As Campaigns For The Anambra Governorship Polls Commence, By Emeka Monye
The political season has officially begun with candidates from various parties launching their campaigns ahead of the upcoming Guber elections scheduled for November 8th in Anambra state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier announced Wednesday, June 11, 2025, as the formal commencement of campaigns by the various political parties that have fielded candidates for the governorship polls.
The political parties and their candidates will take their campaigns to all the 326 wards, 21 local government areas and three Senatorial zones, all in a bid to canvass for votes from the electorates.
Anambra state one of the five states in the eastern fridges of Nigeria, holds an off circle election this year. The circumstances surrounding this off circle poll date back to 2003 when a one time governor of the state, Peter Obi challenged his defeat in court before he was eventually declared winner in 2006.
While the state will become the cynosure of all eyes, many political observers and analysts have begun permuting as to where the pendulum of victory would swing to.
The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, the dominant party in the state since the last 20 years and the ruling party presently, will be seeking to consolidate on the stronghold of the party in the state, having occupied all the 21 local council areas, and dominated the 326 wards in the state.
The All Progressive Congress, APC, whose Flagbearer is Anambra-born business mogul, philanthropist and politician, Nicholas Ukachukwu, though yet to make a strong in-road into the state geo-politics, will be relying on the strength and support of the party from the centre. How this support is manifested will be largely influenced by the party machinery at all levels in the state to convince those in Abuja to back them.
The Labour Party, a party that came with so many promises in the days leading to the 2023 polls, is one that will be struggling to make an impact this time around because of the internal crisis besetting the party at various levels in recent times.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will hoping on past glory as the party is just a shadow of itself. No concrete structure in place, both within the state or outside, for its candidate, Jude Ezenwankwo to rely on for a possible victory.
And in a couple of days, it will be a flurry of rallies, speeches, and door-to-door campaigns by the candidates who would be making their pitch to voters, promising to address pressing issues and improve the lives of residents
Top among the candidates are the incumbent governor of the state, Prof Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA; Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressive Congress APC, George Moghalu of the Labour party and Jude Ezenwankwo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP
In the days ahead, each of them will be throwing their hats in the campaign rings, all in a beat to woo voters, outlining their vision for the future of the state and seeking for the support of the voters.
But, how well they are able to sway the voters to their side will be determined by some very fundamental issues which have always resonated in the minds and hearts of the electorate. The voters will be considering a lot of factors before deciding where to pitch their tent.
Key issues that will be dominating the campaigns include insecurity, infrastructure, health, unemployment and each of the candidates are all promising different solutions to tackle these challenges.
Security and Insecurity. The presence of "unknown gunmen" and the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been significant concerns, affecting voter turnout and election logistics. Candidates may be expected to present their strategies for addressing these security challenges.
Electoral Integrity and Vote Buying. Previously elections were marred by allegations of vote buying, and this issue may continue to be a major talking point. Candidates will likely be pressed to outline their positions on electoral reform and how they plan to promote free and fair elections.
Zoning and Representation. Anambra State has an informal zoning agreement, with the Anambra South Senatorial District having produced the first governor in the person of Late Chinwoke Mbadinuju and present governor Prof. Charles Soludo. This zoning arrangement and issues of representation will feature in the campaigns, with candidates needing to navigate these complex dynamics.
Economic Development and Infrastructure. The state's economic development, infrastructure, and provision of basic services like healthcare and education may be key issues. Candidates will likely outline their plans for improving the state's economy and infrastructure.
Insecurity's Impact on Voter Turnout. With the low voter turnout in the 2021 election attributed partly to insecurity, candidates may focus on how to increase voter participation and ensure a peaceful election process.
Accountability and Governance. Candidates may be held accountable for their past governance records, and those without prior experience in governance may need to demonstrate their capability to lead effectively.
Development of Key Sectors. Agriculture, education, and healthcare are crucial sectors that may feature prominently in the campaigns, with candidates expected to present their plans for development in these areas.
These issues will likely shape the discourse and outcome of the Anambra governorship election campaigns, as the fate of the candidates now hang on the electorate to decide on who becomes the governor come November 8th, 2025
*Emeka Monye Is A Journalist And Works With ARISE NEWS*
