In the concluding year of 2023, the political landscape in Anambra was significantly shaped by a handful of key individuals and events. Noteworthy among these were the 2023 general elections, the presence of Mr. Peter Obi as the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, and the governance of Anambra State by Prof Chukwuma Soludo, alongside other influential political figures.
Even as the year comes to an end, indicators persist that the political dynamics in Anambra are undergoing notable changes.
General Elections and the Role of Peter Obi:
The election held in November 2021 resulted in the choice of Prof Chukwuma Soludo as the governor of Anambra, and he was officially sworn in on March 29, 2022. With the focus typically on the election of State Chief Executives, Anambra might not have been the center of attention. However, the entry of former governor Mr. Peter Obi into the 2023 general elections as the Labour Party candidate altered this perspective. Despite not electing a governor, Anambra garnered attention due to the political activities spurred by Obi’s candidacy.
Given Obi’s reputation for effective governance and his widespread appeal, there was apprehension in Anambra that he might influence legislative positions, both at the national and state levels, potentially affecting Soludo’s influence. Although this scenario did not fully materialize, Obi’s influence did secure significant results, including the Labor Party winning eight seats in the state assembly. Soludo, sensing the potential dominance of LP lawmakers, swiftly secured 17 seats out of 30 in the state assembly.
Allegations later arose, accusing Soludo of extravagant spending, amounting to N3.5 billion, during the House of Assembly elections, suggesting vote-buying tactics to secure APGA’s victory.
The Soludo Factor:
In 2023, Soludo emerged as a prominent force in Anambra politics, despite being associated with APGA. Notably, he expressed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in contrast to his party’s nominee, Prof Peter Umeadi. Soludo’s open letter in November 2022, titled ‘History Beckons, I won’t be silent,’ was perceived by many as harboring animosity, causing polarization within the state’s political landscape.
Defections and APC’s Gains:
As the year concludes, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra has made notable gains, transitioning from being labeled a ‘Fulani party’ to gaining acceptance. While traditionally struggling in elections, the APC has capitalized on defections, with Senators Ifeanyi Ubah and Uche Ekwunife among the recent defectors. The party now anticipates significant success in 2025, buoyed by unity and the inclusion of influential politicians.
PDP’s Decline in Anambra:
The once-dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra has seen a sharp decline, bordering on extinction. Legal disputes have left the party without leadership in the state, and prominent figures are defecting to other political entities, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.