By Stephen Simon
Bishop Oscar Okwudili Ossai has emerged as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Enugu North Senatorial District in the forthcoming 10th Senate, following a closely contested primary election.
The election, held in the Nsukka Senatorial Zone, was organised to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who passed away late last year.
Ossai, a cleric and community figure, announced his victory on social media, describing the primary as intense but ultimately successful.
“Today, I won the hotly contested primary election as the candidate of NDC to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, to replace the late Senator Okey Ezea who passed on to glory late last year,” he wrote.
The primary election reportedly attracted a large turnout of delegates and party supporters, underscoring the strategic importance of the senatorial seat within the region.
According to Ossai, the process was peaceful and well attended, reflecting strong political engagement among party members in the district.
Political analysts say the NDC’s choice of a prominent religious leader could signal a deliberate shift in strategy as the party seeks to consolidate grassroots support ahead of the general election.
Ossai has pledged to prioritise constituency development, youth empowerment and good governance if elected to the Senate.
The late Senator Okey Ezea, whose seat Ossai seeks to occupy, was widely regarded as a respected lawmaker, and his death created a significant political vacuum in the district.
The forthcoming by-election is expected to attract heightened attention as political parties finalise their candidates and begin full-scale campaigning.
