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Tag: Anambra 2017

  • Anambra 2017: For UPP, it’s ‘journey of the tiger’

    Anambra 2017: For UPP, it’s ‘journey of the tiger’

    UPP National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and the party’s governorship candidate, Osita Chidoka, in this report, unveil the strategy to take over Anambra State Government House. Sam Egburonu reports 

    FOR the National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, his party’s bid for  Anambra State governorship seat on November 18 is “the journey of the tiger”. He says  UPP’s candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka, a former Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps and former Minister of Aviation, has the personae of a full grown tiger, ready to face opponents.

    As he puts it while handing over to Chidoka UPP’s three major instruments for prosecuting the forthcoming political battle at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, “the journey he is commencing now and what we have is the journey of the tiger. He looks every inch a tiger. He will protect the assets of Anambra people. He will make Anambra develop, jobs will be created. But the enemies of Anambra beware. The tiger is the king of the jungle.”

    The instruments included the Certificate of Returns, which declares him the rightful winner of the party’s primaries that took place on August 19, in Awka, Anambra State; the Independent National Electoral Commission’s form CF-001 and the INEC nomination form.

    Battle for transparent election

    The first interest of UPP in the election is to ensure a free and fair contest. Earlier, Okorie had appealed for a level playing field in which the people of the state would be allowed to vote-in a candidate through a transparent process, devoid of any form of inducement or arm-twisting.

     “I wish to appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission, to please, comply with the promises they made to political party leaders, the promises they made to media chiefs which they assembled differently, the promises they made to pro-democracy and donor agencies and that is that the Anambra governorship election will be conducted with an upgraded card reader that will transmit results direct from the polling units to the central server.

     “Once that is done, we are home and dry. Then, I wish to also recommend, if only for the Anambra election, that the EFCC should be part of the monitoring team. I say this because, in 2013, we were also in that governorship election in Anambra State.

    “We saw people carry sacks of money close to polling stations and were paying N5, 000 each to electorates to vote for a particular political party. But when the attention of the police was drawn to this anomaly, the police, who had obviously been compromised, said they were invited to maintain law and order and were not invited to chase people who were carrying money.

    “Because there is a limit to the amount of money anybody can carry at a particular point in time, and that falls within the purview of the EFCC, I therefore recommend that the EFCC should be incorporated into the monitoring agencies so that these malfeasances and perfidy will not be allowed to repeat itself.”

    A new vision

    Like Okorie, the party’s governorship candidate, Chidoka, is also no less upbeat at the prospect of winning the election.

    He contends that UPP presents the most credible option towards calming the frayed nerves in the South-East zone.

    Expressing disappointment with APGA, he said a credible political party, capable of articulating the misgivings of South-East and other marginalised people will help to eliminate all the grey areas that have allowed the mutual anger and suspicion, currently troubling the polity.

     “In 2003, Chief Chekwas Okorie founded the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) on the idea that all the grievances of ndi-Igbo would be channelled through a political party to engage the rest of the country. Unfortunately, that dream was betrayed. APGA became an electoral vehicle meant for the election of people whose desires and interests are the maximization of their personal capacity and the denunciation of the people. That is why today, APGA, as a party, has no position; neither does the government of Anambra State, on the agitation for the actualisation of Biafra by ndi Igbo. They have no position on the issue of restructuring of the country. They have worked with PDP and they are willing to work with APC. APGA as a party is adrift and we want to send it to its final funeral and on this mission, we have the full backing of Anambra people.

    “And the reason we have to do that is because we want to help Nigeria as a country to re-channel Igbo anger, to re-channel Igbo energy towards building a nation that works for everybody, towards building a country that accommodates all, towards building a country that all the constituent parts are able to join freely to build a great nation.

    “The journey of this tiger is the journey of a new beginning; a new beginning that will make sure that Anambra State is truly the home for all, in Nigeria and in Igboland, a journey that will make it possible for Anambra people to come back again and own their state. No more shall Anambra people be voting for people who are sponsored by forces who are not the people contesting the election. No more shall Anambra State be ruled by people whose major interest and whose efforts in the state are to line their pockets and the pockets of their party members. But more importantly, no more shall Anambra State be ruled by an ideologically vacuous, bankrupt and backward party, but by the known ideology of our people, the ideology of Ndigbo, the ideology of uche, of uchu na egwu chukwu, the ideology of the restoration of our homeland, the rebuilding of our capacity as a people; the ideology of self-determination and right to determine our role in Nigeria, the ideology of building a nation where no man is oppressed, the ideology of re-enacting our people’s hopes and aspirations, the desire to be part of a country where they are recognised as a free constituent of the country and where they are not relegated to being a mere 5 per cent and 95 per cent.

    “Let it be known that today, the UPP has come to restore the Igbo voice in Nigeria. The UPP has come to give hope to our people. The UPP has come to end the cries emanating from our people.

    So, the election in Anambra is not a referendum on the failed government that is existing in Anambra, it is a referendum on our future and I stand here today to say that any vote for UPP is a vote for the future of ndi Anambra; it is a vote for the future of ndi Igbo.”

    Also, Chidoka in a different encounter accused Governor Willie Obiano of not providing the needed political leadership for the people and of failing woefully in the task of providing infrastructures.

     “Our people have had enough. Ndi Anambra cannot continue to be under a government without a conscience and a sense of responsibility towards the people; a government that has over time failed to stand up for the people when the occasion demands, yet continue with impunity,” he said while inaugurating his campaign office for Orumba North and South in the state.

    On the issue of Biafran agitation, which has become an important campaign issue in the state, an insider source in UPP said simply, “there seems every reason for the former Minister to flaunt his bragging rights over the current issue in Nigeria. Though he seems to favour the Biafran of the Spirit, which the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, settled for before his death, as different from the Biafra of Territory, which the separatist groups are advocating, the fact that he has stood up to canvass for the major content imbedded in the two at a time when others see the issue as a no-go area, is indeed a credential he could present at the right time.

    “You may not have known it, Chidoka it was, who practically went to Kuje Prison in Abuja, to drive home the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, after he was granted bail by Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    This was a time only few Igbo personalities seemed to find the courage to whisper the name of the IPOB leader, let alone identify with him in public.”

