Enugu North by-election: Candidates jostle to succeed late Senator Okey Ezea

The race to fill the vacant position of Enugu North Senatorial seat has intensified as political parties mobilise supporters ahead of the June 20, 2026, by-election caused by the death of Senator Okey Ezea of the Labour Party.

The campaigns are gathering momentum across the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

Political observers say that the contest would be based on the candidates’ experience, party structures, grassroots mobilisation, and emerging political trends.

The major contenders in the race are Ikeje Israel Asogwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nestor Ezeme of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ejike Eze of the Labour Party (LP), and Chika Idoko of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ikeje Asogwa is said to have attracted significant attention due to his extensive experience in public administration and politics.

He was a former managing director of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) and former Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB).

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Asogwa has built a reputation through his involvement in housing development and educational infrastructure projects across the state.

Some political analysts noted that his long-standing involvement in party administration and electoral campaigns has provided him with a strong political network throughout the district.

His emergence as the APC candidate with broad support from party stakeholders, viewed by supporters as an edge among others.

The PDP’s candidate, Nestor Ezeme is a legal practitioner, education administrator, and former chairman of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB). During his tenure, he was associated with reforms in secondary education, teacher recruitment, and infrastructure development.

PDP supporters describe him as an experienced administrator whose record in public service could appeal to voters seeking effective representation.

The Labour Party which is currently holds the seat, has nominated Ejike Eze to defend the position. Eze is a career diplomat who served in Nigeria’s missions in Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and Cuba. His supporters said he would bring international experience to the contest.

According to them, his campaign is centred on issues of accountability, transparency, and improved governance. He has also emphasized on the need for stronger collaboration between lawmakers and local government authorities to enhance service delivery and community development.

It was also observed that Labour Party retains support in several communities within the district.

The ADC’s candidate, Chika Idoko, has also emerged as a notable figure in the race, particularly among younger voters. His campaign has focused on youth inclusion, empowerment, and the need for greater participation of young people in governance.

Across the six LGA’s of Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani local government areas, supporters have rallied around his message of generational change and political renewal.

Meanwhile, developments within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have generated interest following delays in the official announcement of the party’s candidate after its primary election. The situation has sparked debate among party members and political observers, with some suggesting that the party may be focused on building momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

As the campaign enters its final weeks, political activities have intensified across the senatorial district. Stakeholders expect issues such as infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, economic opportunities, and effective representation to dominate discussions ahead of the polls.

With less than three weeks to the election, all eyes are now on Enugu North as candidates continue their efforts to persuade voters and secure the mandate to represent the district in the Senate.