Politics
2010 Election: Anambra Needs A Candidate For Change
In less than 70 days, the Anambra electorate shall get the chance to cast the vote which shall provide a new executive leadership for the state for the next four years. After the party primaries, names of candidates for the February 6th gubernatorial contest are now known. What is yet to be declared is which of these candidates symbolize the change which can bring about needed impetus to continued advancement of socioeconomic advancement of the state. From all indications, the platforms of all the political parties in the contest are ideologically the same. The PDP, APGA, AC, APP, PMP, LP etc are just variants of the same political ideological mold. These parties, if one bothers to review their stance on philosophy of governance, for example, are basically indistinguishable from the one another. As we saw during the rather tumultuous primary nomination process, aspirants who lost out in one of these partisan formations simply switched affiliation to any other that would make them their flag bearers. What the Anambra electorate is looking for in the February election, therefore, cannot be the party platform to put at helm of our affairs but instead the candidate who can bring about the needed change in managing affairs of the state.
Many are obviously perturbed by the rising sense of insecurity in Anambra in past several months. Armed robbery and kidnapping have become routine in most parts of former Eastern Nigeria, particularly Anambra state. It would not be surprising that most, if not all, the candidates shall be promising to correct this sorry situation if elected. In like manner, there is no single community in Anambra state that is not being devastated by the negative consequences of uncontrolled storm water and gully erosion. Many of the candidates are also expected to promise to rein in this monstrosity once elected as governor. There are equally confounding problems in construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, provision of adequate facilities for education and healthcare, reduction of massive unemployment amongst the youths and implementation of imaginative programs for mitigating material poverty and dearth of societal amenities, especially at the grassroots level. Yes, every candidate is expected, sooner or later, to make public promises about their desire to bring El Dorado to Anambra in the next four years if elected to become governor. The average voter is likely to, once more, see the candidates as same because they shall definitely be talking from the same script.
These final two months of the campaign must, therefore, be used to separate apples from oranges so as to enable the electorate to make informed choice at the polls. An uninformed voter is very likely to become swayed by other inducements, such as gifts of cash and rice etc, if he or she cannot see any compelling need for electing any particular candidate as governor. In that case, whoever pays most to the voter upfront gets the vote. To avoid this scenario, the voter must be assisted in sifting through the long list of governorship candidates in order to enable him or her to vote for the one with the best capacity to bring about the required change in the unacceptable status quo. Let’s isolate and review some critical matters which can help to realistically and fairly rate the candidates going forward:
Governance
The governor is, first and foremost, the chief executive of the state and therefore, should have the capacity to be a team leader. An effective governor does not only have to possess a vision of what needs to be done but also he or she must have the leadership quality for making all the instruments of government to work seamlessly toward actualization of a determined objective. Based on this premise, an effective governor ought to have the all branches of government namely; the executive, legislative and judiciary arms to work harmoniously toward the accomplishment of goals set for enhancing the wellbeing and welfare of the governed.
An effective governor must be seen to be respectful of the constitutional guidelines that streamline functionality of government. The local government council, which is constitutionally the third tier of governance in Nigeria, must be empowered appropriately to perform its functions without hindrance by the governor or the state bureaucracy. Role of community leadership in delivery of good governance must not be belittled or trivialized since the majority of the citizenry are more in touch with it, on daily basis, than any other level of government.
Economic Management
An effective governor must have a good appreciation of how to mobilize adequate resources to apply toward maintenance of instruments of routine governance, such as civil servants’ salaries etc as well as new capital projects. Unfortunately, most Nigerian states depend almost entirely on the monthly allocations from Abuja for meeting all their needs. Experience has shown that such monthly subventions are hardly adequate for meeting the needs of a state like Anambra. The next governor for the state should, therefore, have credible practical plans for mobilizing additional revenue at the state, local government and community levels which can be applied toward meeting the daily needs of the people.
Transparency in disbursement of public funds is key to retaining confidence of the governed. Arbitrary and spontaneous extra-budgetary spending of public funds in not a prerogative of an effective governor under normal circumstances. This practice is prevalent in Anambra today and change is urgently needed to restore some sanity in how the state’s public funds are deployed.