    Considering all these, UPP National Chairman, Okorie, said the November 18 election “is already won and lost, because it would not be fought on the basis of mere sloganeering or bogus claims of performance, but on the basis of the prevailing sentiments in the state at the moment.

     “I can tell you; as a matter of fact that UPP is contesting against UPP in the case of Anambra. We only have ourselves to beat. What that means is that we can either win or lose based on how we take advantage of what has happened.

    “From their political antecedents, I can tell you that Anambra voters are the most politically-sophisticated electorates that we have, not only in the South-East, but in Nigeria. I give you instances. When every other state voted NRC, Anambra voted SDP. And the flagbearer then, who became governor, was Dr. Ezeife, a retired civil servant, who was not a money person. When every state voted PDP, Anambra voted APGA overwhelmingly. In spite of the manipulation, Anambra still recovered it through the tribunal, because the evidence was overwhelming.

    “In Anambra, billionaires have contested elections and lost. In fact, there has been no billionaire that contested election in Anambra State and won. Like some people think that the Igbo is where money goes, but tell me one billionaire that has contested election in Anambra State as a governor and won. None! Andy Uba lost, Ifeanyi Uba lost, Soludo lost; None of them. Ngige didn’t win. He was rigged in even though he was not a billionaire, but he was sponsored by a billionaire family. And he lost at the tribunal.

    “On the chances of the parties, I can tell you that APC is not in contention in the current Anambra State election.

    “For APGA, it is clear that it is coming with a very bad campaign strategy. Instead of promoting the achievement of the man in power, they put up the picture of the late Ikemba, Odumegwu Ojukwu as what they thought would attract votes for them. That is not an acceptable Igbo attitude or norm or tradition. We respect the dead. We do not use the dead to campaign for election. You cannot see the Yoruba using the portrait of Awolowo or the Northerners using the portrait of the Sarduana. Nobody has used the portrait of Zik. It’s quite absurd to see these persons who ought to have respected the late leader, by allowing him to rest in peace, evoking his portrait to say ‘APGA is our own.’

    “The PDP is already in disarray. The party is already crisis-ridden and will have to extricate itself first from the crisis of confidence amongst its leadership before it could begin to talk about giving credible fight for the governorship of Anambra State.

    “So, for us, we will slice through Anambra State like a hot knife on butter in terms of winning. We can only lose if we mismanage. That’s why I said it is UPP versus UPP as far as this election is concerned. And we are managing the election with as much wisdom as God will allow us.”

  • Anambra 2017: Inside UPP’s primaries’ controversy

    Anambra 2017: Inside UPP’s primaries’ controversy

    Following the fracas that led to the death of a delegate, Uwakwe Maduabuchi, in last weekend’s governorship primary of UPP in Awka, Anambra State, controversies have trailed the exercise as the various interest groups tell conflicting stories. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, attempts to capture the position of the various stakeholders 

    THE promoters of the recently concluded primaries of the United Progressives Party (UPP) in Anambra State may have set out to make it a leak-proof exercise. But the allegations trailing the event suggest a counter move to thwart the efforts of the party in Anambra.

    According, the Founder and National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, UPP set up a simple and unambiguous procedure aimed at ensuring a hitch-free exercise. “It is simple. I made it simple for each of them that had interaction with me that the only way you can be our candidate is to go and win the primary election. And we came up with a constitutional amendment  that’s one of the things we adopted  that you’ll know the delegates well in advance. For instance, at the ward level, what has created problems in all the parties is the provision that you’ll elect three delegates at the ward level to be your delegates at the state congress.

    “Taking Anambra for example, there are 326 wards. So, if you want to hold elections in those 326 wards, that party must have 326 electoral committees, who will not come from those places. And every member of the party in the ward is a ward delegate that will come to elect three people.

    “It is a logistic nightmare. It has never succeeded. Rather, what you get from that exercise is different lists of those who have been purportedly elected as delegates. So, when you now come to the state congress, it has happened severally all over the country, you have parallel congresses. And after that, you have two or three candidates emerging. The battle is then taken to the national headquarters of the party where only the National Chairman and Secretary have the authority to now sponsor candidates on behalf of the party by signing the nomination forms.

    “So, you now open a big business for the national leadership of the party. Sometimes it is a conspiracy of the NWC, the National Working Committee of the party or sometimes it is just a conspiracy of the National Chairman and Secretary. And so, the highest bidder will now have his own form sent in, while the losers will either go to court or work against the party because they are unhappy. They have always lost in Anambra because of this.

    “What our party now did is to say, instead of three people per ward, make it five. But let it be Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Woman Leader and the Youth leader of the ward. They are the delegates. Nothing stops the ward executives from meeting and saying you are going to cast votes on our behalf and this is the candidate we want you to vote for. It doesn’t bother me. But the important thing is that we know who our delegates are. Their names will be in our website. On the day of state congress, the accreditation will be in that order. If your name is not on that list, you will not be accredited to enter the ground. And they will all sit in the alphabetical order of their local governments. Then, it is going to be televised live. The candidates, who have met the requirements, which is just paying the nomination fees  of course you have seen all of them  they are all quite educated and qualified  the other leg is meeting the nomination fees, which is not much  of course, the UPP will not go above N5million even with the inflation. Even when I was leading APGA, we’ve never gone above N5million for governor.

    “Then, we will have the ballot boxes designated in the names of those who are aspirants and then we will be calling out the names of the ward delegates in alphabetical order. You will go and cast your votes in the boxes and people will be seeing you. So, if you have gone to take money from the aspirants, they will be there to see how you are voting.”

    Even with that arrangement, some expressed fear but when the race for the ticket became narrowed down to Chudi Offodile, former member of the House of Representatives and Osita Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and later Minister of Aviation, stakeholders, citing their pedigree and exposure, said the primary would be rancor-free. But, we gathered that about a week to the primaries, Okorie had hosted the two aspirants in his Enugu residence, where a source said he tried to market “an arrangement that would eliminate outright primary election.” But the two insisted on the primaries option even as they pledged to ensure the exercise would be peaceful.

