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The political landscape of Anambra State has recently been clouded by desperate attempts by political neophytes and weaklings to tarnish the eligibility of Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, the current Executive Director, Corporate Services, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship primaries scheduled for March 2025. These baseless attacks are borne out of fear, knowing that Rt. Hon. Umeoji is the most viable and competent candidate capable of defeating Governor Charles Soludo at the polls.
We categorically affirm that Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji is legally and constitutionally qualified to contest for the governorship election without resigning his current position. Any contrary assertion is a deliberate distortion of facts by political opportunists who lack both the capacity and credibility to engage in fair political competition.
LEGAL FOUNDATION FOR HIS ELIGIBILITY
- Applicability of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022
The provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries, does not apply to Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji. This is because:
The NDPHC Corporate Structure: The NDPHC is a government-owned limited liability company, and the role of Executive Director is managerial, not political. As such, his position is not classified as a traditional “political appointment” under Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution.
Internal Governance Rules: The NDPHC operates independently, and its internal policies do not mandate the resignation of executive directors for political participation.
- Constitutional Supremacy
The 1999 Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, provides clear protections for Rt. Hon. Umeoji’s rights:
Section 318 of the Constitution does not define the NDPHC Executive Director role as a public office requiring resignation for political participation.
Section 36(1) guarantees his fundamental right to fair hearing, and forcing him to resign without specific legal justification would violate this right.
The Constitution overrides any contradictory provisions of the Electoral Act, making Rt. Hon. Umeoji’s position secure.
- APC Constitution and Party Rules
The APC Constitution does not specifically require political appointees or corporate office holders to resign before contesting party primaries. As a loyal party member, Rt. Hon. Umeoji is bound by the party’s internal rules, which support his candidacy without requiring resignation.
- Judicial Precedents and Practices
Rt. Hon. Umeoji’s eligibility is further bolstered by the precedents set by other political figures:
Chief Dr. George Moghalu, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), contested the APC governorship primaries while in office.
Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as Minister of Transportation, declared for the APC presidential primaries without resigning until closer to the primary date.
These cases demonstrate that political appointees and corporate executives have participated in primaries while retaining their positions without facing legal disqualification.
ATTACKS BY POLITICAL NEOPHYTES: A SIGN OF FEAR
The coordinated attacks on Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji’s eligibility stem from a deep-rooted fear among political weaklings and opportunists. These individuals are well aware that they lack the grassroots support, administrative competence, and political experience that Rt. Hon. Umeoji brings to the table.
Grassroots Connection: As a seasoned politician with a track record of service, Rt. Hon. Umeoji has built strong relationships across all zones of Anambra State.
Policy Expertise: His tenure as Executive Director of NDPHC showcases his capacity to handle complex administrative and developmental challenges, qualities that are sorely needed to unseat Governor Soludo.
Public Trust: The people of Anambra State see him as the only credible alternative to Governor Soludo’s administration, which has failed to deliver on its promises.
These detractors have resorted to misinformation and legal intimidation because they cannot match Rt. Hon. Umeoji’s popularity and competence.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge the good people of Anambra State and members of the APC to disregard the baseless claims of Rt. Hon. Umeoji’s ineligibility. His candidacy is grounded in constitutional provisions, party loyalty, and judicial precedents.
The orchestrated campaign of calumny against him is a desperate move by political weaklings who are intimidated by his capability to lead Anambra State out of its current challenges. Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji remains committed to the principles of good governance, development, and inclusivity.
As the APC primaries draw closer, we call on all stakeholders to focus on issues that matter to the people rather than engaging in baseless attacks. Anambra deserves a leader with vision, competence, and integrity, and Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji embodies these qualities.
Signed:
ANAMBRA LEADERS FORUM (ALF)
