By Our Correspondent
A zoning dispute has sparked renewed political tension in Nnewi, Anambra State, over alleged moves to secure a second term for the incumbent Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area
At the heart of the controversy is the firm insistence by the Obi of Nnewichi, Chief George Onyekaba, JP (Obidiugwu), and the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, that it is the turn of Nnewichi community to produce the next chairman of the local government council.
The leaders argue that the zoning and rotational arrangement governing political leadership in Nnewi clearly places the Nnewi North chairmanship in Nnewichi in the next cycle, warning that any attempt to alter the agreement could heighten divisions and undermine long-standing communal harmony.
The disagreement follows allegations that the incumbent chairman, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, is being encouraged by some influential interests within Nnewi to seek a second term, a move critics say violates a documented rotational understanding among the four quarters of the town.
Among those alleged to be backing the move is the President-General of Nnewi Town Union (Nzuko Ora Nnewi), Prince Jude Osumuoh, an allegation which his supporters have yet to publicly respond to.
Concerned elders and youths drawn from different parts of Nnewi have reportedly dissociated themselves from the alleged plan, urging strict adherence to the zoning principle in the interest of equity, peace and unity.
Despite these interventions, the dispute has continued to simmer, raising concerns about a possible wider political rift.
The issue came into sharper focus on Sunday during the Nnewichi Day celebration, which attracted prominent personalities and opinion leaders from across Nnewi.
Addressing the gathering, Obi George Onyekaba reportedly reiterated that the collective position of Ndi Nnewi remains that the Nnewi North chairmanship should rotate to Nnewichi.
“For any change in our political arrangement to take place, the cycle of rotation must first be completed,” the monarch said. “After that, Ndi Nnewi will converge at the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi — not in a hall — to unanimously agree on a new arrangement.”
He stressed that his position reflected the will of the majority of the people of Nnewi and called on all stakeholders to respect agreements that have helped sustain peace and stability in the city over the years.
Speaking in the same vein, Hon. Christian Udechukwu threw his weight behind the stance of the Obi of Nnewichi, disclosing that Nnewichi would nominate three candidates for the chairmanship position, from whom Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo would make a final selection, in line with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) process.
“This is 2026. The issue of zoning should have been conclusively settled once and for all,” the commissioner said, calling for clarity and finality on the matter.
Reacting to the controversy, however, the incumbent chairman, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, downplayed suggestions that he was actively seeking re-election, insisting that his focus remains on governance and service delivery.
“Even if I spend 10 years here, it will never be enough,” he said.
“But I am not obsessed with power. The law provides a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years for a local government chairman. What matters to me is that every day I remain in office counts.”
He added that any decision on a second term would ultimately depend on the will of theZoning: Tension Brews in Nnewi Over LG Chairmanship Election people. “If the people say I have not earned it, I will not go. Even if I decide not to go and the people insist, I can reconsider. For now, we are just one year and two months into this administration.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has announced that party primary elections ahead of the August 29, 2026 local government elections commenced on December 18, 2025, further intensifying political calculations across the state.
Observers warn that how the zoning dispute is handled may prove critical to sustaining political harmony in Nnewi as the local government elections draw closer.