Job Creation
Beyond just paying monthly salaries for civil service employees, it is the duty of state governor to ensure that any major capital expenditure or undertaking by Anambra government shall result in job creation, especially at grassroots level where unemployment rate is extremely high. Public sector activities are quite substantial in Anambra and the next governor must present a credible plan for harnessing this great potential for job creation.
Environmental degradation and decay exist in all parts of Anambra state. Any expenditure of public funds for environmental remediation projects must, therefore, be accompanied by clear stipulation on how to maximize employment of local labor at all stages of their implementation.
Structural Planning & Development
Anambra state is still very young and therefore, needs to be planned well and carefully. The state now has a structural plan for the main urban centers of Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka. All governorship candidates must present, without waiting to be prompted, their envisaged road maps regarding what they intend to do with the UN HABITAT study report already delivered to Anambra state government. A reasoned meticulous implementation of the available structural plan can result in tens of thousands of new jobs in all echelons of civil society.
Environmental Husbandry
Anambra government has documented more than 1000 active gully erosion sites in the state. On the average, this amounts to about five gullies per community. The sad fact is that this number is increasing with each passing rainy season. Our large urban centers of Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka suffer perennial flooding which devastate residential and commercial parts of these cities. City dwellers are still subjected to heavy liquid and solid waste pollution which combine to wreak untold havoc to their health.
The undue emphasis on road construction, without giving required attention to drainage and maintenance regime, is actually complicating the problems facing Anambra today. The change needed, going forward, is not just to continue to deploy the state’s resources on flagging off road projects without first developing guidelines on standards for construction, drainage and maintenance of all land transportation infrastructure, for example.
Anambra state has developed a policy document on flood and erosion control which is currently lying dormant and out of sight. A governor for change must have a clear idea and plan for retrieving and resuscitating this plan for immediate implementation in order to begin to rein in the runaway erosion menace that is terrorizing the entire state. It goes without saying that taking such a bold and overdue step shall generate tens of thousands of jobs in all 177 communities of Anambra state almost immediately.
Conclusion
Anambra is in a very bad shape, as we speak. Some are bothered most by a sense of insecurity while others are irked by the contraction and devastation of our collective living space. What is incontrovertible is that things need to be done differently for these terrifying problems to be brought under control soon. Anambra certainly needs new vision for leadership at the very top.
The February election must, therefore, be all about change for the better. Does the incumbent administration, which is seeking extension of tenure, have any real plans for change? If so, what are they? Do the other candidates see the need for change or have clearly delineated plans for actualizing change in the status quo? If so, let the Anambra electorate be so enlightened now.
It is a great disservice to Ndi Anambra for governorship candidates to unleash their propagandists, whose only limited expertise is obfuscation rather than public enlightenment, on the electorate. There are barely 2 months left before the polls and Ndi Anambra deserve to learn which of the would-be governors actually possesses what it takes to bring about a much needed change for the better after the February 2010 election.
Okenwa Umuibe
He said he would not hesitate to activate the recall process against any lawmaker found wanting, if he returns for a second term in office.
He stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those who lost out at the recently held national and state assemblies primaries and have become aggrieved and disrespectful to the party.
While emphasizing the supremacy of the party, he said decisions were taken in the overall interest of the party and the state and must, therefore, be respected by all members.
He warned lawmakers against being insolent and arrogant to their people to the extent of shutting them out after each election cycle, saying such would no longer be condoned.
“So I am appealing to all of you. If you were born with arrogance, please just drop that ticket here”, he said.
The governor hinted that after the next cycle of elections, the process of recalling lawmakers who made themselves “tin gods” would be activated.
“Well, they say they don’t recall people from parliament, but this will be the first time.
“Anybody whom the people say they are tired of will be brought back home. Anybody who goes and forgets his people completely and doesn’t care, thinking that during elections he will come and pretend to be a good man, will be brought back.
“And we are making this very, very clear. We will not fail in what we have said. I am working tirelessly; I don’t sleep. If you are going into office during this period, there will be no sleep for you”, he said.
He advised politicians not to ignore their people who hold the power, insisting: “You cannot overlook them and become so arrogant and pompous that you don’t know your people.”
