Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines and a prominent aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Anambra State, has declared his intention to unseat the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the upcoming November election. Okonkwo, addressing party stakeholders at the new APC state secretariat in Awka, positioned himself as the ideal consensus candidate, echoing the sentiments expressed by APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje. Ganduje, during a meeting with an APC support group, advocated for a consensus candidate to avoid the financial strain and potential disunity associated with a contested primary election. Okonkwo’s appeal to Ganduje and the National Working Committee underscores his confidence in securing the party’s nomination and leading the APC to victory in Anambra.
Okonkwo’s declaration centers on his belief that he possesses the necessary qualities to defeat Soludo and usher in an era of transformative growth and development in Anambra State. He emphasizes his commitment to good governance, transparency, and service to the people, values he aligns with the APC’s broader vision for Nigeria. Acknowledging the recent national election, Okonkwo pledged to work closely with President Bola Tinubu to realize a greater Anambra State, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach all residents, regardless of their tribal, ethnic, or political affiliations. This pledge highlights Okonkwo’s intention to leverage the potential synergy between the federal and state governments under APC leadership to drive development in Anambra.
Okonkwo’s campaign strategy appears to be multi-faceted, combining his appeal for a consensus candidacy with a promise of comprehensive development for Anambra. He aims to present himself as a unifying figure within the APC, someone who can consolidate the party’s support base and avoid internal divisions. This approach aligns with Ganduje’s preference for a consensus candidate and potentially increases Okonkwo’s chances of securing the nomination without a potentially divisive primary contest. Simultaneously, Okonkwo is projecting an image of a capable administrator who can deliver tangible benefits to the people of Anambra, focusing on areas such as economic growth, peace, and improved public services.
The call for a consensus candidacy within the APC highlights the party’s strategic approach to the Anambra governorship election. By avoiding a potentially contentious primary, the APC aims to present a united front against the incumbent APGA administration. This strategy also minimizes the financial burden on the party and its aspirants, allowing them to consolidate resources for the main election campaign. Ganduje’s offer of an award to the Anambra APC if they successfully produce a consensus candidate further incentivizes party members to coalesce around a single nominee. This approach suggests a calculated effort by the APC to maximize its chances of winning the governorship, recognizing the significance of Anambra State in the South-East political landscape.
Okonkwo’s emphasis on alignment with the Tinubu administration underscores the importance of federal support in his gubernatorial bid. By pledging to collaborate closely with the president, Okonkwo signals his intention to leverage federal resources and influence to drive development in Anambra. This strategy aims to convince voters that an APC governor will have greater access to federal support than a governor from an opposition party. Okonkwo’s promise of inclusive governance, reaching across tribal, ethnic, and political divides, further reinforces his message of unity and progress. He aims to portray himself as a leader who can bridge divides and bring together diverse communities within Anambra State.
In the lead-up to the November election, the political landscape in Anambra State is likely to be dynamic. Okonkwo’s emergence as a prominent APC aspirant introduces a new dimension to the contest, challenging the dominance of APGA and potentially reshaping the political alliances within the state. His emphasis on a consensus candidacy, alignment with the Tinubu administration, and a promise of transformative development will be key factors in determining his success in securing the APC nomination and ultimately challenging the incumbent governor. The APC’s strategic focus on Anambra underscores the state’s importance in the broader political equation in the South-East, setting the stage for a closely watched gubernatorial race.
