BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Our correspondent reports that come November 6, Anambra State’s electorate would file out to elect a new Governor. The Anambra South is angling for the position, claiming it is their turn in the State which has 326 electoral wards, 179 Communities, 21 Local Government Areas and three Senatorial Zones. A total of 18 registered political parties in Nigeria are in fielding gubernatorial candidates. But despite increased clamour for women participation in politics, none of the 18 political parties has a female Governorship candidate.
Barrister Mrs. Ifeoma Maduka-Arisa and Mrs. Adaobi Uchenna Okpeke, who earlier emerged standard flag bearers of Action Alliance (AA) and National Redemption Movement (NRM) respectively had been successfully substituted with male candidates for reasons best known to their parties. However, four political parties managed to field four Deputy Governorship candidates.
Given the caliber of the people in the election, experts believe that it would surely not be an easy ride for the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) to retain the Anambra State Government House. There are also permutations in some quarters that the court (not actually the people votes) would determine who emerges winner in the end.
Here is a parade of the candidates, their political parties, running mates and their chances in the forthcoming elections.
Dr. Godwin Maduka- Accord Party (AP)
Maduka, founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical centre in the United States of America (USA), is the candidate of Accord Party. He was among the aggrieved PDP Governorship aspirants that dumped the party after losing out in the primary poll.
His running mate is Sir. Kenneth Ifeatu Obi. Dr. Maduka is from Umuchukwu in Orumba South Local Government Area, which falls under the Anambra South Senatorial Zone; while Obi hails from Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, within Anambra Central. He single handedly transformed his Community to a city with basic amenities, including siting or attracting Federal and State government institutions like National Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Police Division and Police Academy, High Court, Medical Research institute, etc. there. Traditional rulers in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas, banking on his transformational projects and philanthropy, crowned him, Okeosis Orumba (the great son of Orumba). Dr. Maduka was among the brain behind changing of his Community’s name from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu. This may also count against him because some of his people felt it was unnecessary and had been challenging the act legally and otherwise. As a result, they currently have two Monarchs; one (who is his younger brother) addressed as Igwe Umuchukwu, while the other is Igwe Nkerehi. He, however, has other developmental projects and humanitarian services speaking for him all over the State.
Besides, he is the only candidate from Orumba South Local Government Area. Orumba South, Orumba North and Aguata Local Government Areas belonged to Old Aguata Union (OAU) bloc. Other two bloc in Anambra South are Nnewi (comprising Nnewi North and Nnewi South Local Government Areas) and Ihiala bloc (made up of Ihiala and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas).
Although OAU produced Dr Chukwuemeka Ezife as Governor January 2, 1992 – 17 November 1993, they are seriously campaigning to take a second slot. Another factor that may count for him is that Idemili North is one of the most thickly populated areas in Anambra State due to many markets and industries in the area, and its nearness to Onitsha.
But would it be possible since the council area is also the stronghold of PDP, APC and ZLP candidates? Again, Accord Party is number one on the ballot paper. But would voters elect him because of the strategic location of the party? Analysts believe the party has no structure in the State but always come alive at each election year.
Also, the candidate has many juicy projects in his manifesto including making tertiary institution education and healthcare near to people by citing well equipped hospitals and university campuses across 21 council areas, bringing seaport, etc. Some analysts see these projects as hard to be realised due to economy of the country.
Dr. Maduka is contesting for the first time but believes the ‘throne’ is meant for him because of what he termed ‘evidence’ (what he has already achieved as an individual). He also stated that he had produced (sponsored) many Governors in the State; so this is his time to serve. However, his personality and that of his Deputy, party strength and leadership qualities would make or mar his chances on November 6.
Chief Bennett Etiaba-Action Alliance (AA)
Chief Etiaba, the son of a retired teacher, former Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, is the candidate of Action Alliance (AA). From Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA, Chief Etiaba is also a green horn in Anambra politics. However, he has held several organisational Leadership positions in Nigeria and abroad. The Chartered Accountant was among the APC gubernatorial aspirants that left the party after the emergence of Senator Andy Uba.
He is promising to fix all the abandoned projects in the State including failed portions of road before embarking on new ones, if elected. Chief Etiaba maintained that his administration would also uplift the State Education sector, improve Healthcare, Agriculture and Integrated Infrastructure. Action Alliance, although strategically located in the ballot as well, is relatively unknown in Anambra State. One commentator on a radio programme argued that the party has no single structure across the 326 electoral wards in the State.