Gov. Otu also advised members of the ruling APC, who lost at the just-concluded party primaries in the state, not to defect to opposition parties like the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that they would suffer untold hardship and would not make any political headway, if they did.
“There are some kwashiorkor parties that are registering people. Such parties are wasting their time and not even my time. They cannot do anything.
“I don’t want anybody to suffer the fate I suffered. That’s why I’m warning those aggrieved aspirants who lost not to go the way of those parties to avoid unnecessary suffering.
“I don’t want anybody to go that route. It’s an absolute waste of time, energy and people’s future, because at the end of the day, you will drag people into that bottomless pit.
“And when you drag them there and can’t take care of them, you begin to rot, you begin to die. May God give me the energy and power to sustain.”
He appealed to the aggrieved APC members, saying: “There’s nothing that we cannot settle. God’s time is the best. Whatever we’ve done is for the common good of all of us.”
2027: INEC APPEALS JUDGMENT ON ELECTION GUIDELINES
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified aspects of the Commission’s 2027 General Election Guidelines.
The appeal, filed before the Court of Appeal, seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The trial court had nullified the provision in the guidelines directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of the conditions for participation in the 2027 General Election.
The suit challenging the directive was instituted by the Youth Party, which argued that the Commission’s timeline was inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, filed a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment.
The Commission also filed a motion seeking an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
INEC raised nine grounds of appeal, arguing among others that the trial court failed to determine the jurisdictional issue concerning whether the suit was hypothetical and academic in nature.
The Commission further contended that the respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the suit and urged the Court of Appeal to strike out the case accordingly.
INEC maintained that its actions were in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure the orderly conduct of elections and effective electoral administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
WHY I ENDORSE TINUBU’S SECOND TERM BID — ADELEKE
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has explained that his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 was influenced by moral responsibility and the need to sustain developmental progress.
The governor said his endorsement was not based on political calculations alone but on what he considers appropriate in view of the relationship between Osun State and the President, as well as ongoing projects benefiting the region.
The position of the governor was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke spoke on Sunday after conducting an inspection of the ongoing construction work on the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway.
During the visit, the governor reportedly commended President Tinubu for embarking on major infrastructure projects across Osun State and other parts of the South-West.
Gov. Adeleke noted that infrastructure development remains essential to economic growth and improved connectivity among communities.
He acknowledged the significance of road projects currently underway, stressing that such investments are expected to contribute to easier transportation, commercial activities, and broader development outcomes within the region.
The governor also highlighted the importance of leadership support in facilitating projects that have direct effects on residents.
He indicated that recognition should be given where efforts are being made to improve public infrastructure, particularly projects capable of enhancing movement between states and strengthening economic interactions in affected areas.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke’s remarks came while assessing the progress of the expressway project, which has continued to attract attention due to its strategic role in linking major cities within the South-West.
The governor reportedly used the opportunity to express appreciation for federal involvement in projects impacting Osun State.
His comments further reflected his view on political and regional ties, especially considering Osun State’s historical connection to President Tinubu.
Gov. Adeleke suggested that such considerations, alongside visible developmental initiatives, shaped his decision to openly support the President’s anticipated re-election effort in 2027.
He said, “I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?”
IPAC specifically said that INEC guidelines cannot supersede constitutional provisions or extant electoral laws.
The Council, which stated these while appraising the judgement of the Federal High Court, stressed that the court judgement specifically addressed exclusionary conditions capable of disenfranchising aspirants and party members during primaries.
This is contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Martins Egbeola, stating that the judgment was a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy, democratic principles and the rule of law within Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC said that even though INEC possesses powers to issue election guidelines, such powers must however, operate strictly within constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
It noted that the court judgment represented a major victory for democracy, political parties and citizens participating in Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC also said that the court judgement had restored the constitutional rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs democratically without unlawful interference through administrative directives.
“The judgment would ensure equal opportunities for eligible members to participate in party primaries without discriminatory or exclusionary conditions.
“The INEC Chairman should deepen engagement and consultation with political parties on issues concerning electoral administration and reforms.
“Greater dialogue and collaboration between INEC and political parties would help prevent avoidable disputes and litigation arising from controversial guidelines,” IPAC stated.
