As the gubernatorial election on March 11th approaches, anxiety over who will be picked as Enugu state governor is mounting. The unexpected outcome of the national assembly and presidential elections on February 25th, which saw the state's ruling party lose nearly all of the seats it fought for, has altered the dynamics of the gubernatorial contest. Interestingly also, the governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lost out in the contest to represent Enugu North senatorial district in the senate. Given that the People Democratic Party (PDP) has had complete control of the state since 1999, these developments are shocking.

Up until the tsunami of the presidential and national assembly elections that heavily destabilized the PDP in Enugu state, pundits would have been certain that the PDP candidate would win the governorship race. The state's current political reality, however, implies otherwise. There are four major contenders in the Enugu gubernatorial race, Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour party (LP), Uche Nnaji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Frank Nweke (Jnr) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Among these four, I believe Chijioke Edeoga has the best chance of winning the upcoming election. I'll back up my case with the four points outlined below.

1. The Peter Obi Effect: There is no point in disputing the fact that Peter's resounding popularity will undoubtedly affect voters' choices in the upcoming elections on March 11th. Due to the broad acceptability of Peter Obi, voters largely supported the labor party in the presidential and national assembly elections, .Even some unpopular candidates were able to win, riding on Obi’s popularity. This, in my opinion, will also probably influence thousands of voters to support the labour party in the gubernatorial polls.

2. The Nsukka Factor: There are strong hints that the Nssuka zone (which is made up of local government areas within Enugu North senatorial district) provides Edeoga with a lot of support. Although I may not be entirely certain of the cause, this suggestion appears to be true based on the growing popularity and acceptance of Edeoga within the zone. Also, the fact that Edeoga hails from the Isi-uzo local government, which many feel has close cultural ties to the Nsukka zone, may be another explanation for this. Remember that Isi-Uzo was formerly a part of the Nsukka zone under the old political system. Nonetheless, the local government was politically compelled to join what is now the Enugu East Senatorial zone after Ebonyi state was established in 1996.
Now, what distinguishes the Nsukka zone? The Nsukka zone houses an estimated 60% of the state's electorates, according to reports. This implies that any candidate who is successful in capturing a significant number of votes from the zone needs just a handful of votes from the other two zones of the state to win the election.

3. The role of ethnicity in Voter preference.
The significance of ethnicity in voter preference is another element that, in my opinion, works in Chijioke Edeoga's favor as the labour party's candidate. Ethnicity is a key factor in Nigerian politics, as evidenced by the recent elections' voting patterns. As I had previously stated, Edeoga may gain a significant number of votes from the Enugu senatorial North district due to the alleged close cultural ties that his town of birth has with the zone. On the other side, Peter Mba of the PDP, Frank Nweke (Jr.) of the APGA, and Uche Nnaji of the APC could have to contend for the votes in the Enugu East senatorial district block. Edeoga is also expected to draw significant votes from Enugu East senatorial district, not forgetting that he is from Isi-Uzo, a local government within the zone. With this, Enugu West Senatorial District could decide the governorship race. It's interesting to note that people in the Enugu West senatorial district are anticipated to support the labour party because Dr. John Nwokeabia, the party's deputy gubernatorial candidate, comes from the area.

4. Edeoga’s excellent track record and experience
Edeoga, who is best described as a technocrat, has in fact had a great career in government service. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer and journalist for roughly 17 years. He has held a number of positions, including that of local government chairman, federal House of Representatives member, special assistant to President Jonathan, and commissioner. He has shown an unparalleled dedication to performance in each of these roles. Many view him as an intelligent public servant with all the necessary qualities to make a great governor. Because of this, he has won over a lot of supporters, especially young people who think he has the creativity and ability to advance the state.
There is little doubt that the Enugu gubernatorial race will be quite exciting, but only time will tell who will win the position.

Wilfred Okeke
Writes from Enugu

Yes he has .
Nsukka zone only need to remain united and pursue it till end in which they can do.
So the odds are in favour for him currently

Edeoga is an associate of Ugwuanyi. A colossal failure.

Ugwuanyi and his entire cabinet represents failure.. Edeoga may be another mistake

Ugwuanyi and edoga are not at all.
Edoga has a track record and experienced .