Again, Nnewi, his home town also has another strong candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Young Progressive Party (YPP). Besides, the popularity of his running-mate, Ms. Regina Uchebo may not be beyond Instagram, where she describes herself as an activist and humanitarian. Uchebo is from Anam, a riverine Community in Anambra West Local Government Area, within the territory of Anambra North. The Council Area is PDP’s stronghold although APGA may also have its voice heard there too.
Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo- Africa Action Congress (AAC)
Dr. Nwankwo, a native of Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area is the candidate of Africa Action Congress (AAC). Dr. Nwankwo is the Chairman/Chief Executive of Wichtech Group of Companies. Also a green horn in Anambra politics, like Chief Etiaba, he left APC to AAC after APC primary did not favour him. He believed that the gubernatorial poll would favour him even though his party is unknown with little or no structure.
“Today, if you check the polls in Anambra, I’m leading by over 80 percent. What people are looking for are results. In Onitsha Main Market, in Nnewi, these are areas that I own businesses, I have their support. And the fact is that the business Community, which is the constituency I am coming from, controls over 70 percent of the Anambra electorate,” he once stated in an interview.
His running mate is Rt. Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili, the second female Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, a position she attained under APGA, and also served twice as Commissioner. Rt. Hon. Nwaebili is from Ogbaru Local Government Area, stronghold of PDP. She had contested for House Representatives for Ogbaru via APGA ticket two times and failed. If she could not make further political move under APGA after State House of Assembly, would it be possible under AAC?
Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo -African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Nze Nwankpo, a native of Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area, is the gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC). He dumped APGA to ADC after been disqualified from participating on the primary where Prof. Charles Soludo grabbed the party ticket. This is his second attempt to govern Anambra. Having served the Country in various capacities including as a Special Adviser on Technical Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Secretary/Member of the Presidential Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program Committee (Sure-P), Nze Nwankpo is optimistic for victory.
His manifesto is anchored on what he described as “Family First!” He planned to reach out to all families especially women and youth with Food, Healthcare and other services. Again, Nze Nwankpo is the only contender from Ihiala political bloc. Although they produced Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju (that governed from 1999 to 2003), the bloc felt that they should be allowed to serve given that the late did one tenure.
Also, they believed that since other blocs had been producing senators since 1999, Ihiala should be given a second chance. Similarly, Nze Nwankpo’s running-mate, Pastor Lawrence Ughamadu is from Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area (Anambra Central). That is an added advantage because the Council Area had been struggling to position one of their own as it would an amble opportunity to beautify the neglected capital city. ADC’s National Chairman, Chief Okey Ralf Nwosu is from Awka, the capital city. So, if his town and entire Awka South, which accord him much respect decide to go by their son (s), Nze Nwankpo would smile home.
But political pundits don’t actually believed that Nwankpo is on the race to win. Some alleged that he is on the race to prove those who might have prevented him from participating on the APGA primary wrong. Could that be why the Director General of his campaign council, Chief Harris Chuma-Odili, resigned in September, and had not been replaced to date? He’s also not issued a reaction to Odili’s resignation.
Chief Afam Ume-Ezeoke – Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Chief Ume-Ezeoke, guber candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP), is from the family of late Rt. Hon. Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, the former Speaker, Federal House of Representatives. Chief Ume-Ezeoke, a lawyer, served former President Goodluck Jonathan as a Youth Leader in Anambra State. From Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, the first timer in Anambra gubernatorial race, believes that electorate are with him. But political analysts do not see him as a candidate to watch. They believed he’s building his political career for appointive positions at the State or National level.
Besides, his party is not known, and may not boast of strong membership across the 326 electoral wards. But in one of his media interview, he promised to run “a government that gets people at the grassroots involved in the governance of their State.” Nevertheless, Chief Ume-Ezeoke is Deputised by Mr. Maxwell Emeka Chukwujama.
Senator Emmanuel Nnamdi Andy Uba – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Senator Uba, a flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is not a new name in the lips of Anambra voters. But the name means many things to many people. The Uga, Aguata Local Government Area politician has served as a domestic aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo (for about seven years). He was the PDP Governorship candidate and winner of 2007 poll.
However, the then Governor, Mr. Peter Obi ousted him from office after Supreme Court interpreted that his tenure as Governor has not finished for a new election to be conducted in the State. In 2010, Senator Uba also emerged the Governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) but was roundly defeated by APGA (Peter Obi who ran for a second term).
Senator Andy Uba later returned to PDP, and in 2011 general election, he ran and became a Senator, Anambra South. In Anambra State 2014 Gubernatorial poll, he was an aspirant and at a point, factional PDP candidate. But one of his political sons, Hon. Tony Nwoye defeated him and held the party ticket. APGA (the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano defeated them). Senator Uba retained his Senatorial seat in 2015 (still in PDP) only to decamp to APC in 2017.
