Emmanuel lkpeama.
M. Ikechukwu Philip Onwuka has emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II after defeating the incumbent lawmaker, Barrister Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, in a keenly contested primary election held in Ajao Estate, Lagos.
The primary election, conducted by NDC officials and supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), featured eight aspirants vying for the party’s ticket ahead of the forthcoming general election.
The contestants included Ikechukwu Philip Onwuka, Otunba Shotola Olufemi, Gerald Onwuachu, Ugochukwu Ekwubiri, Ndubusi Orji, David Odisie, Anthony Onwubuiko and the incumbent lawmaker, Barrister Okey-Joe Onuakalusi.
Voting was conducted using the Option A4 system, with party members openly queuing behind their preferred candidates in a process widely described as transparent and credible.
At the end of the exercise, Onwuka secured a landslide victory with 1,002 votes, defeating Barrister Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who polled 314 votes. David Odisie garnered 306 votes, while other aspirants stepped down and declared their support for Onwuka before the conclusion of the exercise.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his emergence, the victorious candidate described the NDC as a party with the capacity to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
“NDC is a party that will save the nation. The people are yearning for a new direction and a leadership that prioritizes their welfare. Today’s outcome is a reflection of the people’s desire for genuine representation and inclusive leadership,” Onwuka said.
He disclosed that before the primary election, the party’s national leadership had preferred a consensus arrangement but that aspirants collectively agreed to test their popularity through the ballot.
“The community is not satisfied with the representation of the incumbent, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi. Before today, all other aspirants agreed with a voice vote that they would step down for me because the national body wanted a consensus candidate.
However, we all refused and agreed to go into the primary election so that party members could decide. The result has shown the will of the people,” he stated.
According to Onwuka, the overwhelming support he received was a mandate for change and a clear indication that constituents desired more impactful and people-oriented representation.
One of the aspirants who stepped down in support of Onwuka, Hon. Anthony Onwubuiko, said the decision was taken in the interest of unity and the collective progress of the constituency.
“We reached a consensus agreement to step down and join the Onwuka movement because we believe he possesses the capacity, vision and commitment needed to pilot the affairs of the constituency.
We want a system where everyone benefits and where leadership is accessible to the people,” he said.
Onwubuiko also criticized the performance of the incumbent lawmaker, arguing that many constituents felt disconnected from the dividends of representation despite entrusting him with their mandate in 2023.
“The people gave him the mandate in 2023, but many of them say they did not feel his impact. Representation should be felt in every ward and community.
The complaints from residents have been consistent, and that informed our decision to support a candidate who can provide broader and more inclusive representation,” he added.
Several party members and constituents who spoke during and after the exercise echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the outcome of the primary reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the incumbent’s performance.
According to them, while the constituency had high expectations when the incumbent was elected, many residents believed those expectations were not adequately met.
A party delegate said the primary election offered members an opportunity to express their views through the democratic process.
“The votes today speak louder than words. People wanted a new direction and a representative who will be closer to the grassroots. That is what this result represents,” the delegate remarked.
Another supporter described the outcome as a victory for internal democracy, noting that party members were united in their desire to reposition the constituency politically and developmentally.
Political observers described Onwuka’s victory as one of the biggest upsets in the constituency’s recent political history, citing the margin of victory as evidence of a strong desire for change among party members.
With the primary election concluded, attention is expected to shift to the general election campaign, where Ikechukwu Philip Onwuka will fly the NDC flag in the race for the Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II seat in the House of Representatives.
Party stakeholders have expressed optimism that the emergence of Onwuka will strengthen the NDC’s chances at the polls as the party seeks to consolidate support across the constituency and offer what it describes as a fresh approach to representation and grassroots development.