    That was not to be for the fracas that ensued at the venue of the primary left one delegate, Uwakwe Maduabuchi, dead. The victim was identified as a delegate for Owelle Ezunaka Ward 1 and the chairman of the party in the ward. In fact, the first indication of trouble manifested earlier in the week of the event when the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party suddenly announced the sacking of both Offodile and Chidoka, for allegedly introducing money politics into the game, among others. Explaining further, a source close to the leadership of the party said, “But the National Working Committee (NWC) not only ordered that the event must go on but also summarily sacked the State Executive, headed by Dr. Sylvester Igwilo, including Chief Ifeanyi Okonkwo, from Nnobi Ward 1, and promised to get to the root of the ‘rebellion.’ But Igwilo and his team made a detour, recanted their position and asked for forgiveness from the party apparatchik. They said they were misled. Having earned the subsequent pardon, they went ahead with the event.”

    The Nation learnt during the week that although Okonkwo was initially fingered by the party leadership as the real promoter of the alleged initial rebellion, following the current development, the national leadership now believes Offodile was in the know all along and may have been one of the promoters.

    It would be recalled that Offodile had, in a press conference on the Monday after the primaries, described the August 19 primary as “a sham,” stating that “the party had derailed from its objectives.”

    Announcing his resignation from the party, he said “I have noted the willful and corrupt manipulation of the party delegates list by Chief Chekwas Okorie, but it is the display of gross insensitivity to the life of a party member that has made me reconsider my membership of the UPP.

    “I hereby resign my membership of the party with effect from today the 21st day of August 2017.”

    He also said, “To the surprise and consternation of party members, a delegates list copiously at variance with the list of elected delegates was uploaded on the website of the UPP on the 29“ of July 2017 and variously amended on the 4th and 5th of August 2017.

    “The website list contained strange names with no phone numbers, unlike the authentic delegates list that had the phone numbers of all delegates displayed,” he alleged.

    Responding to the allegations, the party leadership said the former lawmaker is “just playing true to type”, adding that he “wants to reap a political fruit without sowing the seeds.”

    In a statement, signed by its spokesman, Chief Dike Ogbuehi, the party tells its story thus: “Two aspirants, namely Hon. Chudi Offodile and Chief Osita Chidoka met the party’s conditions to participate in the primary election. It is important to note that UPP had held its non-election convention at Awka on Thursday 29th June 2017. One of the highlights of that Convention that was well attended, monitored by INEC and extensively covered by local and international media is the ratification of the motion recognising the harmonisation of the officers of the party in the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as officers functioning in acting capacities pending our subsequent election convention. This ratification at the Convention followed the approval of the appointment of these unelected officers by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party.

    “It is therefore barefaced lies when Hon. Chudi Offodile informed the public through many newspaper publications that UPP in Anambra State at any point in time leading to the primary election conducted what he mischievously referred to as a “hotly contested Local Government Congress in June 2017 in line with Article 10(4) of the UPP Constitution.”

    “Chudi Offodile should be honourable enough to inform the public the names of the Electoral Committee members that conducted the so-called “hotly contested Local Government Congress.” It is normal that before a Local Government Congress is conducted, Ward Congress precedes it. The truth is that the National Working Committee (NWC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), gave approval to the Anambra State stakeholders of the Party, made up of National Officers of the party from the state, members of the National Board of Trustees from the state, members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Chairmen of the 21 local governments in Anambra State to recommend to the NWC, Acting Officers of the 326 wards in Anambra State for consideration and approval. This was done. A few complaints followed the list of the recommended officers and the complaints that had merit were duly considered and the approved list duly uploaded at the UPP website on Friday 14th July, 2017.

    It is pertinent to state at this point that the UPP had amended its Constitution following due process to the effect that delegates from the Wards to the State Congress shall be statutory delegates made up of the Ward Chairman, Ward Secretary, Ward Treasurer, Ward Woman Leader and Ward Youth Leader. Hon. Offodile participated in the Convention where this amendment was made and duly filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law. On Thursday the 27th of July, 2017, Hon. Offodile voluntarily procured the Party’s Expression of Interest Form having paid the required fee. He completed and returned same to the party. Himself and interested members of the party and the general public were already aware of who the delegates of the party would be at least eight weeks before the State Primary Election was held on Saturday 19th August, 2017.

    “Hon. Offodile proceeded, again voluntarily, to pay for and collected the Party Nomination Form on Monday 31st July 2017. On Friday 11th August 2017, Hon. Offodile accompanied by Dr. Law Mefor, his campaign aide, appeared before the party’s Screening Committee, presided over by our National Secretary, Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla. Unknown to the party, Offodile had sponsored Suit No. CV/2658/17 at the FCT High Court, filed on the date of his screening, praying the court to halt our planned state congress.

    Based on this understanding, the party is now accusing “Offodile of instigating a few members of the State Working Committee in Anambra State to lay claims to powers that were not conferred on them by the party constitution. They relied on such claims of non-existent powers to address a press conference at Awka suspending the only two aspirants of the party and two other National Officers of the party from Anambra State, including calling off the State Primary election for which due notice had been given to INEC and other preparations/logistics put in place. The party leadership acted swiftly by dissolving the Acting State Working Committee and reassured the public that the planned State Congress was on course.”

    On the death of the party delegate at the venue of the primary election, the party leadership said: “Shortly after Chudi Offodile submitted his letter and left, all hell was let loose.  It was in the attempt by the police and other security agents to repel the thugs from carrying out a planned mayhem that they fired teargas into the rampaging crowd. It was this melee that took the life of Hon. Uwakwe Maduabuchi, the late Ward Chairman of UPP in Owerre Ezukala Ward I in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

    “The party is not now in a position to state whether our late party Ward Chairman died as a result of stampede or the teargas that was fired by the Police. But the party immediately sent emissaries to the family of the deceased to convey to them the sad news and inform them of our intention to visit the family the following day, Sunday 20th August, 2017. The Congress Committee led party officials and the elected party candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka, to visit the family of the deceased where we commiserated with them and offered to participate every manner required by tradition and religion to accord him a befitting burial. The Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of our Chairman.”

    As the police investigate the death of the grassroots party chairman and as party stakeholders from all the fronts count their gains and losses, it seems obvious that the story of the Anambra UPP governorship primary election, the resignation of Hon. Offodile and the cause of Maduabuchi’s death is still unfolding.

    Observers and the electorates, who have come to see UPP as one of the most viable alternative political parties now in Anambra State, are worried and keen to get to the roots of the matter before the November governorship election.

