Politics

Anambra 2025: Soludo faces tough hurdles ahead second term bid

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2024

There are several factors that will constitute opposition against Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s quest to be returned by Anambra people for a second term as election holds later in 2025.

Soludo has been governor of Anambra for less than two years, but opposition parties and politicians have started showing interest in taking his seat.

Soludo has yet to declare his intention to contest for a second term, even though it is a privilege that is within his right, and many believe he will not turn it down. The general belief is that he will seek reelection.

Despite being an incumbent, which is known to be an advantage to anyone holding the position, it is believed that Soludo will face a very tough battle in his quest for reelection.

This is not only because he occupies an exalted position which many envy, or because Anambra has severally been described as an “A” list state, which parades men and women whose brains are bursting with ideas, or pockets fully loaded with cash made from private enterprise, but because elections generally are battles.

Part of the hurdles will be as a result of miscalculations that the governor has made, which has brought him enemies. This means that besides individuals who have interests and political parties that exist to win elections, there are also institutions that ordinarily should remain neutral, who may likely take sides because they have been offended, or feel offended by the governor, one way or the other.

Religious politics

Religious politics has remained dominant in Anambra, and this plays a major role in who becomes governor of the state. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the church in Anambra has played roles in the emergence of governors.

And in this, the Catholic Church has always had an upper hand. Save for Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju who was elected in 1999, every other governor of the state has either been a Catholic or Anglican.

These two have remained the dominant religious bodies in the state, and they are not unaware of their own powers, and they deploy it to make kings, even if it meant preaching politics from the very sacred altar of Christ.

Soludo the incumbent was himself elected on the basis of his being a Catholic, and it was not by mistake that he chose an Anglican, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim as his running mate.

But recently, Governor Chukwuma Soludo had a spat with priests of Catholic Church when he openly, in the presence of Bishops and Archbishops chastised a priest, Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma, the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, during the burial of his mother. Soludo had recently begun championing the enforcement of a law which regulates ostentatious displays of wealth during burials.

The governor had himself buried his father in December, in strict adherence to the law. But in the case of Mrs Obimma, his sons, who are wealthy, chose to give her what they called a befitting burial.

This drew the anger of the governor who was at the ceremony. He chastised Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma and his brother, Charles Obimma for such a show of opulence in a burial.

Charles, a former lawmaker, was in the Anambra House of Assembly when the law against such displays during burials was passed, and Soludo was said not to have spared anything in chastising him for breaking a law he contributed to making. He was also said to have come hard at Fr Obimma, and by extension the Catholic Church by showing his disappointment at a priest involved in such disrespect for the law.

This was said to have irked the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Valerian Okeke, who took the microphone and thoroughly rebuked the governor for involving in petty matters and disregarding the main issues of governance.

Though the matter had been managed amicably, it is still believed that Soludo’s temerity to speak to priests in such matters may not be something to go away so easily. If the Catholic Church which Soludo is also a part of decides to fight him, his chances of survival may be slim.

Recent fight with monarchs

The traditional institution is another institution that may pose a challenge to Soludo in the election.

He recently had a running battle with some traditional rulers, which also led to the suspension of some of them. The issue had been the conferment of chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ubah was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Odenjinji by the traditional ruler of Neni Community, Igwe Damian Ezeani. He was, however, suspended by the state government for doing so without obtaining the approval of the traditional ruler of Nnewi Kingdom, where Ifeanyi Ubah hails from.

A press release by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, suspending Igwe Damian Ezeani, supported its action with a section of the Anambra State Traditional Ruler Law.

The action generated a lot of dust, with many condemning the Soludo government for such action. This had led to the monarch, and all others who conferred titles on Ubah within the Christmas period, tendering apologies, with some even withdrawing the titles.

In what looked like drawing a battle between the traditional institution and the governor, the chairman of Anambra State Traditional Ruler Council, and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe wrote the commissioner, backing the monarchs.

He condemned the action of the state government, and accused Soludo of thoroughly belittling the traditional institution in the state.

