The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a list of 13 candidates contesting the Anambra Central senatorial seat in the 11th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the election scheduled for 16 January 2027. The incumbent, Senator Victor Umeh OFR, is running for re‑election under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Other prominent contenders include Iyom Uche Ekwunife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Hon. Dozie Nwankwo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party that currently governs Anambra State.
Senator Umeh, a native of Aguluzigbo in Anambra LGA, has served in the 10th Senate since 13 June 2023. During this term he has been a member of 14 standing committees, currently chairing the Senate Committee on the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). He previously chaired the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non‑Governmental Organisations and serves as deputy chairman of the Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Umeh’s legislative activity has been highlighted by his involvement in lawmaking, oversight and constituency representation. He has been described as a “fiscal watchdog” and a vocal advocate for regional equity, frequently using plenary sessions to raise issues affecting Anambra Central, the wider Anambra State and the South‑East region. In November 2024, he visited the Federal Housing Authority office in Abuja to intervene in the demolition of properties owned by Igbo residents, including those from Anambra.
Beyond parliamentary duties, Umeh has pursued community projects focused on disaster response and education. After recent floods and erosion in Awka, he called on the federal government to declare Anambra Central an ecological disaster zone. Through the Victor Umeh Foundation (VUMEF), he has awarded scholarships to indigent students: 326 beneficiaries received N64 million for the 2025/2026 academic session, while 223 students received N37 million for the 2024/2025 session. Since its inception, the foundation has supported a total of 2,320 students.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) endorsed Umeh’s re‑election in May, citing his consistent, vocal, and courageous defence of South‑East interests. Umeh’s political background includes serving as national chairman of APGA under the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu before later joining the NDC.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>