  • Anambra 2017: 40 senators, others accompany Uba to pick form

    Anambra 2017: 40 senators, others accompany Uba to pick form

    The national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja was agog Monday when Dr. Andy Uba, the senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, picked his expression of interest and nomination forms.

    Uba arrived the party’s secretariat with 40 other senators and some notable politicians from Anambra State.

    A throng of women and youths from his state, alongside drummers and dancers also attended the event.

    After he was given his nomination and expression of interest form, the senator, who addressed reporters at APC secretariat’s media centre, promised to change Anambra State and its people, if elected governor.

    He noted that among those jostling for the party’s ticket, he alone possessed the experience, network and acceptability to win the party’s primary and the governorship election.

    Uba said: “I have been governor of my state; I have been senator twice now. I have won every election conducted in my state. So, I have the experience and the capability to deliver APC in Anambra.”

    The senator said that while others had not been doing anything, he had been campaigning.

    He said: “I have been working, reaching out to people in my state. The others who want the party’s ticket have not been doing anything.”

    After he got his form, Uba told Senator Osita Izunaso, APC’s National Organising Secretary, that he remained the man to beat in the Anambra poll.

    He spoke amidst cheers and applause by his colleagues and friends.

    Taking a cue from Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’S) schedules, which show the primary could begin from August 5, APC has settled for August 12 for the Anambra governorship primaries.

    It was earlier reported that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had narrowed its preferred candidates for its primary to include Senator Andy Uba, Chief George Muoghalu and Mr. Tony Nwoye.

    But there were indications that Uba had more popularity than the other aspirants because of his wide acceptance and experience in governance, politics and business.

  • Anambra 2017: ‘Obiano ‘ll triumph’

    Anambra 2017: ‘Obiano ‘ll triumph’

    Four months to the governorship election in Anambra State, the tempo of political activities is increasing by the day. In this article, Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Media and Publicity, Okechukwu Anarado, writes about the quest of the opposition to upstage the governor.

    AS November 18 governorship election in Anambra State approaches, the tempo and temper of political activities has been rising with every passing day. Every opposition party professing any kind of presence in Awka has been talking tough, insisting that they would wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Expectedly, however, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has assumed the epicentre of opposition in the state, having upstaged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the national political space. Not one to gloss over the fixations of his party’s gains of the moment, the Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has jumped into the fray to characterise the opposition. Ngige easily passes for the face of the APC in the Southeast. This and the implicit ceding of spokesperson by majority of the opposition groups to him has emboldened Ngige to seek brazen radicalisation, if not militarisation, of opposition politics in the state; caring less about the imminent sour aftertaste.

    Though they find a common adversary in Governor Willie Obiano, the latter’s impressive development strides and the subterfuge pervading the class of opposition candidates vitiate their aspirations. The popular impression that the urge of these aspirants might just be to outstretch their political visibility, other than gain control of the statehouse, firms up by the day. With a bearing that smacks of disregard for the scathing attacks on his person and office, Gov. Obiano flaunts the achievements of his administration in the past three years as fair and competitive bargains for re-election. He seems comfortable with the jubilant pulse of the citizens of the state whose freedom and safety he has profitably laboured to buy back from diverse crimes endemic in the state.

    Obiano presents the substantial vibrancy of the state’s economy in the face of national economic repression. He is a proud governor of a state that has maintained elite performance in education, agriculture, health and other indices of good governance. Under him Anambra suddenly became a major player in agriculture, with brands like Anambra Rice, Ugu Anambra and Onugbu Anambra (vegetables) hitting national and international limelight.

    Anambra workers celebrate Gov. Obiano as the most labour-friendly governor, because of his unsolicited welfare packages to them; his steadfastness in prompt payment of salaries; the 15 per cent salary increase across board; his transportation scheme for them, etc; just as low income earners in parks, markets and streets, as well as commercial motorcyclists and tri-cyclists enjoy the governor’s humane economic stimulus in terms of reduced taxation. At the grassroots, the result of the governor’s ‘N20m Community Choose Your Project Development Initiative’ spread across all the 182 communities speaks volumes of Obiano’s man of the people’s persuasion. These acts ameliorate the pains of national recession, encourage sustainable economic growth and ensure systemic stability.

    An incumbent who posts such credentials as Governor Obiano’s and whose second term bid is antithetical to the dreams of all other aspirants, should expect no less hard knocks; particularly in Anambra State where reckless tantrums and mischief are liberally deployed in fierce governorship contests. Here, no incumbent seems to do anything pleasing to his opponents. Dr. Ngige (then of the PDP and latter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Chief Peter Obi (then of APGA) had mutual disrespect for each other, while they reigned as governors. Despite Ngige’s momentary brilliant sparks and Obi’s enduring sterling achievements, they took turns in subtly and overtly calumniating each other. Now as apologists-in-chief of the APC and the PDP in Anambra State, both unconscionably take on Gov. Obiano, in a bid to pronouncing him unelectable: an awkward demonstration of ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend.’

    The lures of political power and the privileges of political influence now conspire to rob Anambra State the peace the APGA government has painstakingly groomed in the past 11 years. The prime conspirators in this appear primarily fixated on plotting Gov. Obiano’s failure, by sponsoring negative choruses on his administration. Given their determination, it will not be surprising if they stimulate criminal disorder in the course of time, just to undermine Obiano’s most potent bargaining power: Security and safety of lives and property. It is observable that in politics when the subject of interest persistently tends more to awry defense of ego and personal interests than governance and society, service and lordship begin to slyly compete for favoured space in people’s consciousness. This confusion and its resultant hurt spare no one in the long run.

    It will be a security oversight disregarding the seemingly war chants from vociferous Southeast APC chieftains thronging into Anambra with defiant avowals to overrun APGA howsoever. The Anambra electorate is getting restive and battle conscious. Signs of resistance are emerging as majority of Anambra citizens condemn the effrontery in the influx of failed political opportunists from other eastern parts latching on to the APC to disrupt the state’s surefooted lead in development east of the Niger. As a homegrown party that has entrenched itself in Anambra, APGA underscores the Igbo spirit of resilience and survival. Ndi-Anambra are therefore known to be passionate in their defense of APGA government for giving stout expressions to their passions for industry and safety. It is a common belief that Obiano holds the template for greater Anambra, having made Anambra the safest and most investment-friendly state in Nigeria within a short span of three years. The risk of recycling politicians with either questionable antecedents or vague vision in corporate administration is total and does not sound bankable to Anambra people.

