Chief Athan Nneji Achonu is a renowned Nigerian agronomist, politician and the current Labour Party (LP) flagbearer in the coming gubernatorial elections. He is a major contender in the race and will be running against the incumbent Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Samuel Anyanwu (SamDaddy) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Just like the Achonu who represented Okigwe in the National Assembly, Uzodimma also represented Orlu Zone, while SamDaddy represented Owerri Zone.
So the battle for the Imo gubernatorial tickets is technically a battle between the three senatorial zones, with each coming out from one of the three strongest political parties in the state.
Chief Achonu won at the Labour Party governorship election primary held in Owerri, defeating the likes of Major-General Lincoln Ogunewe, Chief Martins Agbaso, Capt David Mbaram and Dr Charles Ugomuoh.
Sen Athan Achonu Biography and Profile
Full name: Chief Athan Nneji Achonu (One Arm General)
Date of birth: 31st May 1959
Age: 64 years (2023)
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Politician
Education: John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
Spouse:
Children:
Political party: Labour Party (LP)
Net worth:
Chief Athan Achonu Biography and Educational Background
Athan Nneji Achonu (one-armed General) was born on the 31st of May, 1960 and he hails from Ehime Mbano LGA, of Imo State. He had his his early education at Madonna High School Etiti, Imo State and Government College Umuahia, Abia State.
Upon completing his secondary educzation,he travelled to Italy, where he secured admission to study at the prestigious John Cabot University, Rome, Italy.
Career and Politics
Athan Achonu is a renowned agronomist and astute business man who has over the years recorded giant achievements in the business world. Some of his companies include; Chia Enterprises Limited, Nejach Engineering Limited, Mathan Nigeria Limited, Okebaram Resources Limited and Orient Refining Company Nigeria Limited.
In 2015, Achonu contested for the Imo North Senatorial seat under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was declared winner. His victory was however upturned by an Appeal Court sitting in Owerri and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Benjamin Uwajumogu was then declared the winner.
In April, 2023, Athan Achonu contested and emerged as the Imo State Labour Party flag bearer late for the November 11 governorship election following the party’s gubernatorial primaries. He polled 134 votes to defeat his closest rival retired Major-General Lincoln Ogunewe who scored 125 votes, while Chief Martins Agbaso came a distant third with just 13 votes.
He’d be facing the incumbent APC’s Uzodimma (Imo West) and PDP’s Anyanwu (Imo East) who were all elected to represent their senatorial districts in the Red Chambers in 2015.