Anambra’s Next Governor: Not By Intimidation -By IfeanyiChukwu Afuba

Nigerians generally and the people of Anambra State in particular are trying to grapple with the intricacies of the Anambra governorship election fixed for November 6, 2021. Standing out in the campaigns, candidate’s rating, political party appeal and general support base is Professor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA. He is trailed from a considerable distance by the duo of the APC and PDP flagbearers, Senator Andy Uba and Mr Valentine Ozigbo respectively. But as the Anambra electorate make up their minds on the deserving choice of the next Governor, they are also contending with doubts about the feasibility of a free and fair election. For many, the question is, will due process or power play prevail?

While the problem of insecurity in the southeast is of concern to many, it is believed that this could be contained with some decisive measures. Considering that the feeling of insecurity is linked to the opposition of the IPOB to holding of elections in the region, beefing up security presence as indicated by the Inspector General of Police would be welcome. But this must be accompanied with effective media dissemination of the security reinforcement. This confidence – building measure is necessary to achieve the desired voter turnout. Understanding for IPOB’s self determination activism does not however translate to support for election boycott call. Given the restriction of vehicular movement during  elections, threat to voters from the prowling “unknown” gunmen will be greatly reduced. This opening against voter intimidation should be cultivated from now to polls day with media and public education by the INEC, political parties, churches and the larger civil society.

But given the deficiencies of typical Nigerian elections, there are legitimate concerns about possible manipulation of the election process. The limitations that continue to stunt our electoral exercises hinge on the vulnerability of the electoral body to control by the ruling party. And so, acting on enlightened self interest, no successor government has moved to implement the Justice Mohammed Uwais Committee report divesting the executive the power of appointing members of the electoral commission.

In the unfolding Anambra State governorship process, some political interests have been  flaunting their supposed proximity to the establishment and therefore, their capability to influence the exercise.

The posturing, carriage, outbursts and combative language of some actors in the Anambra political scene had tended to give credence to threats of manipulation. Expressions such as “capture Anambra State”; “the Imo formula” ; and “power not about morality” currently employed by some competitors in the contest sadly have a tenor of aggressiveness.

With the APGA looking set to extend its 15 year  reign in the State, a school of thought views the recent tussle over the leadership of the party and governorship ticket as sponsored to abort the party’s chances at the November poll. The discredited judgments obtained in certain high courts were  intended to  conflict the party. These and other containment moves serve as reflection of the level of desperation being brought into the governorship race.

Similarly, the recently flown emergency rule kite was widely perceived as a maneuver to upset the status quo in the State. Coming less than two months to the scheduled November 6 poll, analysts perceived ulterior political motive in the scheme, with one editorial describing it as a plan for power grab.

Other plots for teleguiding the Anambra election might well be afoot. But their successful implementation must contend with the people’s will. Subversion of the system can only be realised with the resignation of the citizens. Nothing suggests that Ndi Anambra are about to disregard the huge progress made in development in the past seven years. The resilience demonstrated since the political shift of 2003 indicates that they understand what is at stake.

History continues to demonstrate the inestimable value of just struggle and people’s solidarity.
The Ibrahim Babangida junta spared no effort in clinging to power. Yet, the Agunwa Anaekwe – led House of Representatives thwarted the plot to extend Babangida’s rule in August 1993.

At the twilight of its tenure in 2007, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency, with petro – dollars to burn, attempted hang on to power. The Senate under the headship of Ken Nnamani rejected the bogus constitution amendment in which the plot was packaged.

In Anambra State, the serial efforts to bury the APGA mandate of 2003, including the swindle of a superseding 2007 mandate all came to nought. A presumed powerful politician with all the connections in high places who is vying for the November 6 poll also contested in 2010 and 2014 and lost woefully.   Against all odds, in the last governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States, opposition parties triumphed.

The will of the people can prevail in the Anambra governorship poll. Only God has the last say in the affairs of men. And He has not finished with Anambra State.