    Given the overwhelming support APGA and Gov. Obiano enjoy from the citizens and residents of Anambra State, and the anxiety over probable underhand influences from Aso Rock in the coming election, November 18, 2017 boldly challenges the integrity of Independent National Election Commission (INEC) as a disinterested umpire. It challenges the Presidency as a dispassionate arbiter. Also on trial will be the groups of national and international election monitors whose informed views are expected to add value to the process. Without doubts the international community will be on hand to judge our democracy.

  • Anambra 2017: Ngige, Nwobodo, Uba others unite against Obiano

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were locked in strategic planning yesterday on how to dislodge Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano come November 18.

    They vowed to stop at nothing to see to the defeat of the incumbent at the forthcoming governorship election.

    Leading the chieftains were Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

    They met at the Finotel Hotels in Awka at the second South East stakeholders meeting.

    Others at the meeting were Senator Nkechi Wogu, Senator Azuh Agboti and Chief Cosmas Maduka.

    All the governorship aspirants, including Hon. Tony Nwoye, Chief George Moghalu, Engr. Bart Nwibe, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Senator Andy Uba, Chief Obinna Uzor and Prince Donatus Okonkwo were also at the meeting.

    The only notable absentee was former governor of Abia state, Orji Kalu.

    The stakeholders admitted dislodging the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will be tough but not impossible.

    Nwobodo, who headed the committee that convened the meeting, told the stakeholders defeating an incumbent was a difficult task without adequate preparations.

    He urged the APC chieftains to go to the battle field with a united house to guarantee victory.

    According to Nwobodo: “We are going to sign a pact before the primaries that anybody that loses will help the winner to emerge as governor.

    “But let me tell you that to remove an incumbent is not easy but we want to win the election and you should stop listening to rumours,” he said.

    Ngige said: “Obiano is a master of propaganda and has plenty of money for the election. We are going into a war with him, but we must go into the war as a united front”

    “A lot of things are at stake. Obiano’s government has been campaigning every day. If we fail this election, the entire South East has failed.

    He went on: “You must see this election as a case of survival in the zone with Anambra as the flagship.

    “We are taking over the Anambra State government house but it will be a long journey because we are going to war with the incumbent.”

    Senators Wogu, Ararume and Agboti said Obiano has failed the state and must be defeated.

  • Anambra 2017: Obiano, Obi, Umeh, others clash over Ojukwu

    Top politicians and parties in Anambra State are at one another’s throats over who has the blessing of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as the November 18 governorship election draws close.

    Investigations confirmed the old controversy between former Governor Peter Obi; former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh and many others over who has the political blessing of the late Igbo leader in Anambra State has been resurrected.

    The issue has become the most important campaign slogan in the state ahead of the governorship election.

    Being the National Leader of APGA before his death, the party made it a point of duty, since the 2010 governorship election, which Peter Obi won, to concentrate its campaigns on the person and blessing of the late Biafran leader.

    The party under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano has again resolved to use Ojukwu’s name and his alleged blessing as anchor of its campaigns.

    But other parties, politicians and stakeholders are crying blue murder, accusing APGA of deceiving the people of Anambra with the name of the revered late leader.

    Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scolded Obiano for using the name to campaign for the November 18 governorship poll.

    In a statement in Awka, the PDP chairman, Kenneth Emeakayi, alleged Obiano dismantled the billboards mounted by Obi with the pictures of Ojukwu.

    He said it was “nauseating and deceitful” for Obiano to remember the late leader with election around the corner again.

    He lamented: “Just about six months to another governorship election in the state, the Obiano-led APGA administration suddenly remembered the name, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

    “Billboards are now being hoisted, while government-owned vehicles are branded with Ojukwu’s photograph.”

    Other political parties in the state are equally irritated over APGA’s and Obiano’s use of Ojukwu’s name as a major campaign slogan.

    The party’s claim, in recently erected signposts, bearing Ojukwu’s pictures, is that APGA is the party that belongs to Ndigbo.

    Dr. Chike Obidigbo, one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of APC, told The Nation: “I have nothing against APGA.

    “People say APGA is an Igbo party but truly if APGA is an Igbo party, why is it only in Anambra State?

    “Is Abia not Igbo land? Are Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo not Igbo land? Why are they not there?

    “Why do they have to go to campaign for APGA in Edo State? So, APGA is not an Igbo party and the original intention of the founders of APGA was not to make it an Igbo party.

    “The whole idea was to make APGA a regional party; that regional party should form a negotiating bloc into the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Anambra 2017: Who will fly APC flag?

    As All Progressives Congress (APC) prepare for the primaries ahead  Anambra State Governorship Election, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, present the big aspirants

    As the political parties prepare for primaries ahead the November 18, 2017 Governorship Election in Anambra State, it has been observed that the pressure  is more in the All Progressives Congress (APC), where heavyweights have filed out to contest for the ticket.

    Considering the number and calibre of aspirants that have so far indicated interest in the governorship election in APC, observers agree that the outcome of the party’s primaries will determine to a large extent, the texture of the actual governorship election. Perhaps because the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano, is poised to fly the ticket of his party, APGA, and because APC has emerged a very strong party even in the state, especially after the last registration and revalidation exercise, most of the major aspirants have chosen APC as their platform.

    By the last count, about 20 aspirants have been linked with the ambition to pick the party’s ticket.

    Although over 20 members may have indicated interest to contest for the ticket of APC, either formally or informally, our investigation shows that less than 10 of such aspirants have visible structures and supporters. They include Senator Andy Uba, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Engr. Barth Nwibe, Dr. Tony Nwoye, former Senator Uche Ekwunife, George Moghalu, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, and the current Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, who has not openly indicated any interest but is believed by his ardent supporters to be a strong force if he chooses to contest.

    Andy Uba

    Senator Andy Uba, who has, together with his family, allegedly held the political scene of the state, especially that of his former party, the PDP, in his palms, before his sudden defection to APC, is a major aspirant, given his experience, history and financial war chest.

