…Using The “Option A4 Electoral System, Kill All Fear.
The “Option A4” system of voting required voters to queue behind their preferred candidates physically.
By Eze Ikechukwu Eze – Senator Iyke
ANAMBRA – The Emordi Shoe Dealers Association of the Ochanja Central Market, Onitsha, has elected Hon. Okwudili Anigbogu as its new chairman, following a keenly contested election held at the Onitsha South Local Government Secretariat on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
He takes over the office from Chief Leonard Umeh (Onye ndozi), the erstwhile chairman of the association, and was given a certificate of return, assumed office with immediate effect, along with all the elected officials.
Hon. Okwudili secured victory with one hundred and sixty-five (165) votes, defeating Mr Ejike Okafor
who polled thirty-nine (39)votes.
His emergence marks a new leadership era for ESDA, as he pledged to reposition the association for greater impact, restore peace and unity and protect the interests of the market.
Other executives elected during the exercise include Mr Obinna E. Nnobi as the vice chairman, secured victory with one hundred and forty-one (141) votes, defeating Mr Ikechukwu Egwim, who polled sixty-five (65) votes. Mr Ifeanyi Eziekwe Celestine, as the Secretary General, secured one hundred thirty-seven (137) votes, defeating Mr Emeka Nwachukwu, who polled thirty-one (31) votes. Mr Anthony Ihanasiobi (Onwa) was returned unopposed as the Assistant Secretary General.
Others are Mr Alexander Ani, as the Financial Secretary, secured victory with one hundred twenty-one (121) votes, defeating Mr Okwor Albert Ifeany, who polled fifteen (15) votes.Mr Ikechukwu Nnalue, as the Publicity Secretary, secured eighty-six (86), defeating Mr Umeh Jude Okwudili, who polled nineteen (19) votes. Mr Chibugo M Ifeanyi, as the Treasurer, secured one hundred and twenty-five (125) votes, defeating Mr Egeonu Odinaka, who polled twenty-eight (28) votes.
And, Mr Nwafor Ikechukwu John, as the Provost 1, secured one hundred and four (104), defeating Mr Chibuike Anominih, who polled thirty-two (32) votes; Prince Joseph Onuoha, as the Provost 2, secured ninety-five (95), defeating Mr Okeke Izuchulwu D., who polled sixteen (16) votes.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Okwudili Anigbogu expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting him with the leadership mandate, describing his victory as a “collective achievement” rather than a personal triumph. He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, promising to foster inclusiveness and collaboration among members.
The election was conducted under the supervision of the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government, Chief Emeka Orji, who was represented by his legal adviser, Barr Stanley Okafor, and the Secretary to the Local Government, Barr Paul Achalla. The legal adviser administered the oath of office to the new executives while Mr Unana Obiora served as the Electoral and Returning Officer.
With the swearing-in of the new executives, members of ESDA expressed optimism that the association would witness stronger unity and greater relevance under Okwudili’s leadership.