By Emmanuel Ekebe
In the first part of this series, I threw light on the unfolding intrigues surrounding the two leading candidates striving to represent the Isoko South constituency 2 in the next dispensation.
The incumbent, Ferguson Onwo is flying the flag of the APC, a platform on which he was denied victory in 2015 while Oghotomobo Ogomudia is running on the ticket of the NDC.
The two undoubtedly have their selling points in a SWOT scale.
The battle is thus presenting a contest that is primed not only to task the resolve and collective aspiration of the people of Constituency 2 who have been subjected to under representation over time.
As usual with the high wire dynamics associated with the constituency known for its vibrancy driven by well horned political gladiators, it’s yet another round of fierce and deft political contest.
Even at that, as posterity becons on the threshold of history, how set are the real and ordinary constituents ready to either be liberated or remain in perpetual chains?
The onus no doubt is on the Constituents to take the gauntlet , do the needful and let their votes count come 2027. They should constantly bear in mind that shackles of despondency, imposition and road railing on odious platform of party supremacy are never broken by mere wishes.
That is where the x-ray of the top contenders is paramount to properly and frankly situate their pedigree before the electorate outside the soap box.
Just as stated earlier, the two front line candidates have their respective low and high points as they go into this epic battle in a few months time.
To start with, the incumbent, Ferguson Onwo is a ranking legislator having done two terms and pushing for a third round of four years.
His strength rests on the advantage of incumbency and the flag of the ruling party coupled with undeniable legislative experience.
However, against this edge his score card for the past seven and a half years across the constituency is not encouraging neither is his interpersonal out reach nor the capacity building component rich enough to be celebrated.
In addition, he is said to be tight fisted, too economical and oftentimes evasive with a weakness in sustaining enduring relationships outside an immediate close circle.
Also counting against Ferguson is the court of justice, equity and fairness as the drums of effective rotation of the seat amongst the eight clans in the six wards of the large Constituency are sounding louder by the day.
So, the poser is: With these baggages, will the state and the incongruous hawks be able to facilitate his swimming to victory?
On the other hand, Tomobo’s high points are also straight forward.
His prime age, calm disposition, far outreach and humble stock, coupled with an aristocratic driven sound local and foreign academic grounding are unmistakable assets.
Similarly, the high decibel clamour for rotation and equity in the Constituency apparently add wind to his sail. Further more, ridding on the waves of change as enunciated by his party, NDC, is a plus along side the teaming youth routeing for a realignment of the Constituency’s narratives among others.
Conversely, his low side as it is, include perhaps the temerity to dare the establishment and the obnoxious structure, divided home ward as well as legislative inexperience.
That not withstanding, Tomobo’s camp are not only vouching for his competence, vibrancy and fast learning skills but also countering that even Ferguson like others was once a first timer.
They maintain that it is time for new blood to be injected into the represention of the stupendously endowed constituency flowing with both human and abundant natural resources.
Whichever way, as the count down to the 2027 election continues, the germane indices unveiled here hold strong import in the determination of who flys the Constituency’s flag at Okpanam road, Asaba from June, 2027.
May the good Lord open our eyes to make the right choice that will bring us joy and not regrets.
