August 16 By-election: Wife  Of Slain Anambra Lawmaker Moves  To Replace Husband

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Strong indications have emerged that the wife of murdered Labour Party, LP, Anambra State Lawmaker, Mrs Justina Azuka has opted to inherit her husband’s seat at the State House of Assembly.

Her campaign posters for the by-election to fill the vacancy created by the killing of her  husband, Hon Justice Azuka, have surfaced at most of strategic spots within  their Onitsha North I State Constituency.

The Source reports that late Hon Azuka was, on the eve of the 2024 Christmas, abducted by some gunmen while on his home.

A few days later , his SUV vehicle which was snatched by the kidnappers was recovered by security operatives, raising hopes that he could be rescued .

However, all hopes of his safe return was  finally dashed in February 2025, when his already decomposing body was recovered by the Second Niger Bridge by security personnel.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had, penultimate week, fixed August 16, for by-elections nationwide to fill  vacant political positions created both at the State Assemblies and National Assembly by reasons of deaths and resignations .

Mrs Azuka’s quest to succeed her late husband is strongly believed to be enjoying widespread support both within the ranks of LP and Onitsha North I state Constituency.

But she is seeking to actualize her political dream on the platform of the nascent opposition Coalition,the African Democratic Congress ADC, which is enjoying the support of Peter Obi, the LP Presidential Candidate in 2023.

There are speculations that her choice of the ADC may have been informed by advice from the faction of the LP opposed to the leadership of the Barr. Julius Abure-led LP National Working Committee NWC .

The group which is perceiving the ADC as the  final birthing spot for the LP faction loyal to the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman-led LP NWC, is said to be backing Mrs Azuka’s choice of the Coalition platform.

“Labour Party leaders will be championing her aspiration, as well as leading the charge for her victory. The choice of the ADC is majorly due to the uncertainty in the leadership position of the LP. But ,the LP,in Anambra will be fully involved in her quest to replace the late husband” an LP source  volunteered.