SIR: Anambra State which prides itself as the light of the nation was recently challenged by some forces that threatened to plunge it into darkness. The call for election boycott by Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB was becoming increasingly louder and popular. Fear and uncertainty were the only thing certain about the political future of the state which boasts of the most billionaires and entrepreneurs among its contemporaries in the comity of states. Both the politicians and security forces advisedly had to tread carefully in other not to stir the hornet’s nest. Few voices began to break the ice and spoke audaciously against IPOB position; others simply made profuse appeals.
Now with the coast seemingly becoming clear, the journey to Saturday November 18 will only become more interesting and intriguing. Meanwhile, the State Electoral Commissioner, Nwachukwu Orji has assured that, the election will be free and fair and also disclosed that over two million and forty thousand electorates have so far registered.
Now with the campaign officially flagged off, the state will once again witness the pretenders and contenders traversing the length and breadth of this densely populated state which has a common boundary with Imo and Rivers to the South, Enugu to the East, Delta to the West and Kogi to the North.
The three major towns in the state Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi are already defaced by the plethora of posters of different parties announcing their presence and intents. As at now, All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, All People’s Congress APC, People’s Democratic Party PDP, Progressive Alliance PPA, United Progressive Party UPP and People’s Redemption Party PRP appear to be more visible.
Their chances of electoral victory will largely depend on the personality of the candidates, the acceptability of the party and their grassroots’ appeals. The congeries of business magnates in race only means more money for the boys but the incumbent APGA is unrelenting as it has received most endorsements and is ahead of others in campaign so far. APC has already cleared 12 aspirants for its primaries and if the primary is not fair and perceived to be free, there may likely be an implosion. PDP needs not assume that the race is going to be any easier for them as they are neither incumbent at the centre nor in the state. The protracted chairmanship tussle dealt them a great blow and further balkanized the party. PRP lacks the needed spread to advance their quest and stamp their relevance in the state but UPP may spring surprises as it appears to enjoy popularity among the pro-Biafra agitators and again it lacks sufficient political machinery needed to translate popularity into electoral victory.
- Itaobong Offiong Etim,
Calabar. Cross River State.