Oyibo Chukwu was preparing to retire Nnamani from Senate before his assassination: Labour Chieftain

Mr Asogwa also lamented the panic that had visited the political climate in Enugu state since Mr Nnamani’s return to politics in 2019 due to his dreadful history of violence across the state

Ayoola Babalola • February 23, 2023

Chimaroke Nnamani and Oyibo Chukwu

The late Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Enugu east, Oyibo Chukwu, was preparing to unseat the incumbent, Chimaroke Nnamani, from the Senate before his gruesome assassination, his associate, Ken Eluma Asogwa, told Peoples Gazette on Thursday.

Mr Chukwu was killed at Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu south LGA of Enugu when gunmen opened fire on his convoy on Wednesday.

Mr Asogwa lamented the untimely passing of the veteran lawyer, whose political profile had increased with the LP’s support in the South-East. His candidacy had unsettled political bigwigs like Mr Nnamani, whose party currently face public rejection, he said.

“His candidate posed a serious threat to the incumbent politician for Enugu East, Chimaroke Nnamani. People like him know that Peter Obi would push some people over the line to the parliament.

“Nnamani’s decision to support the APC, which is a party that does not resonate with most people in the South-East, has left him vulnerable to defeat at the polls,” he said.

Mr Chukwu had filed charges in court seeking to disqualify Mr Nnamani from running in the senatorial election. His barristers argued in court that Mr Nnamani was expelled by the Peoples Democratic Party and, as such, cannot stand in an election since the electoral laws require a candidate must be sponsored by a political party.

Mr Asogwa also lamented the panic that had visited the political climate in Enugu state since Mr Nnamani’s return to politics in 2019 due to his dreadful history of violence across the state.

“Chimaroke Nnamani has a history of widespread violence in Enugu. His return to politics brought dreadful apprehension to the people of Enugu when the current governor brought him back from the United States to successfully run for Senate again in 2019. He had retired and moved to the U.S. before,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had suspended Mr Nnamani as a member of the party for engaging in anti-party activities.

Mr Nnamani did not respond to calls and messages seeking comments. He also has not released any statement regarding Mr Chukwu’s death.

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