As the November 8 Anambra governorship election draws near, the state’s political landscape has been thrown into its usual frenzy of defections and shifting alliances. From lawmakers to aides of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the migration from one political camp to another is already underway.
But beyond the theatrics, the truth remains that defections in Anambra politics are less about ideology and more about political survival what many observers describe as “election season business.”
Recently, some state lawmakers abandoned their parties for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while one of Soludo’s aides resigned and pitched tent with the camp of Nicholas Ukachukwu.
But here lies the bitter truth, even if Soludo’s aides and lawmakers empty into Ukachukwu’s camp, it will not alter the reality of the election outcome.
Those joining him already know that Ukachukwu cannot emerge as the next governor of Anambra State. His candidacy is widely perceived as transactional what locals describe as “bring money make we chop.”
The only man who could have posed a real threat to Soludo was the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. His sudden passing not only robbed Anambra of one of its fiercest political gladiators but also handed Soludo what now looks like an open field. In reality, Soludo is contesting almost unopposed.
Another strong politician in the race, Sir Paul Chukwuma, is weighed down by the realities of zoning. Being from Anambra North, his chances are slim, as the state’s political arrangement still favors other zones.
Even Peter Obi, the Labor Party leader and political force in the Southeast, may find himself confused in this election cycle. His party’s flagbearer, George Moghalu, is hardly resonating with the grassroots. Instead, he has been reduced to “learning how to win elections” from Ghe Ghe University, as some quip.
Meanwhile, Ukachukwu’s running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, appears to already be positioning herself for 2027 senatorial elections rather than seriously campaigning for the governorship. Their joint ticket lacks chemistry, vision, and the momentum needed to unseat an incumbent.
For all the noise, defections, and money politics, one fact remains unchanged: Governor Soludo is heading into this election with no formidable challenger. Anambra politics thrives on drama, but drama is not enough to change the reality at the ballot box.
On November 8, barring a major political earthquake, Soludo will return to Agu Awkanot because he is the perfect governor, but because the opposition has failed to present a credible alternative.
By: Godwin Offor
