In an earlier post today on another platform, I promised to do an in-depth analysis after a winner had been declared in yesterday’s guber polls in Anambra.
When it was evident that Soludo of APGA was going to win, I wrote that:
“From the results so far , it appears to me that Anambra APGA has proven to be the true definition of Ndigbo political identity, that never panders to bandwagon.”
I was going to develop my analysis mainly along this trajectory until I read a beautiful post on yet another platform—explaining why Anambra is consistent in her political choices.
After reading the piece over and over again , I found an illumination into the other side of Anambra political behavior which combines with identity preservation I had talked about , to make the state a unique one in the politics of South East.
Anambra is the proud circumference or orbit of the richest men in the South East and of experienced and tested politicians.
Paradoxically, these men of immense financial means and intimidating political background are not in control of the voting behavior of Anambra people.
Anambrarians have consistently demonstrated their abhorrence of monetized politics and preference for intellectual depth and education of contenders for the Governorship office. They have been consistently sending straight messages to other Nigerians , that in Anambra what matters is neither the depth of your pulse or number of years in politics, but the intellectual clout , technocratic sophistication and professional grit of those who aspire to lead the State.. Go through the list of former and present Anambra Governors— straight from the private sector to the political saddle.
This is a very strong message and if embraced in national politics, the prospects of having a president who knows what to be done to move Nigeria away from darkness into light are unmistakably evident.
Another angle to Anambra politics is what I have christened identity preservation of “ Igboism” as the ideological ramification that underpins the people’s electoral choices.
For Anambra to consistently remain in the protective armpit of APGA, despite the intimidation and rationalization of bandwagon and abrasive arrogance of federal powers and posturing, are unarguably indicative of the resolve of a people to be bonded for common purpose.
For APC and PDP to have been turned into vegetables in the State is a revelation of the triumph of Igbo nationalism .
Additionally, Anambra remains the only State in the South East that nourishes Ojukwu’s confederal proposition at Aburi. The need for a redefinition of Nigeria along regional structuring is reflected in the way the people vote. They are neither ashamed nor afraid to speak forcefully and intelligently in the manner they exercise their franchise.
Congratulations, Soludo, a man with no background in politics but an intellectual with intimidating credentials in fiscal matters.