    Although relatively new in APC, his admirers said if he picks the ticket, his well-oiled structure across the state may give him an edge in the real election. But one of the major factors that may count against him is the zoning factor, as his Anambra South Zone seemed not favoured by the current formula to truncate the Anambra North’s tenure.

    Chike Obidigbo

    One of the most favoured aspirants for APC ticket today is Dr. Chike Obidigbo, popularly known as Osisioma Igbo. Perhaps more popular than most of his rivals at the grassroots across the three senatorial districts, sources said Obidigbo also enjoys the support of the super-rich and the powerful elite in the state, perhaps because he comes from the private sector.

    His supporters said Osisioma Igbo , who holds a PhD, belongs to both the ingenious Anambra State businessmen and the highly educated elite.

    His supporters said Osisoma Igbo belongs to both the ingenious Anambra State businessmen and the highly educated elite. He studied at Boys’ High School Nnewi, from where he proceeded to Salford University College Manchester and obtained Higher National Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing) and Advanced Diploma in Management Studies (DMS).

    He also studied at the University of Lancaster, UK, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Marketing Management and bagged a Doctorate Degree from the Commonwealth University, Belize.

    In 2013, when he contested for Anambra State governorship primaries of APGA, Obidigbo made great impact and was declared the consensus candidate until the intrigues that changed the game suddenly.

    As an APC governorship aspirant today, some of the factors that would favour him include his experience both in the world of business and politics, the comparative advantage his candidature will offer the party, considering the reach of his Osisioma Foundation and of course the fact that his Anambra North Zone is favoured by the current zoning formula in the state to complete its second term. Also, insiders said Obidigbo as an individual is not a pushover considering his financial war chest and wide connections.   .

    Chris Ngige

    Former  Governor of Anambra State , Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour,has not said he would contest for the ticket but the name of the highly influential APC leader is still being mentioned by his supporters, who claim that he still wants to return to the Government House in Awka. It remains to be seen how he would achieve it given his present position at the federal cabinet.

    If he seeks APC ticket and during the election, one of the factors that may not favour him is the zoning factor.

    Uche Ekwunife

    This highly influential politician is believed to be interested in the governorship ticket of APC in Anambra State. A former Senator on the ticket of PDP, Uche Ekwunife is one of the most dogged female politicians in the country today. A former banker, insiders said her well-coordinated grassroots political machinery is only waiting for the ongoing underground campaigns to come out in the open.

    Ifeanyi Ubah:

    Ifeanyi Ubah is one of the most intriguing young politicians in the state. An oil merchant, when he first joined politics and showed interest to govern Anambra State on the ticket of relatively unpopular Labour Party in Anambra in 2013, not many took him seriously. But he made so much impact that he is now counted as a political lord in the state.

    Observers said if Ubah made impact in 2013 on the platform of LP, when he was a mere novice in the political theatre, he is likely to do better today if he succeeds to get APC ticket, given that APC has become even more popular and acceptable in the state.

    Another thing that may go for Ubah is his success story in the field of sports, especially the growing popularity of his FC Ifeanyi Ubah, among youths and football fans. It is believed this will help his campaign.

    George Moghalu

    APC’s National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu, is another influential hopeful for the party’s governorship ticket. Like the others, he is also not a push over in the quest for the party’s governorship ticket in Anambra. Known to be very popular and influential in APC at the centre, Moghalu is also an experienced politician.

    Bart Nwibe

    Another serious aspirant for APC ticket is Engr. Bart Nwibe, the pioneer Group Managing Director of Segofs Energy Group.  Described by his admirers as a rural developer, Nwibe is said to enjoy mass grassroots support.

    Another private sector person, Nwibe is not really new in Anambra State politics. His current ambition to govern Anambra is the second time he would be seeking political office in the state. pportunity through manipulation.

    Tony Nwoye

    Tony Nwoye, who flew PDP flag in the last governorship election, is also one of the outstanding APC governorship aspirants for this November election. Experienced and also described as a grassroots person, this medical doctor, has emerged a major political personality in Anambra. How far that will help him to get the ticket remains to be seen.

  • Anambra 2017: Array of aspirants and Soludo’s endorsement of Obiano

    It is no longer news that Anambra governorship election will take place on November 18, because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed the date.  I think what is the news now is who will be slugging it out with the incumbent governor and the likely candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the poll, Chief Willie Obiano.

    While Obiano will be seeking reelection for a second term, other aspirants like Engr. Barth Nwibe, Senator Andy Uba, Osita Chidoka, Comrade Tony Nwoye, Uche Ekwunife, Ralph Okeke, Chike Obidigbo, Dr. Obinna Uzor, and others are angling to dislodge him from the Government House, Awka.

    Obiano, who had earlier fallen apart with his godfather and predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi, and at the same time fallen short of credible performance in office is already doing everything possible, including receiving sponsored awards and endorsements among others, to win the support of the people.

    Members of National Assembly-Uba and Nwoye, who recently jumped into All Progressives Congress (APC), will be banking on the assistance of their godfathers, namely-Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Arthur Eze, to grab the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, forgetting that APC is not PDP, where anything is possible. Lest we forget; the duo have contested before now, neither their antics nor their godfathers saved them.

    Besides, Uba and Nwoye may have forgotten that Anambra people are not suffering from amnesia and there will always be a question time. Besides, there will be scrutiny on aspirants, especially those with questionable track record and Toronto certificates.

    Nwibe with his outstanding track record, capacity and vision has continued to flaunt his well-articulated vision and plan for the state. He is at the grassroots consulting and marketing his qualities because he has nothing to hide. No wonder, many see him as the best alternative and a golden fish that has no hiding place.

    Meanwhile as the political game tempo rises in the state, so surprising is the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s recent endorsement of Obiano for a second term at an arranged lecture in Awka.

    Soludo said the economy of Anambra, which is not an oil producing state, had been well managed under Obiano, making it one of the most buoyant states after Lagos, Abuja and Rivers.

    He said: “There is no need for change at the moment. Anambra is the fourth largest economy in Nigeria behind Lagos, Abuja. We are in a crisis moment and you don’t change a general in the middle of the war; in Anambra, Obiano is a general.

    “Many people are calling on me to come and contest, but the point is: if Anambra is not broken, why mend it? There will only be vacancy in Anambra Government House in the next four years.’