Prof. Yilwatda stated this while speaking on a live television interview programme.
According to him, the ruling APC was not focused on fighting opposition parties, claiming that the political battle was currently between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said, “In the last three weeks, the APC has not been fighting ADC or NDC. It is NDC versus ADC or ADC versus NDC.
“Actually, I watched with fun all the insults that the ADC is raining on the NDC and the NDC is returning those fireworks on the ADC.
“I watched the videos, and I laughed. The self-implosion is in the opposition rather than in the APC.”
When asked whether he was orchestrating the crisis in the opposition, Prof. Yilwatda denied the allegation but said weakening the opposition was part of politics.
He said, “No, I can’t. But I will be happy if I can do it. That’s my job.
“If you are opposing me, should I be happy? If you oppose me because you are in the opposition, what’s my job? Of course, to stop the opposition.”
The APC chairman also said the ruling party had stronger conflict resolution mechanisms than other political parties.
According to him, the party had committees at national and state levels to resolve internal disputes arising from congresses and other activities.
Speaking on the APC membership register and the votes secured by President Bola Tinubu during the party’s presidential primary, Prof. Yilwatda said the party relied on data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its registration process.
“To register as a member of the APC, your name and primary data are sourced from NIMC. That’s the same primary data that is used across the country to open a bank account, get a driver’s licence and secure an international passport.
“So we’re the only political party that sources our primary data from NIMC. This is why people have seen the APC as one of the most politically viable and stable parties. We are a data-driven political party,” he stated.
RIVERS ADC PRIMARY: ASPIRANT REJECTS OUTCOME, ACCUSES AMAECHI OF IMPOSITION
The governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil after aspirant Mr Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart rejected the outcome and accused former governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi of imposing a candidate.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart described the exercise as a “shambolic charade” and said it had produced three separate governorship primary “winners” within the same party.
“Right now, we have three governorship candidates in one party, all thanks to Amaechi’s high-handedness,” he told journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He warned that the situation could plunge the opposition party into crisis ahead of the 2027 elections if the national leadership fails to intervene.
According to him, while the party’s timetable fixed May 23 for the primary, aspirants were informed late Friday that the exercise had been moved forward.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he was mobilising supporters across the 23 local government areas when fellow aspirant, Hon. Farah Dagogo, informed him that a parallel process had already been conducted.
He accused the state party chairman, Mr Chukwudi Dimkpa, of inviting only five aspirants loyal to Mr Amaechi while excluding himself and Hon. Dagogo. The arrangement, he alleged, was designed to clear the path for Dr Gabriel Pidomson, whom he described as Mr Amaechi’s preferred candidate.
He further alleged that three aspirants were persuaded to step down for Dr Pidomson in what he described as a disguised consensus arrangement, despite the party’s public stance against consensus.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart claimed Hon. Dagogo later approached him to jointly resist Mr Amaechi’s camp but asked him to publicly congratulate him as the winner.
“He told me to go on air and congratulate him, saying we are from Atiku Abubakar’s political family and should unite. I told him to stop rubbishing Atiku’s name. Atiku will not be part of this nonsense,” he said.
The aspirant said he rejected the offer and subsequently declared himself winner after Hon. Dagogo made a similar announcement.
“As it stands, Farah declared himself winner, Thompson was declared winner by the state exco, and I also declared myself winner. Three winners in one primary that never held. This cannot stand,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart accused the Rivers ADC leadership of sidelining him despite being the only aspirant who formally notified the party in writing of his intention to contest.
He also faulted Mr Amaechi for allegedly imposing candidates while demanding transparent presidential primary at the national level.
“How can someone who is demanding transparent presidential primaries at the national level turn around and impose a governorship candidate in Rivers?”, he queried.
He urged the ADC National Working Committee to nullify the exercise and either conduct a fresh primary or adopt a lawful consensus arrangement in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The most pragmatic thing now is for the NWC to order a rescheduled primary or quickly adopt a lawful consensus option. Time is running against us,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he would pursue all grievances within the party’s constitution and warned Hon. Dagogo against invoking Atiku’s name to bolster his claim.
“We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries,” he said.
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