Who wins the Anambra governorship poll?

Governorship flagbearers have emerged in the major political parties in Anambra State ahead of the governorship election.

The candidates are Governor Chukwuma Soludo of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of All Progressives Congress (APC), and Dr. George Moghalu of Labour Party (LP).

The trio clinched their party tickets through primaries held in Awka, the state capital, two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once a dominant force, seems to be waning, according to feelers in the political circles and streets of Anambra.

Its sole aspirant, Jude Ezenwafo, only received the party’s nomination three days after APGA, APC, and LP had concluded their primaries.

The LP further complicated its position by conducting parallel primaries.

Most fringe parties are still weighing their options.

This year’s primaries were marked by withdrawals and resignations over various grievances.

Though the contest is a three-horse race, the spotlight remains on APGA and APC. Soludo, the incumbent governor, is expected to pull out all the stops to retain his seat.

He has been vocal about his achievements in office, and many observers believe he has made significant strides in three years.

Initially, his administration faced criticism over insecurity, but he has gradually turned the tide while implementing developmental projects.

He appears to be gaining momentum.

Notably, all three major parties selected their candidates from Anambra South Senatorial District, reinforcing the zoning arrangement introduced by former Governor Peter Obi.

The rotation began with Anambra Central (Obi), moved to Anambra North (Willie Obiano), and is now in Anambra South (Soludo).

After Soludo, power is expected to return to Anambra Central.

However, securing a second term may not be straightforward for Soludo.

He has alienated key stakeholders, including the Catholic Church and traditional rulers.

Many perceive him as arrogant or dismissive of advice.

Additionally, his administration’s heavy-handed revenue collection tactics, enforced by the controversial Ndi Aka Odo (pestle carriers), have caused public resentment.

Despite these challenges, Soludo’s administration has recorded successes, including improved security through the Agunechemba initiative, urban renewal projects, and road construction.

His transformation of the Okpoko slum and the ongoing Awka Fun-City project are notable achievements.

Yet, his government’s excesses—particularly the brutality of revenue agents—have overshadowed its accomplishments.

Many residents are yearning for change after 18 years of APGA rule.

The PDP is virtually defunct in Anambra, leaving APC as the main opposition.

The LP, though still vocal on social media, has lost momentum since the 2023 presidential election.

Thus, the real battle will be between APGA and APC.

Soludo remains confident, dismissing his opponents as inconsequential.

During his primary at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, he retained his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, despite speculation of a replacement—a move possibly influenced by pressure from the Anglican Church, led by Ibezim’s elder brother.

In his acceptance speech, Soludo praised APGA’s legacy, declaring, “Anambra is APGA, and APGA is Anambra.”

Soludo: battling to secure a second term in office

He vowed to secure victory in every ward and polling unit, promising inclusive governance.

However, opposition disunity has historically favored APGA.

After primaries, aggrieved aspirants often defect to minor parties, sabotaging their former party’s chances.

This pattern played out in 2017 (Tony Nwoye, APC), 2021 (Valentine Ozigbo, PDP), and 2009 (Soludo himself under PDP).

A day before the APC primary, key aspirants—Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and Chukwuma Umeoji—withdrew, citing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Their exit reflects a recurring attitude: “If it’s not me, it won’t be anyone else.”

Political analysts argue that while Soludo has performed reasonably well, APGA may have overstayed its welcome.

The question is whether he can withstand the challenge from APC’s Ukachukwu or LP’s Moghalu (assuming INEC recognizes him as the LP candidate).

Soludo, a former Central Bank governor and economics professor, enjoys strong support within APGA.

However, he must reconcile with critical power brokers, including the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, and the Catholic Church, to bolster his chances.

Ukachukwu, a wealthy businessman and orator, wields influence but risks alienating voters due to his aloofness.

His Pentecostal faith may also be a disadvantage in a state dominated by Catholics and Anglicans.

His best asset may be federal backing.

Moghalu, a seasoned politician, faces an uphill battle given LP’s dwindling influence and internal crises.

Ultimately, the election will test Soludo’s record against public appetite for change.

Will Anambra stick with APGA, or is it time for a new direction?

Keep reading from Diaspora Digital Media for updates on the Anambra governorship election.

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