Battle for Order: Stakeholders Mobilize to Reset Nnewi Politics

By our correspondent

Nnewi stakeholders on Sunday convened at the residence of Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, President of Gabros Group, in Uru, Umudim, Nnewi (Nnewi North Local Government Area), to deliberate on the way forward for the political relevance and stability of the industrial town.

The meeting, according to findings by our correspondent, was prompted by concerns over alleged violations in the conduct of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primary election for the Mayor of Nnewi North. Participants argued that the process contravened the long-standing rotational (zoning) arrangement within the community.

Investigations further revealed that, under Nnewi’s rotational understanding, it is the turn of Nnewichi to produce the next Mayor. However, stakeholders alleged that certain individuals, reportedly leveraging close ties with Governor Charles Soludo, disrupted what they described as a near-consensus arrangement. The emergence of Eche Anazodo from Umudim, they argued, contradicts the agreed zoning framework and undermines the town’s established political balance.

Speakers at the meeting commended Chief Chukwuma for convening the gathering and demonstrating concern for the town’s cohesion and future. 

They collectively criticized the state government’s response to a formal communication from the paramount traditional ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III, which emphasized adherence to the zoning principle.

The stakeholders, drawn from the four quarters of Nnewi, maintained that those allegedly disrupting the town’s political equilibrium represent only a marginal fraction of the population and do not reflect the collective will of the people.

In his remarks, Chief Chukwuma stressed that the objective of the meeting was not merely to highlight grievances but to develop practical and lasting solutions. 

He called for unity among Nnewi indigenes to safeguard the peace, progress, and stability that have historically defined the community.

He further clarified that the movement is not targeted at any individual but is focused on addressing perceived irregularities in the political process. According to him, the overarching goal is to restore confidence in the system and reposition Nnewi on a path of inclusive governance and sustained development.