Achebe reminded the state government that a stipend of N170,000 which he pays monthly to all monarchs is not enough reason for him to denigrate them that much or see them as his boys.

He reminded him that the traditional rulers were accomplished personalities in many fields before taking up the traditional stools of their communities, and should not be looked at as errand boys.

This may have sparked a war that is believed to have been managed perfectly by the state government, as Governor Soludo in a visit to the meeting of the traditional rulers recently dissolved the Achebe-led council, citing that it was improperly constituted.

As properly as this has been managed, it is believed that the election of 2025 will present an opportunity for the monarchs to draw a pound of flesh from the governor too, when he will be needing them and their subjects to cast their votes for him.

2023 Obidient’ wave force

No doubt, the goodwill and support enjoyed by the former governor of the state and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi is one factor that may play a key role in challenging Prof Soludo in the next election.

Obi would like to stamp his feet as the symbol of new democracy in Nigeria by trying to install a Labour Party governor in his home state, Anambra, to make a huge statement for future political endeavours.

Besides these, through his popularity in the last presidential election, Obi has gathered for himself top politicians in Anambra State from across the three senatorial zones of the state as disciples, most of whom benefited immensely by winning political positions in that election.

These men include Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye who are sitting senators, and many other current members of the House of Representatives.

Umeh, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District is a grassroot politician, who had been in All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) all through his political career, until Soludo came along and edged him out.

He was edged out of APGA in 2023 by forces believed to be propelled by Soludo.

The forces oscillated between Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dozie Nwankwo of APGA. Nwankwo won the APGA primary election against Umeh. But Umeh who later picked the LP Senatorial ticket for the race floored both Dozie Nwankwo and Uche Ekwunife in the contest. The 2025 governorship contest will undoubtedly present an opportunity for him to pay Soludo back.

Senator Tony Nwoye on the other hand is also a strong politician from the Northern senatorial zone of the state. He has been described as a one-man riot squad.

He has, however, been touted to have interest in running for governorship, using the Labour Party platform, even though he hails from the northern senatorial zone, where the immediate past governor, Chief Willie Obiano hails from.

But on the whole, many are of the opinion that the party may stick to Valentine Ozigbo, the candidate of the party in the 2021 election, and a close ally of Mr Peter Obi to prosecute the election.

Ifeanyi Ubah and his APC goons

Since billionaire oil mogul and senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), there have been palpable tension among the membership of APGA.

Previously, Anambra people have never given APC a chance. It became even worse during the tenure of outgone president, Muhammad Buhari. In the rural parts of Anambra State, many rural people refer to APC as a Fulani party, and the brazen attitude of herders during the administration of Buhari even heightened the hatred for the party.

With Tinubu now in charge, the hatred is dying down, and more Anambra sons have embraced the party. Beyond that, the likes of Ifeanyi Ubah have begun a campaign to make the state see political parties as mere vehicles used by politicians to arrive at political offices.

This has started to soften the mind of the people towards the party. Ubah, a known grassroot politician, who equally has deep pockets had in a recent interview revealed his interest in the election.

He is also touted to be attempting to oust Soludo by pairing up with another popular politician and grassroot mobilizer, Senator Uche Ekwunife as running mate.

This has sent jitters up the spine of the ruling party, and may probably be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to Soludo’s reelection if fielded by the APC.

Politics

Only miracle can save PDP from collapse — Fayose

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2025

Admin

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Friday, spoke candidly about the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, warning that the party may be headed for total collapse if urgent reconciliation measures are not implemented.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose lamented the PDP’s internal disarray, blaming long-standing unresolved issues and a lack of leadership direction for its current state.

“The situation in the party is unfortunate and regrettable. This problem did not start today. The party has failed to initiate any meaningful reconciliation or fence-mending. Everyone is fighting for their own interest—power for power, strength for strength,” he said.

Using metaphors and proverbs, Fayose described the PDP as a fractured entity lacking unity and purpose.

