ANAMBRA ELECTIONS - by Uche Ifeanyi

 

The Stage is almost set for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for the 16th day of November 2013. All the parties have conducted their primaries and the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) had already released the names of the candidates for each party in the election.
The political gladiators in the state are already jostling around to make themselves relevant and the people conscious of their political ambition. Incidentally too, the lacuna created by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been filled up, as the body has come up with a programme for the election. Unless there is a change in the timetable, the election will take place on November 16, this year, while the handover to the elected Governor will be on March 17, 2014, thereby ending the eight years of Mr. Peter Obi’s rule in the state.

And as usual, in Anambra where everyone believes that he or she is not only qualified to contest, but even more qualified than any other person, a lot of people have declared their intention to contest, while many more are still likely to declare. Nobody will be surprised at the number of people already on the field of play, especially when one realizes that in the last gubernatorial election in the state as one party (PDP) during her primary had 40 contenders.
This time the list is less as only (23) candidates are eligible as released by INEC, the list includes: Okeke Chika Jerry (AA) Chukwuemeka Nwankwo (ACCORD) Dr Ifeatu Ekelem (ACD) Engr Anthony Anene (ACPN) Comrade Aaron Igweze (AD) Chief Anayo Arinze (ADC) Patrick Chukwuka Ibeziako (APA) Senator Chris Ngige (APC) Chief Willie Obiano (APGA) Chief Austin Nwangwu (CPP) Chijioke Geofrey Ndubuisi (DPP) Christian Ikechukwu Otti (ID) Chief Dennis Nwaforka Oguge (KOWA) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (LP) Pastor Simon Okafor (MPPP) Okoknkwo Webster (NCP) Prince Leonard Uchendu (NNPP) Nicholas Ukachukwu (PDP) Godwin Ezeemo (PPA) Hon Basil Ijedinma (PPN) Onuarah Onyeachonam (SDP) Barr Okoye Godson (UDP) Prince Akaneebu Ogochukwu (UPP). The list for candidates could change between now and the 16th November, as some aspirants felt short changed during their party's primary elections and have gone to court to seek redress, of which INEC has said would dutifully amend the list in line with the decisions of courts.

Although the candidates are many, that not withstanding the battle is for two major candidates and parties; Senator Chris Ngige (APC) and Chief Willie Obiano (APGA). Though Nicholas Ukachukwu (PDP) could come into the battle considering federal might.

HOW THE VOTES MAY SWING
Willie Obiano of APGA is one of the major contender seen as already having one leg into the state house. This is because of known factors in respect to how politics is played here, incumbency power. As the favored candidate of a sitting governor, he will and has been enjoying all the state's apparatus. His publicity campaign has seen no hinderance. Again, the Ojukwu factor, though demised may still cause some votes to Obiano's. But there are also factors that may work against him. He is barely known by majority of the voters who are mostly market men and women. He is fresh and has no antecedent in Nigeria or Anambra politics and most conspicuously missing is mutual connection with the voters, which showed during the recent monthly adoration crusade that unfortunately took more than 20 lives. There are also his follow party men who are loyal to Maxi Okwu and may have felt shortchanged and also see him (Obiano) as been imposed on them.

On his part Chris Ngige of APC, as Obiano is also seen as one leg in. Based on his antecedent at the state house during his first stint, he was tasted and was proved not wanting, and that has facilitated the higher percentage of would be voters patronage he enjoys now. He is also on the platform of the second largest party in Nigeria that means he has the numbers, and as we say numbers win. Just as Obian, he also has factors that may mitigate against his sitting on that government seat come March 17, 2014. His party APC is been perceived as an anti-Igbo party. The deportation of some Igbos from Lagos by Governor Fashola has not been entirely erased from the people's memory.

The other contenders are merely completing numbers. Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour party showed he had no ideology, he runs from one party to another, all he cares about was the party's ticket, if he loses out he runs to another. He never bothered what the parties he's running to ideology says. No wonder he shied away from all the debate that was organized towards this election. Based on fact, it will be a big feats if he wins his ward. And off course the other people? PDP, a party one can never be sure if they will participate in the election. It has become a trade-mark for them in any state they are not in power. As always the party is immersed in court cases. The party's candidature is still in question, will it be Nwoye, Ubah or Ukachukwu? One thing is sure whoever finally clinches the party's ticket will be behind time to make any meaningful electioneering.

Finally, as I will always say, use your tongue to count your teeth and if you don't have tongue, try using your finger. So, Anambra people choose wisely!