Going by the list recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 political parties are fielding candidates for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
The candidates are Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP); Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Dr Chidozie Nwankwo, AAC; Ben Etiaba, the Action Alliance (AA); Dr Godwin Maduka, Accord Party (AP); Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Umezoke Douglas, the ADP; Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Azubuike Echetebu, the APP.
Others are Emma Agbasimalo, the Labour Party (LP); Ohajimkpo Emeka, the NNPP; Victor Ezenwafor, the NRM; Nnamdi Nwamuo, the Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP);
Godwin Uzoh, the Social Democratic Party (SDP); Chika Okeke, the BP; Onyejegbu Okwudili, the APM; and Dr Obiora Okonkwo, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Valentine Ozigbo (PDP):
Valentine Ozigbo is known as a silent achiever and a gentleman throughout Anambra State. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, a Masters of Science (MSc) degree and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree, as well as other professional certificates.
The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transcorp Plc, is a natural crowd-puller and inspirational figure. The 50-year old Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area born tactician has crossed many hurdles before securing the ticket to represent the PDP in the election.
Ozigbo is a consummate business leader and entrepreneur with over 26 years experience in corporate transformation, power, hospitality, energy, and banking (commercial, retail, investment and international).
Married to Ojiugo with four children, Ozigbo had in March 2020, resigned from his job at Transcorp Plc to dedicate the next chapter of his life to public service. He joined the race for the Anambra governorship the same year. In less than two years, he had built one of the most efficient and impactful political organisations in Nigeria.
The focus of his campaign is better conceptualised in the following Igbo words, “Ka Anambra Chawapu” (a better and brighter Anambra). The campaign slogan has resonated with the people; igniting the most significant political movement in the Southeast geo-political zone.
Andy Uba (APC):
Senator Andy Nnamdi Uba, 59, is a household name in the Nigerian political environment, with his experience dating back to the beginning of the Fourth Republic
The APC governorship candidate came to national limelight in 1999 after he was appointed as Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties. He represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone for eight years at the Red Chamber.
In 2007, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the PDP, but stayed for only 17 days in office before Peter Obi’s tenure interpretation removed him at the Supreme Court
The 62-year-old Uba has a very wide political network which explains why he has always been able to relate with politicians. He is a recipient of several awards and commendations for his good works.
Uba is a holder of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), a honour bestowed on him for his service to the nation. A Knight of the Anglican Communion, Senator Uba is a lover of fitness drills and good music. He is married with children.
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Chukwuma Soludo (APGA):
The professor of Economics emerged as the candidate of the APGA under controversial circumstances, with the help of Governor Willie Obiano.
Since his emergence, many members of the APGA have defected to other political parties, especially to the APC. He is one of the three major governorship candidates being tipped to win the November 6 governorship election.
The 61-year-old Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area born APGA flag bearer was former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Soludo, a recipient of the prestigious Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) is also a former chairman of the Board of Directors of the CBN.
He is also, a member of the British Department for International Advisory Group.
He is married with children
Obiora Okonkwo (ZLP):
The 55-year-old Obiora Okonkwo is a High Chief in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
Okonkwo joined the ZLP from the PDP after the primary election, where he lost to Ozigbo with only four votes.
He raised the alarm that the process was manipulated to scheme him out because of the unpopular zoning arrangement introduced by powers that be in the party.
The ZLP candidate holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Political Science with distinction, from the Russian Academy of Science, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Moscow.
He is a Knight of the Order of King Leopold, the highest National honour bestowed on foreign nationals by the king of Belgium.
He is also the chairman of the United Nigeria Airlines and the owner of the biggest Dome in Nigeria in Abuja.
Okonkwo was declared The Sun Newspaper Man of the Year in March 2020 for his entrepreneurial vision and dexterity in business, through which he created wealth among others.
In December 2019, he delivered the lead lecture titled, Ndigbo in Contemporary Nigeria: A Social, Cultural, Political and Economic Reflection, at the annual Umunri Colloquium at Enugu-Ukwu, Anambra State.
High Chief Okonkwo who is married with children is a bridge-builder across all zones and of Anambra State and Nigeria.