The recent visit of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to Anambra State has sparked political discourse, particularly regarding his declaration that the APC will take over Anambra in the next governorship election.
His statement, laden with political bravado, does not align with the reality on the ground, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has entrenched itself as the preferred party of the people.
Ganduje’s vow is not only an affront to the democratic choice of Anambra citizens but also an underestimation of the resilience and political consciousness of Ndi Anambra.
The APC’s ambition to wrest power from APGA in Anambra is not based on superior governance records but on mere political desperation.
The people of Anambra have consistently rejected external political dominance, and this will not change anytime soon.
Governor Charles Soludo, since assuming office, has demonstrated a level of governance that speaks directly to the needs of the people. His administration has prioritized infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, Anambra has witnessed a massive road construction drive, rehabilitation of schools, and a boost in agricultural productivity. These achievements resonate with the people, reinforcing their confidence in APGA as the party best suited for Anambra’s continued development.
One of Soludo’s most remarkable feats is his effort in tackling insecurity, a challenge that has plagued many parts of Nigeria. Through strategic investments in security infrastructure, recruitment and training of local security personnel, and collaboration with federal security agencies, Anambra has seen a significant reduction in crime rates. Criminal elements that once terrorized the state have been pushed back, restoring peace and stability.
Unlike the APC, which has failed to address the security crisis at the national level, Soludo has shown that leadership is about proactive governance and not empty rhetoric. The APC’s failure to secure lives and property across Nigeria has made its promise to “take over Anambra” even more laughable. How does a party that has failed in security at the federal level intend to convince Anambra people that it can do better than the current administration?
Furthermore, Soludo’s economic blueprint is transforming Anambra into a hub of commerce and industry. His administration has supported small and medium-scale enterprises, encouraged investment in technology and innovation, and provided incentives for businesses to thrive. His push for a smart megacity aligns with his vision of a livable and prosperous Anambra.
Ganduje’s visit and his misguided declaration ignore the reality that APGA is not just a political party in Anambra; it is a movement. The party embodies the Igbo spirit of self-determination, resilience, and progressive governance. APGA is deeply rooted in the hearts of Ndi Anambra, and its track record speaks louder than Ganduje’s hollow political threats.
APC’s dream of taking Anambra in the next election is unrealistic. The people of the state are politically aware and will not trade good governance for the chaos and deception that have characterized APC’s leadership at the national level. If Ganduje and his party are truly interested in governance, they should focus on fixing the mess at the federal level before looking to destabilize a state that is thriving under APGA’s leadership.
Governor Soludo’s administration has also prioritized education, improving the quality of teachers, and enhancing learning environments across the state. His free education policy for primary and junior secondary school students has eased the burden on parents and ensured that every child has access to quality education.
Additionally, Soludo’s focus on healthcare is commendable. The renovation of general hospitals, provision of modern medical equipment, and recruitment of health workers have improved healthcare delivery in Anambra. The governor’s attention to public health issues, including disease prevention and emergency response, has positioned the state as a model for effective healthcare management.
Anambra’s infrastructural transformation under Soludo is another testament to APGA’s competence. Roads that were once in deplorable conditions have been reconstructed, making transportation more efficient. The ongoing construction of strategic flyovers, bridges, and drainage systems further demonstrates the governor’s commitment to urban renewal and modernization.
If APC truly believes in democratic principles, it should wait until 2030 when Governor Soludo would have completed his constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure. Until then, Anambra remains firmly in the hands of APGA, a party that has consistently delivered dividends of democracy to its people.
It is also important to commend the National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the party. Since assuming office, Ezeokenwa has worked tirelessly to expand APGA’s reach, unify its members, and position the party for greater electoral success. His youthfulness, vision, and administrative prowess have revitalized APGA, making it a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
Under Ezeokenwa’s watch, APGA has continued to grow beyond Anambra, gaining influence in other Southeastern states and beyond. His strategic leadership has ensured that APGA remains the dominant party in Anambra, defying the wishes of external political forces who seek to undermine the party’s stronghold.
The APC’s tactics of trying to impose itself on Anambra through propaganda and political maneuvering will not work. The people of Anambra know what they want, and they have found a leader in Soludo who is delivering on his promises. No amount of external interference can change that fact.
While Ganduje and the APC may continue to dream about an Anambra under their control, the reality remains that APGA is the party of the people. The achievements of Governor Soludo have solidified APGA’s place in the hearts of Ndi Anambra, and no amount of political intimidation can alter that.
Instead of wasting time trying to destabilize a well-governed state, Ganduje should redirect his energy toward addressing the internal crisis in APC, a party that has been riddled with infighting, poor governance, and unfulfilled promises.
The people of Anambra are not deceived by Ganduje’s political antics. They know that APGA represents their aspirations and that Governor Soludo is the leader they can trust. The APC should take a backseat and allow democracy to take its course.
Governor Soludo’s tenure is a testament to the power of good governance. From security to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, he has shown that leadership is about service, not empty political declarations.
Anambra remains APGA’s fortress, and the APC’s desperation will not change that. The people have spoken through their unwavering support for Soludo, and they will continue to stand by him until 2030 when his tenure expires. Until then, Ganduje and his APC should look elsewhere because Anambra is not for sale.
Wole Adedoyin is the Osun state Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Coordinator of the Progressive Writers Association of Nigeria (PWAN) and the APGA Press Corps.
He can be reached via woleadedoyin@gmail.com.