He tried again to govern Anambra during the 2017 polls through APC but was defeated at primary again by Hon. Tony Nwoye, who eventually flew the party ticket and came second. In 2019, Senator Uba emerged as APC Senatorial candidate for Anambra South. His younger brother, Chief Chris Uba became that of PDP. They were defeated by YPP candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi bloc. So, this is his fifth time on the move to govern Anambra. But his emergence as candidate of APC is being contested in the court by some aspirants.
Some aspirants and stakeholders of the party have equally dumped the party in protest to the controversy surrounding the APC primary. Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment and Chief George Moghalu, immediate past National Auditor of the party and Director, Nigerian Inland National Waterways Authority, were among the few that earlier kicked against his csndidacy, stressing that APC has no candidate. It was even rumoured that Uba’s running-mate, Barrister Chukwuemeka Okafor, was nominated by the party purposely to placate Ngige.
Barrister Okafor, a native of Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area, is cousin to the Minister. Be that as it may, Senator Uba’s fifth guber entry is generating both positive and negative concerns. It’s witnessing mass exodus of APGA and PDP stalwarts to APC. His traducers believed that he could only win by political manipulation otherwise known as federal might. And that if he wins, Anambra may be relegated or riddled with crisis, borrowing, non prompt payment of workers salaries, among others seen in other APC States. This is why the level of APC acceptance in the South East especially Anambra is zero.
If not the recent decampees, the party has never won a single elective seat in the State. Some oppositions also have fear that he could be aware of the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in the State from 2003 to 2006. Dr. Ngige emerged as Governor other than Senator he allegedly wanted to vie for; got impeached, later kidnapped, followed by burning of some Government properties, among others. Then Andy was an aide to President Obasanjo.
His younger brother, Chief Chris Uba was then seen in some quarters as godfather of Anambra politics. Dr. Ngige earlier served as a private or family doctor to President Obasanjo on alleged recommendations of Senator Uba. Other high profile individuals in National limelight in Anambra whose positions were allegedly influenced or recommended by Uba (s) were Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, ex CBN Governor; late Prof. Dora Akunyili (NAFDAC DG and subsequently a Minister).
Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo – All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)
Prof. Soludo, erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is the ticket bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). From Isuofia, also in Aguata Local Government Area, Prof. Soludo is a renowned economist. This election is his third attempt having tried as PDP candidate in 2010, and gubernatorial aspirant in APGA in 2013. Prof. Soludo is a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic team, headed Anambra State Vision 2050 launched by Governor Obiano, among others.
However, majority believe that what would count positively for him in the race are achievements of APGA led Government since 2006. They have being the major things Governor Obiano and others in the party anchor their campaigns on. Aside these, his Deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim is an asset being a distinguished medical Practitioner and younger brother to Bishop Alexander Ibezim, the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese. Anambra State is where religion and church contributes immensely to People’s political emancipation.
Prof. Soludo is a Roman Catholic, while Dr. Ibezim is an Anglican. But that is if the Church decides to forget other candidates equally their own in the race who are running on other platforms, especially, Senator Andy Uba who seemed to be the most popular among them.
Nevertheless, Anambra State residents seemed to have become tired of APGA due to several abandoned projects and failed campaign promises by the incumbent administration. Available records show that Governor Obiano is yet to complete up to 10% of the infrastructural projects inherited from the past administration.
This could be why the State is threatened by bad roads, erosion menace, and others. Like Dr. Godwin Maduka, Prof. Soludo also has some communal issues to settle including alleged unsuccessful attempt to rename or create an autonomous community and abandoned infrastructure project at Isuofia.
Likewise, Prof. Soludo’s emergence as its candidate bred crisis in the party from ward to National level including establishment of three factions. It was this month Supreme Court judgement probably thrashed out those factions by recognising Victor Oye as National Chairman.
But that has not stopped the hundreds of APGA faithful from defecting and still defecting to other political parties to register their grievances over alleged maltreatment by the party leadership. However, APGA faithfuls still believe they will spring surprises based on what the Governor described as signature projects which include the ongoing Anambra State International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Anambra State International Convention Centre, and Awka Township stadium.
Col. Geoffrey Onyejegbu: Allied People’s Movement (APM)
Col. Onyejegbu is the Governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM). The retired soldier is on the race for a third term having contested in 2014 and 2017 unsuccessfully. He was among the aspirants who left APC to new party after he failed to secure the ticket. From Ichi in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Col. Onyejegbu had also contested for Senate in Anambra South without success. However, that is not enough for his name to be registered on the memory of voters. APM is an orphan in Anambra State political space. His running mate, Mrs. Onuora Chinwe Uchenna Lettitia, is also unpopular. Additionally, the party State Chairman, Evangelist Isaac Onuka and other executives and members of the party recently defected to APC, pledging allegiance to Senator Andy Uba. Time shall tell if he would make it despite the challenges.
