By Eric Ugbor

ABA — SENATOR Nkechi Nwaogu has rejected the decision of  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to zone the 2015 governorship slot to Abia South senatorial zone, insisting she was still in the race.

Addressing people of the 17 local government areas of the state at her residence in Aba, Monday, Senator Nwaogu, who represents Abia Central in the Senate, said zoning had never been applied in Abia State governorship race since the creation of the state over 20 years ago.

The PDP in Abia State had last week at the elders’ caucus and enlarged stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, unanimously endorsed that the 2015 governorship slot be zoned to Abia South senatorial district, foreclosing the ambition of other aspirants outside the zone.

Although this decision had continued to enjoy overwhelming support within the state’s political circle, Senator Nwaogu said:  “Nigeria is a democratic state. All democratic tenets should apply in everything we do in order to protect the freedom we all crave for in a truly democratic state.

“The alleged zoning is unconstitutional, according to the constitution of the PDP and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.   The alleged announcement is an attempt to divide Ukwa/Ngwa people.”
Senator Nwaogu, who is of  Ngwa nationality that falls into Abia Central zone, stated that the unity of Ukwa/Ngwa was non-negotiable and urged that every governorship aspirant for the 2015 elections be given a level playing ground to contest for the position.

Nwaogu, who was a member of the House of Representatives and a second term senator, said:  “My aspiration to take part in the 2015 governorship election has remained strong since the day I went to PDP state secretariat to express my interest in the race.”

She urged members of the PDP and people of the state to judge her based on her capability, knowledge, academic qualifications and competencies politically and otherwise.