“When you fall on metal, may God save your life. Everybody’s defending their tea, their cup, and their position. And when you use one broom to sweep, you make no impact,” he said, emphasising the need for collective effort to rebuild the party.

“It is not a denying fact that all is not well with the PDP. All is not well, and it will take only a miracle to bring this party to the dreamed destination,” he lamented.

He also addressed the leadership vacuum within the party’s National Working Committee, stating, “Show me the peace. Please show me the command. Show me where directives are coming from.

“This has never happened before. But I am not here to apportion blame. The buck stops at the desk of the Working Committee.”

On the issue of party supremacy and the ongoing legal wrangles, Fayose warned of the dangers of disregarding judicial rulings.

“The pronouncement of the court is binding on all parties. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s structure must be respected. You cannot build something on nothing,” he said.

Fayose also responded to recent comments made by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as “a bulldozer” who must be approached with caution.

“If someone says he will come to your house at a particular time and he arrives, you must know there is a problem. Wike must be engaged constructively,” he advised.

Reflecting on political power dynamics, Fayose suggested that the South should retain the presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s first term, cautioning against a return of power to the North.

Despite being a member of the PDP, Fayose acknowledged supporting Tinubu in the last election and indicated that his support remains firm, citing comparative governance performance.

“If you compare today and the past, you will still give it to Tinubu. The system is rotten, but he is managing a terrible situation,” he said.

Fayose was also asked about potential 2027 presidential candidates, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and
Tinubu.

He revealed that Governor Makinde had personally denied any presidential ambition, stating he would not be used against a fellow Yoruba man.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to manage their expectations, asserting that no leader can fully satisfy the public. “There is no day you will satisfy people in this country. Today, they want Jonathan back — the same Jonathan they once rejected,” he said.

Politics

Anambra APC Primary: Ozigbo sues APC, INEC, seeks fresh primary

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2025

Admin

One of the aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in the Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the legitimacy of the APC governorship primary conducted on April 5, 2025, in Anambra State.

The suit, which names the APC, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants, seeks to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination and compel the party to recognise Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.

According to the court document made available to journalists on Friday, the suit was filed on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Recall that in the primary conducted at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, on April 5, Ukachukwu emerged as the candidate of the APC, scoring 1,455 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ozigbo, who scored 67 votes, Johnbosco Onunkwo scored 26 votes, and Edozie Madu scored eight votes, while invalid votes were 26.

Filed through his legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, the suit includes supporting documentation from the party’s constitution, internal communications, and delegate registers.

Ozigbo’s legal action comes amid turmoil within the Anambra APC, which has seen a wave of resignations of members from LGAs and ward chairmen, ward executives, and several defections in the aftermath of the disputed primary.

The originating summons asked the court to determine whether the APC violated its rules by allowing Ukachukwu’s candidacy.

In an accompanying personal statement titled “For a future worth fighting for”, Ozigbo criticised the April 5 primary, describing it as a “well-scripted illusion.”

He said, “When institutions falter, it is the duty of conscience to rise. I have taken that stand—not for self, but for truth, for justice, and for Ndi Anambra.

“On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, I took a consequential step in fighting for truth and justice. I filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the deeply flawed process that purportedly produced Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu as the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, for the November 2025 Anambra governorship election.

“Let us be clear: the April 5, 2025 exercise was not a primary election—it was a well-scripted illusion.

“A contrived delegate list filled with names unfamiliar to even the most seasoned party leaders was used for the guber primary. Real APC members were locked out while chaos reigned.

“No accreditation, no order; just thugs, violence, and a herd of hired hands masquerading as delegates.”

He further alleged that Ukachukwu failed to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the APC constitution.

He also slammed Ukachukwu for his nonchalance over the crisis that has engulfed the party’s state chapter following the primary.

“The crux of the matter is that Mr Ukachukwu did not qualify to run under the APC in the first place. He failed to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility. And yet, the party machinery was twisted to serve his ambition.