Mr. Azubuike Echetebu: Action People’s Party (APP)
Mr. Echetebu is the standard bearer of the Action People’s Party (APP). According to a popular analyst in Anambra, “APP is not only unknown but without a definite structure anywhere.” This could be why the people don’t consider the Awka born politician seemed as a serious contender. Checks showed that he’s either not campaigning or involving the media in his activities as only the report of his emergence as the party candidate remains the most relevant about him. His running mate, Mr. Ogbonna Nnabike, is also not well known. Anyway, the electorate have the final say. Mr. Okeke Chika Jerry: Boot Party (BP)
Mr. Okeke, a renowned author with several awards, is trying his hand in Anambra Governorship race for a third time. He’s candidate of Boot Party, one of the relatively unknown political parties in Anambra State. He had equally contested for both State Houses of Assembly and Representatives in futility. From Ezinifite in Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Okeke had equally held various leadership positions in his Anglican Church, School and Communities. Although in a party without structure, Mr. Okeke is boasting that he had greater chance of winning the poll as the according to him, he is for youth. His campaign focused on five ‘pillars’ namely, Education, Agriculture, Industrialisation, Infrastructure, Social and Human Capital Development. Ms. Chika Juliet Adibe is his running mate.
Mr. Obiora Agbasimelo: Labour Party (LP) Mr. Agbasimelo, the gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party (LP), is from Ezinifite in Nnewi South Local Government Area. The young Mr. Agbasimelo is a relative of Chief Godwin Agbasimelo, a foremost philanthropist, sport promoter and owner of Oga Ndi Oga, a sociocultural movement. The Leadership and members of this his uncle’s group from wards to State levels took over LP as executives and members following Obiora’s emergence as Governorship candidate. Aside this, Obiora is not in the list of those considered as top contenders. He’s not also campaigning like others do. Not even his Deputy, Mr. Moukwe Chinedu Peter is known.
Afamefuna Victor Nwafor: National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Mr. Nwafor is the candidate of National Rescue Movement (NRM). Mr. Nwafor, from Achina in Aguata LGA, is a green horn in the State Governorship race. He had vied for a State House of Assembly poll under APC and failed. He left APC to ADC to run for Governor.
Barely 24 hours to the ADC gubernatorial primary, he withdrew from the race, and later emerged candidate of NRM through substitution. Although he had been campaigning, analysts do not see him as a front line contender. His party is not only unknown but lacks the structure and financial wherewithal to execute the election. His running mate, Chief Ojukwu Nzube Chukwuma does not also have with political muscle to win the poll.
Sir. Emeka Ohajimkpo: New Nigerian People’s Party (NPP)
Sir. Ohajimkpo is the candidate of New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP). Even though little is known about him, his party and his running mate, Mrs. Henrietta Ebelechukwu Nwude, he’s optimistic of victory.
According to him, Anambra people would pull a surprise by choosing him due to his integrity and what he termed his social contract to the people. He promised to run a Chinese model of education and technology.
Mr. Valentine Ozigbo: People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Mr. Ozigbo, the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is a typical example of the Biblical David having risen from an unknown to a known status in Anambra political space. He left Transcorps PLC, a hospitality company where he was President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to join the Governorship race.
He sprang surprises by clinching PDP ticket against 18 other contestants who were seen as heavyweights. At first, INEC did not recognise his candidacy due to barrage of court judgments, yet he did not panic.
He went on campaigning and later triumphed, and currently, over 60 political groups and sociocultural groups within and outside the shores of Africa have endorsed him for governor.
From Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area, the Chartered Accountant and award winning CEO, is favoured in the race due to his track records in private sector, the popularity of PDP, and others. His political slogan and manifestos, “Ka Anambra Chawapu” (for Brighter Anambra), has taken over the lips of voter.
He is also down to earth and sociable as pictures of him visiting and fraternizing with personalities from across political drives, states and nationalities. What would also count for him is his running mate, Mrs. Lillian Azuka Enemo.
She was the first woman to be appointed a Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, an office unofficially previously reserved for men in Anambra because traditional institutions fall under it.
Mrs. Enomo held unto this office during former Governor Peter Obi’s Administration and first tenure of Obiano’s Government. Her tenure restored peace among many communities in Anambra. In terms of voting strength, the academic turned politician is from Anambra North and married to Anambra Central.
