By Ikechukwu Anyanwu

As the race for who will represent the good people of Imo North Senatorial District also known as Okigwe Zone at the National Assembly goes to it’s final day, Arise Africa Network examines the top contenders. Who wins & who Looses, Let the people decide.
Three major political parties/candidates in the race that cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand are the candidates of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon Engr Patrick Ndubeze; Chief Emmanuel Okewulonu of the main opposition party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Barr Ifeanyi Ararume Jnr of the Labour Party (LP)
Ndubueze (APC):
Hon Engr Patrick Ndubueze is the flag bearer of the APC in the Imo North Senatorial District, also known as the Okigwe zone. The APC candidate has promised a better deal for the Okigwe zone, which has been neglected by successive administrations in the past. Ndubueze has promised to make a difference if elected a senator to represent the zone.
Ndubueze was a member of the House of Representatives during the aborted Third Republic in 1992, at the age of 29. He believes that if he could represent the constituency well 30 years ago as a youth that he will improve his performance this time around. However, the issue of popularity will play a crucial role in determining who goes to the Senate in the zone. But, like other APC candidates, the governor’s backing will provide the much-needed assistance to help Ndubueze in his bid to represent the zone.
Okewulonu (PDP)
Chief Emmanuel Enyeribe Okewulonu (Ikeoha Gburugburu) is the candidate of PDP in Imo North. He was born in the early 60s into the noble family of Chief Godwin Uchewuba Okewulonu and Ezinne Patience Okewulonu of Umuololo in Amaeke Avutu Obowo LGA in Imo State. Chief Okewulonu is a successful business mogul, outstanding philanthropist who believes strongly in human capital development. He is running for due to his love for the people and burning desire to see that Okigwe Zone develops. His passion for giving selflessly to the less privileged can be seen by the following; building of modern homes for indigent people, granting of business aid to people, free medical treatment for a good number of people in Nigeria and overseas, sponsoring of numerous church buildings, single handedly built Avutu Women Home and Abroad Civic Center, Rural electrification projects, annual empowerment schemes, securing of employment for Imo sons and daughters in different sectors, Annual distribution of bags of rice, wrappers and essential commodities to women, sponsored a good number of youths on overseas trips. He has been giving even before his foray into politics has endeared himself to the people by his philanthropy.
Chief Okewulonu has a good chance of clinching the position because of his growing popularity across party lines.
He has promised an effective representation in the Senate and bring massive development to Okigwe Zone if elected
Araraume Jr, (LP):
Araraume Jr is the son a former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. He is a lawyer and hopes to represent Imo North in the Red Chambers. Aged 40, the young man is hoping to attract a Federal Medical Centre in his senatorial zone. He also desires to champion a bill for the creation of a Federal University in the zone to stimulate the economy, as well as create job opportunities for his people. He wants to ensure that the Southeast Development Commission Bill still stuck in the Senate sees the light of day, among other things. Although a vibrant and energetic young, Araraume Jnr after winning the legal tussle hanging on his neck over his emergence as the LP candidate also has his father’s past activities will determine if he will win or lose the seat.
Imo indigenes hardly forget the past, whether good or evil, because, in all this, the people are the ultimate deciders in every free and fair election.
The much anticipated 2023 general election is finally upon Nigerians, with less than 24 hours to go. As Okigwe Decides Zones, may the will of the people prevail and the best candidate emerge for the good of Okigwe Zone come February 25th.