime deputy president of the Nigerian Senate and a serving senator of five terms, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy governor of the state, Rev. Ralph Nwoye, retired federal permanent secretary, Sir. Chinyeka Ohaa, a former federal minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji, and a serving member of the federal house of representatives, Hon, Offor Chukwuegbo.

Others who also purchased the
PDP nominations forms include Dr. Josef-Ken Onoh, Mr. Godwin Ogeni, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Prof. Hillary Edeoga, Prof. Jehu Nnaji, Dr. Abraham Nneji, Mr. Peter Mba, Senator Gil Nnaji, Capt. Everest Nnaji, Dr. G.O. C Ajah, Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, Engr. Erasmus Anike and Dr. Kingsley Ude.

It’s barely one month to the party primaries and still, there is no clear picture of who is most favoured to clinch the ticket.
Interestingly also, the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is yet to openly endorse any of the aspirants as his favoured successor. His body language does not seem to suggest a preference for any of the aspirants, at least not at the moment.

Pundits opine the governor will certainly throw his weight behind an aspirant before the
party goes into the primaries. With the overwhelming popularity of the governor and his firm grip on the party structure in the state, party delegates and stakeholders will have no challenge aligning with his preferred choice. The big question on the lips of most pundits is “who will be the anointed David amongst the many political Goliaths aspiring to be governor in 2023?”

In a bid to weep up public sentiments which may influence the governor's choice, aspirants are leaving no stone unturned in vending
narratives that favour their candidacy. Undoubtedly, the battle to clinch the PDP ticket will be very intense considering the caliber of aspirants jostling for the ticket. However, one aspirant who can be likened to the biblical David squaring up against political Goliaths is Dr. Kingsley Ude.

Dr. Ude took many by surprise when he resigned his appointment as Special Adviser to Governor Ugwuanyi and purchased the PDP nomination form. Unlike most aspirants, he is not a household name in the politics of Enugu state but he sure has what it takes to be governor. At just 42, Dr. Udeh has had a sterling career in the developmental sector. As adviser to the governor, his experience was largely instrumental in initiating and driving key policies of the Ugwuanyi administration.

Unlike most of the aspirants, Dr. Ude may not be able to boast of a huge financial war chest but he certainly has the goodwill of the people. He is a seasoned technocrat who many believe will work in the best interest of the people if elected governor. Dr. Udeh is seen by many as one who has what it takes to place Enugu on a global pedestal.

With Dr. Ude's wealth of experience, intellectual prowess, and resourcefulness, he will have no challenge providing the leadership
that will ensure the simultaneous development of all sectors in Enugu state in line with global developmental standards. People who are close to him describe him as a man of excellence, who doesn't compromise standards nor settles for less. His impeccable character, integrity, and forthrightness are other qualities that endear him to the hearts of many especially those who have worked closely with him.

As we inch closer to primaries, Dr. Kinsley Ude is one aspirant to look out for. He may not be a favorite for many to clinch the ticket,
only time will tell if there will be a repeat of David’s triumph over Goliath at the PDP primaries.

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On IKEOHA'S mandate I stand