“Now, Ukachukwu parades himself, declaring the theatre of deceit that April 5 represents as ‘free and fair.’ It is an insult to the intelligence of our people and a stain on the integrity of our party.

“While he fiddles like Emperor Nero, APC in Anambra is burning. The house is on fire; mass resignations, lawsuits, broken trust, and the so-called candidate dances, oblivious to the smoke and embers.

“To be clear, I am not desperate for power. I am not asking for favours. I seek only what is just, and what is right,” he added.

Ozigbo concluded his statement with a broader reflection on the need for democratic accountability and integrity in party processes, adding, “Our aim is not to fracture the party but to fortify it; to restore its integrity, renew its credibility, and secure its future as a vehicle for true democratic leadership.

“Let history record that when a corrupt process attempted to masquerade as legitimacy, we did not stay silent. We stood up. We spoke out. We acted for justice, for our children, and for the future we all deserve.”

The Federal High Court in Awka has yet to assign a date for hearing.

Politics

PDP govs are jokers, can’t stop coalition train, Atiku boasts

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2025

ADMIN

Ex- Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who rejected coalition or merger with any other political party.

“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades” Atiku wrote on his X handle yesterday.

This comment is an indication that the former Presidential candidate and his political party have parted ways in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

He also gave a hint of likely dumping the PDP to realize his bid to contest the election.

He said: “Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren; that is the vehicle we are going to ride on”.

The PDP National Vice Chairman (Southsouth) Dan Orbih blamed the party’s protracted crisis on an entrenched interest in contesting every presidential election without respecting the provisions of the PDP constitution.

Although, he did not name the entrenched interest, Atiku had contested for president two times on PDP platform and one time, using the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform.

In their communiqué after their meeting in Ibadan on Monday, the governors said their decision on rejection of coalition, was taken after due consultation with all PDP party organ.

But at a meeting with a delegation of the PDP from Nasarawa State, Atiku insisted that the merger train had already left the station.

The team was led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana and members of National Opinion Leaders, headed by Yusuf Sheriff Banki.

“Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions.

“I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country.

“First was the meeting with a delegation of the PDP from Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, and a delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Yusuf Sheriff Banki,” he added.

Atiku also warned them against being distracted by minor financial offers that could jeopardise their future.

He said leaders from various parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, Labour Party (LP) and others, have been meeting to forge a new path towards a better Nigeria.

He referred to the initiative behind the coalition as “Sabuwar tafiya” in Hausa, translating to “a new pathway” in English.

Atiku, who was PDP presidential standard bearer in 2023 expressed optimism about announcing the coalition soon and appealed to the public to join the movement.

“Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned – APC, PDP, Labour, and others – have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar tafiya, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” he added.

“And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon we will announce. We hope and we appeal to you all to be part of this movement.

“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren; that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.

“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway.”

Wike not the problem
According to Orbih, blaming the crisis tearing the PDP apart on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike will amount to standing logic on its head.

He identified the real problem as those with entrenched interest in contesting every presidential election in flagrant disregard to the PDP constitution.

Orbih, also leader of the PDP Legacy Group in Edo, stated this while handing over the PDP new secretariat, he donated to the party on Wednesday in Benin.

He urged the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun to initiate congresses that would bring in new leaders capable of repositioning the PDP and restoring its lost glory.

Orbih said: “PDP is a strong and formidable party, but it still has challenges that we cannot afford to ignore or sweep under the carpet.

“Wike is not the party’s problem. The real issue is those who want to run every time without following the party’s constitutional guidelines.

“We must put our differences aside and work with sincere party members to rebuild and reposition the PDP for future political battles ahead.

“People are mocking the PDP and asking where we are, but I tell you today, the PDP in Edo is fully back.”

But a former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Segun Adewale disagreed with Chief Olabode George, who said that another shot at the presidency by Atiku on PDP ticket will kill the party.

Adewale, who said it was wrong for anyone to say the emergence of Atiku would undermine the party’s victory in 2027, contended that the chances of the party would rather be affected by anti-party activities and selfishness of some party leaders.