    While it is within Soludo’s constitutional rights to endorse any aspirant for the election, such endorsement should be altruistic, factual and statistical. Soludo’s endorsement of Obiano lacked all these. That is why it was surprising and curious. It is expected of Soludo as a renowned economist to put facts and figures about Obiano’s performance on table to convince Anambra people why he deserves second term.

    Relying on rhetoric, hearsay and unverifiable economic claims to endorse Obiano for a second term is unexpected of Soludo. That is the height of his political hypocrisy and desperation. Is it because of the alleged political agreement he had with Obiano; that he (Soludo) will succeed Obiano after his second term? What a selfish and parochial agreement that lacks commonsense and legality.

    With this, it is obvious that Soludo has not learnt any lesson from his previous political misadventures in the state. Soludo may have forgotten that in politics, nothing is cast in stone and one plus one could be six instead of mathematical two. No wonder, late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo said that it takes political sagacity to understand political arithmetic. Soludo may have known economic arithmetic, but lacked knowledge of political arithmetic, judging by some of his political miscalculations.

    If the ex-CBN governor has forgotten why he has failed politically before now, let him be reminded. After being denied second term as CBN Governor, Soludo was pushed into governorship race unprepared by the powers-that-be in the PDP and the Presidency in 2010. Soludo lost the election woefully, having emerged third runner up behind Governor Peter Obi and Dr. Chris Ngige of the defunct, Action Congress (AC).

    Ahead of the last governorship poll in Anambra in 2013, Soludo jumped into APGA without due consultation, but was later shortchanged by the APGA national leadership that handed the party governorship ticket to Willie Obiano.

    Who told Soludo that even if Obiano wins second term, which looks impossible in all ramifications, Soludo would succeed him at the end of his tenure?

    It is another political miscalculation by Soludo to think that the only way he could easily become governor of Anambra state is by going into power sharing agreement and endorsement with Obiano. It is a dream that may never come true for him, having shown that he lacks the electoral value and capacity to win election in the state. Soludo has by the Obiano endorsement shown that he lacked the political sagacity to study the political barometer in Anambra ahead of the November 18 governorship poll in the state. Considering all the glaring factors, APC is the party to beat in the election.

    • Nkemjika, a retired civil servant, wrote from Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra
  • Anambra 2017: Obiano spits fire against critics

    Anambra 2017: Obiano spits fire against critics

    Following increasing criticism of Governor Willy Obiano-led Anambra State Government, the governor has pledged to return fire for fire against opponents and critics, reports Sam Egburonu 

    AS the 2017 election year in Anambra State draws closer, critics of Governor Willie Obiano-led state government have increased their condemnation of the actions and utterances of the governor. While supporters of Obiano and his aides described the critics as sponsored agents, assigned to belittle the governor’s good works ahead the 2017 Governorship Election in the state, opposition political parties said the criticisms are testimonies of the government’s poor outing in his first tenure.

    Although criticism against his government and person can be traced back to the first year of his administration, The Nation investigation shows that the heat on him and his government increased since Obiano confirmed his interest to contest the governorship election on the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). His critics and opponents have alleged that he has not given good account of the years he has occupied the Awka Government House and so should not be re-elected.

    But the governor and his supporters have dismissed such allegations as unfounded, pointing out that he has delivered incredible dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra and that on the strength of his performance should be given a second tenure.

    This defense notwithstanding, criticism against Obiano deepened early this year after he told some Anambra State indigenes in Abuja that their state has registered exportation of vegetable to the tune of $5million.

    He was quoted as saying that, “in January this year, Anambra made headlines when it became the first state in Nigeria to export vegetables (Ugu) and bitter leaf (Onugbu) valued at $5 million to Europe. At the same time, our locally produced brand of rice known as Anambra Rice recently emerged the Best Rice in Africa at an African Products Forum in Lagos. Anambra Rice was adjudged better and more wholesome than other competing brands from South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Namibia and Cameroon. Our agricultural sector has also attracted investments from seven companies valued at $1.011b while the large industrial farms have pushed our local rice production from 90,000 metric tons to 210,000 metric tons. At this rate, we shall soon surpass the 320,000 metric tons we consume in Anambra State per annum.”

    Soon after the publication of the governor’s speech, some critics dismissed it as ‘blatant falsehood’. They also challenged the governor to identify the location of the farms in Anambra, specify where the vegetables were exported in Europe and the company that handled the exportation.

    The media, especially the online media, have been feasting on the matter since then. For example, one of the major online medium, Sahara Reporters wrote on its website: “Sahara Reporters has found that, as part of Obiano’s campaign, he used images allegedly from Anambra farms, depicting luscious produce, including red tomatoes. The governor’s public relations stunt has been circulating on Internet platforms featuring photos of tomato farms said to be producing European standard tomatoes.

    “However, when Sahara Reporters reverse-image-searched the photos being circulated by Obiano’s government, our investigators found that the images were lifted from other websites but deceptively identified as photos from Anambra farms. For example, an image of young vegetable plants actually comes from an Internet page from August 13, 2014, titled ‘Irrigation Practices in West Africa’. Another photo circulated by Obiano can be traced back to a 2010 blog post by an American named Chris Courtin, who had taken the photo during his fellowship in Nyumbani Village in Kitui County, Kenya,” the website stated.

    Reacting to the criticism of the governor in the media, especially in online platforms, the governor, through his aide, said in a statement this week that “enough is enough.” He said, in the release, signed by Prince Oliver Okpala, the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Strategic Communications and Legislative Matters: “It has come to our notice that those who have been sponsoring unwarranted attacks against His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano, the Executive Governor Of Anambra State in, especially the social media are not willing to see reason to sheath their slanderous swords and show remorse for their nefarious activities which have been in bad taste against the Governor and Government of Anambra State.”

    He accused his critics of seeking “to occupy and pollute the media space with brazen falsehood and vitriolic attacks against the personality and image of the governor, despite our posture of maturity, decorum and philosophical calmness.”

    Okpala went ahead to accuse an unnamed aide of a former governor of the state, who he alleged took a picture of a private jet at the Akanu Ibiam Airport International Airport Enugu, which brought in a former Vice President who visited the area; and, according to him, “without cross checking facts posted it on social media claiming that the jet was hired by Governor Willie Obiano.”

