By Sochima Agbo

Barrister Anthony Ekene Okenwa has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Enugu State House of Assembly election for Nkanu West State Constituency after recording a resounding victory in the party’s primary election.

Okenwa polled 1,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Francis Ndubuisi Aniede, who secured 7 votes in the exercise conducted before party delegates and stakeholders in the constituency.

The primary election, which was widely described as peaceful and transparent, attracted party faithful, observers, and supporters from across the constituency.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, a stakeholder of the party from Amurri ward, Chief Chukwuma Ngene, commended the peaceful conduct of the primary election, stating that “the people of Nkanu West spoke with one voice.”

Also reacting to the outcome, Mrs. Chinyere Nnaji from Akpugo ward 4, expressed confidence in the PDP candidate’s chances in the forthcoming general election, noting that Barr. Okenwa possesses the capacity and grassroots support needed to secure victory for the party in 2027.

Hon. Francis Ndubuisi Aniede, through his agent, Mr. Okechukwu Ugwu, accepted the outcome of the election and praised the electoral panel for conducting what he described as a transparent primary process.

In his acceptance speech, the PDP flag bearer, Barr. Anthony Ekene Okenwa, expressed gratitude to delegates and party members for the overwhelming support given to him during the primary election.

He attributed his victory to years of active participation in politics and unwavering loyalty to the PDP, assuring constituents that he would deliver people-oriented representation if elected into office in 2027.

Okenwa further stated that the PDP remained strongly positioned to reclaim power in the next general election, expressing optimism that the party would record victories across different elective positions in Enugu State and beyond.