Ex-governorship candidate of the Africa Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Imoyeto Ikeotuonye, has questioned why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release guidelines for the conduct of the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election.
Speaking with journalists in Nnewi, Anambra State, a visibly displeased Chief Ikeotuonye expressed concern over the prolonged absence of a serving senator for the zone, noting that it has had several significant negative consequences.
Ikeotuonye emphasized that the lack of representation in the Senate has adversely affected the constituents, given the importance of the position in shaping federal policy, attracting developmental projects, and articulating local concerns at the national level.
“Without a serving senator, the zone is not actively represented in legislative debates and decisions that directly affect it—such as budgeting, infrastructure, education, and security,” he said.
“Senators play a vital role in lobbying for federal projects such as road construction, rural electrification, water supply, and educational infrastructure for their constituencies. Anambra South has been excluded from these benefits.
“The absence of such advocacy means the zone is being overlooked in national planning and allocations.
“Each senator also has access to constituency funds used for empowerment programmes, scholarships, skill acquisition centres, and health initiatives. Without a senator, these projects are either stalled or completely abandoned, which negatively affects grassroots development.
“As it stands, Anambra South Senatorial Zone is experiencing a decline in political relevance at the national level, especially during critical decision-making moments that affect the South East or the country as a whole.
“This affects not just resource distribution but also the zone’s chances of political appointments,” Chief Ikeotuonye stated.
Ikeotuonye further explained that senators often play crucial roles during crises—such as communal clashes, boundary disputes, or civil unrest—by mediating and drawing attention to the need for intervention. According to him, in the absence of such leadership, conflicts can escalate or remain unresolved for extended periods.
“The failure to immediately replace Senator Ifeanyi Ubah after his death has created a serious vacuum and has slowed political mobilization in the zone.
“Bills or motions the late senator sponsored—especially those concerning Anambra South—have either been abandoned or lost traction in the Senate due to the lack of someone to continue pushing them forward,” he added.
He lamented that despite several aspirants from various political parties expressing interest in filling the vacant position, they have been engaged in endless sensitization activities without a clear indication of when the by-election will be conducted.
Chief Ikeotuonye described the situation as detrimental to the people of Anambra South and the state as a whole. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act promptly.
He urged the electoral body to conduct the by-election without further delay to fill the leadership vacuum and alleviate the hardships currently being experienced by the constituents due to the lack of political representation in the National Assembly.
Angel Network News (ANN) recall that the Anambra South Senatorial Zone has remained without a representative since July 27, 2024, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