    Condemning the action, Okpala said “his insinuation was that the governor was using private jets while the people are languishing in poverty, a ploy to easily whip negative sentiments against the innocent governor.

    “Nobody is stopping this special aide and closest confidant of the former governor from singing his master’s praise because that is what he is paid to do, but for him to descend so low to the extent of publishing outright lies and fabrications just to mislead the public is a show of treacherous shame.”

    Obiano’s aide then said, rather angrily: “Therefore, the time has come for it to be clearly stated that those who are in this habit of trading in lies, insulting and casting aspersion on the person of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, should forthwith desist from such acts or face serious consequences of unpalatable media attack, criticism, gossip and propaganda.”

    He further warned that those “trying to cast mud on the governor should refrain from it now or be given the brutal treatment of media fire for fire!

    “Let it be known that this gale of smear campaign is an ill wind that will blow no one good. Enough is enough for these rumour mongers and merchants of falsehood.

    “We have been following their attacks on the governor for a long time and have been hoping that they would have a change of heart. But it has become clear that these messengers are bent on destroying the hard earned reputation and godly character which Chief Willie Obaino has built and earned over time and years. We have kept quiet for too long, enough is enough!”

    Eugene Nwokolo, an Anambra indigene, who commented on the increasing criticism of Obiano’s government during the week told The Nation that “it is unfortunate most people do not accept the governor has performed well enough to withstand the strong opposition he is bound to face in the next election, but no one can fully deny the fact that Obiano has done a lot both in the agricultural sector and in infrastructural development.”

  • Anambra 2017: Obiano’s seat under threat

    Anambra 2017: Obiano’s seat under threat

    Governorship aspirants on the platforms of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are warming up for next year’s election in Anambra State. Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU examines the contenders and issues that will shape the contest.

    The governorship election in Anambra State is likely to hold in November, next year. Some political heavy weights are eyeing the seat occupied by Governor Willy Obiano, who is believed to be seeking a second term in office.

    While some believe that the governor, who rode to power on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), has done enough to deserve a second term, others see him as more of a talker than a doer.

    Obiano came into power over two years ago, when he took over from former Governor Peter Obi, who many, believed, lived up to expectation.

    Today, Obiano is facing opposition because of his leadership style.

    His style, according to his critics, is concentrating development only in his Anambra North Senatorial Zone, which had before now, failed to produce a governor before Obi zoned the slot to the area.

    Also, they see Obiano as someone who does not run an all-inclusive administration. This may not be his fault but that of his kinsmen, who wield enormous influence on his government. Most people in the state believe that the governor allows his wife to be the dominant force in the running of the government.

    Apart from the three flyovers erected by the Obiano administration in Awka, the state capital, not much, according to his adversaries, has happened in terms of infrastructural development.

    Before now, the governor had won the 2015 Sun’s Man of the Year Award, the 2015 Zik’s Price for Good Governance, among others accolades. But, critics believe that he has not performed like his predecessor.

    Following what they have termed as his dismal performance, some political parties now warming up to displace his party. Thier aspirants have started mobilisation, ahead of the election.

    These parties include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). Sources said some APGA chieftains may also challenge the governor during the primary.

    But, the aspirants that are giving the APGA-led government headache are the PDP and the APC. Both parties parade an array of political juggernauts.

    Though, the names are still being speculated, but there are serious indications that some of them have already made up their minds, while few others are still playing a hide and seek game.

    They are Former Central Bank Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, Hon. Tony Nwoye, a member of the House of Representatives from Anambra East and West Constituency and the Minister of Employment, Labour and Productivity Senator Chris Ngige.

    Other aspirants include Dr. Obinna Uzor, a successful business mogul, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, an oil magnate, Chief George Muoghalu, the APC National Auditor, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, and Chief Barth Nwibe.

    Apart from Ubah and Ekwunife, the parties of other aspirants are known.

    Majority of the aspirants are from the  APC. Andy Uba is of the PDP. Ezeemo wants to contest on the platform of the PPA.

    Some of the aspirants confided that it is too early for them to start making the usual noise. But, they understand that Obiano has started wooing voters to secure a second term through various  underground campaigns to lure voters.

    However, the politics of Anambra has gone beyond mere campaigns in an open field; the style has become a coded and digital affair.

    Religion may likely play a dominant role next year. The role of the church in deciding the fate of candidates cannot be ignored. The Roman Catholic Church, which is the dominant church in the state, has the monopoly of influence.

    Obi was able to secure victory due to the same religious factor, although Ngige’s position in the church also boxed Obi and many priests to a corner.

    Despite the belief that Obiano is seeking a second term, some of his kinsmen are ready to slug it out with him. The contest will not be a walk over for the governor. Nwoye may have started firing salvo at the governor. He has the support of those who matter as he throws a challenge at the governor.

    For Ngige, who is believed to be a smooth operator and a late comer in every race, the election is another golden opportunity to test his popularity. At a ceremony in Awka, he said the APGA government should start packing their bags and baggage from the State House.

    Ekwunife, a bulldozer of sort, has left the PDP for the APC. But, her next step is unknown. The serial defector was recently denied the Anambra Central senatorial slot. Since she is unpredictable, many observers believe that he may leave the party, if her chance of clinching the ticket is narrow.

    The contest is majorly among three parties; the APGA, the PDP and the APC.

    Already, the ruling party has formed “militant” groups to battle any  security agency during the exercise. There are allegations that some of these groups move about in the state with assorted weapons, harassing and intimidating innocent citizens in the name of the second term for Obiano.

    Sources close to Obi, Ngige, Ekwunife, Uba, Nwoye, and Uzor said these eminent politicians are closely monitoring the trends.

    With the caliber of politicians in the APC, and a combination of Obi, Uba, Oduah, Chief Chris Uba, and Senator Annie Okonkwo clearly makes the PDP a force to reckon with, despite its defeat by the APC at the centre in last year’s poll.

    However, a source said Ngige may not contest. He may align with anybody that could win the election for APC. But, he will play a great role in enlisting the support of the church for his preferred candidate.

    The clock may be ticking for Obiano and his party. Unless the administration decides to right the wrongs through infrastructural and human development, the end of an era may be imminent.