The Peoples Democratic Party has certified Uche Ben Odunzeh as one of its aspirants for House of Representatives in Imo. 

Mr Odunzeh was the first to be issued a clearance certificate to participate in the primaries which will be held later this month. The certificate of qualification emerged after rumours circulated online that the real estate investor had been disqualified over his previous conviction in the United States. 

The controversy around Mr Odunzeh’s eligibility followed a report by Peoples Gazette that he served term in the U.S. in 2013 over fraud conviction.

He continues to maintain his innocence and attributed his ordeal to a conspiracy over his vocal politics at the time. 

Mr Odunzeh returned to Nigeria and launched a real estate venture, proceeds of which he also said he used to give scholarships and other philanthropic activities to Nigerians. 

He continued his private activities until this year when he joined politics knowing the 10-year constitutional ban on ex-convicts would expire by January 2023.

Section 66 (1) (a) of the Nigerian Constitution said: “No person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if within a period of less than 10 years before the date of an election to a legislative house, he has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or he has been found guilty of a contravention of the Code of Conduct.” 

The National Assembly elections will be held on February 25, 2023, according to a timetable released by the electoral office INEC. Mr Odunze’s sentence will be 10 years on January 17, 2023, roughly six weeks before the date of election.

Mr Odunzeh has touted himself as the most qualified of the contenders for Orlu/Osu/Oru/Imo East Federal Constituency. 

This article was sponsored by Mr Odunzeh’s campaign. See our editorial policy to learn more about how we treat commercial content.