Justina Azuka, Widow of Murdered Anambra Lawmaker, Joins Race to Fill Husband’s Seat

Mrs. Justina Azuka, wife of the late Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, has officially stepped into the political arena, seeking to replace her slain husband as the representative for Onitsha North 1 constituency.

Campaign posters featuring Justina under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have surfaced, sparking public interest and raising questions about her political platform. This follows widespread calls from constituents urging the Labour Party (LP) to nominate her in honor of her late husband’s legacy.

Justice Azuka, a serving lawmaker under the LP, was kidnapped in Onitsha on Christmas Eve, 2024, while returning home for the holidays. His decomposing body was tragically discovered in February 2025 near the Second Niger Bridge, even after alleged reports of a ransom payment.

Since his death, many constituents have backed Justina as the rightful successor. However, her appearance on the ADC ticket raised eyebrows, as many expected the Labour Party to field her as a direct replacement.

An insider within LP, speaking anonymously, clarified that internal party dynamics and legal uncertainties involving INEC and LP’s national leadership dispute led to the strategic move.

“She was originally nominated by LP, but due to the legal back-and-forth between Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman, her candidacy was moved to ADC,” the source said. “Labour Party leaders are fully behind her, and the party will not be fielding a candidate against her.”

 

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has also entered the fray with Mimih Ikpeazu-Azikiwe, a prominent figure from the Ikpeazu political dynasty, as their candidate for the seat.

As the race heats up, Justina Azuka’s candidacy symbolizes both a personal and political continuation of her late husband’s legacy, with strong grassroots support likely to play a decisive role in the by-election.