Aside her, Ozigbo team is headed by another strong woman and politician, Dr Uche Lillian Ekwunife currently representing Anambra Central at the Senate. What could affect his chances in the election are the facts that himself, APGA and APC candidates are from the same council area and Anambra South Zone.
There are others from the council area and zone but the trio are considered as top contenders. So, they would naturally divide their votes from ward to zonal levels thereby creating opportunity for other candidates outside the zone to shine.
Also, recent defections to another party by some stakeholders of the PDP is an evidence that crisis rocking the state chapter of the party have not been solved despite huge efforts put in place by Ozigbo and others to entrench peace.
Chief Nnamdi Nwawuo: People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
Nwawuo, the candidate of People’s Redemption Party (PRP), is also a first timer on the race. Likewise, his party is viewed as an unknown in Anambra State political terrain. The alternative medicine practitioner from Anambra North Senatorial zone has succeeded in adorning some streets with his billboards and posters, but many are not seen him as a contender. His profile and that of his Deputy, Mr Godwin Gozie Igbo are not rich. They do not also have the financial muscle to square up with popular parties and candidates. The party is also not yet acceptable in Anambra.
Chief Obinna Uzoh: Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Uzoh, governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), is a household name in Anambra state politics. From Ihiala, Ihiala LGA, Uzoh has the financial power to match other candidates, even though his party is relatively unknown. A lawyer and renowned business executive, the SDP candidate has contested the seat twice under PDP and lost the primary. He had also been a governorship candidate of the defunct United Democratic Party (UDP), as well as contested for Senate in Anambra South and lost out too. His deputy, Mr Chira Uzochukwu Obiora was a House of Representatives aspirant for Oyi federal constituency under PDP in 2019. November 6 shall tell if Anambra voters would vote for him or not.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah: Young Progressive Party (YPP)
Ubah, Senator currently representing Anambra South, is a business mogul and heavyweight politician. He won the senatorial race in 2019 with the newly registered Young Progressive Party (YPP) under whose platform he’s also slugging it out for governor. The Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA born tried becoming governor first time in 2014 as Labour party candidate but failed. He aspired under PDP in 2017 unsuccessfully too.
He then moved to APGA; floated Afa Igbo Efuna, a political movement with which he canvassed for Obiano’s reelection. When he vied for APGA Senatorial ticket in 2018 (ahead of 2019 general election) and failed, he dumped the party to YPP and clinched its ticket.
Ubah is loved by his people, Nnewi North and South, so he would likely secure the two local government areas on November 6. This could be why LP was rumoured to have won the cancelled Chairmanship election in Nnewi North in 2014. But would he make it this time as governor? With Afa Igbo Efuna members, he constituted a strong YPP party structure across the state. Currently, some of these YPP members including ward, LG and states leadership of the party are dumping the party to APC, PDP and APGA. This development will definitely affect Ubah’s chances of winning the Gubernatorial poll. There are other business and employees relations issues likely to affect him in this election.
Nevertheless, he has a financial muscle to execute election just as his Deputy, Hon. Okechukwu Eze, cousin to the famous oil magnet and philanthropist, Engr Arthur Eze , is an added advantage. Eze, a medical Practitioner, served as a House of Representatives member under PDP for Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka federal Constituency from 2015 to 2016 when court threw him out and brought in his political opponent, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo of APGA instead.
Dr. Obiora Okonkwo: Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Okonkwo, the candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), is a political mover. A political scientist cum economist, Chairman, Nigerian United Airlines, among other enterprises, left PDP where he came second at the party primary to ZLP. From Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, Okonkwo is officially in the race to govern Anambra state for the first time. But he pulls weight due to his Economic wealth, experiences and capacities. His party, although not popular is strategically located; last in the ballot paper. Idemili North and Idemili South federal constituency where he hails from, is a densely populated area with many voters. He will surely gather enough votes, especially, from the area even though it is also the stonghold of PDP and APC respectively.
Among them are Azuka Enemo; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka and his brother, Obinna Chidoka who currently represent them at House of Rep are of from there and of PDP, while Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment is of APC. Also while the candidates of popular political parties like PDP, APC and APGA, including YPP, Accord, SDP, AAC, and ADC are from South, Okonkwo is the most popular and most mentioned candidate from the Anambra Central on the race. So, his chance is bright.
He has the financial muscle and teeming supporters as well. Similarly, his deputy, Hon. Jessie Balonwu Uka, is a key player in Anambra political terrain. She is from Onitsha in Onitsha North LGA, and had represented Onitsha North and South federal Constituency under PDP.
