Onitsha, Anambra State – The political landscape in Anambra is heating up as Valentine Ozigbo, former People’s Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate and now a Labour Party hopeful, vows to unseat incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the 2025 elections. This declaration came during a significant event where more than 300 members defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Labour Party.
A Strategic Shift in Anambra Politics
The defection ceremony, held at the Holiday Resort field in Onitsha, saw a substantial number of former APGA loyalists switch allegiance. The defectors, led by Hon. Pius Ndubuisi Igwilo, the APGA candidate for Ogbaru 1 state Constituency in the last Anambra State House of Assembly elections, included former local government chairmen and critical stakeholders from the Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Ozigbo welcomed the new party members with optimism, emphasizing the Labour Party’s potential to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with the current state administration. He urged the new entrants to become proactive in persuading others to join what he described as a “moving train.”
Criticisms of Current Governance
During the event, criticisms were voiced against Governor Soludo’s administration, particularly concerning unfulfilled promises and inadequate governance. Afam Ogene, House of Representatives member and chairman of the Labour Party national assembly caucus, highlighted the governor’s shortcomings, stating, “It is not about constructing roads alone… the nitty-gritty of governance lies in the ability of a governor to settle disputes, maintain adequate security, and manage the affairs of the state effectively.
Further adding to the critique, Igwilo, who spearheaded the defection, expressed his disenchantment with the current leadership. He pointed out the unmet expectations under Soludo’s tenure, especially the failure to conduct promised local government elections. Igwilo’s frustration was evident as he discussed the lack of significant development projects in Anambra under Soludo’s governance, suggesting that even minor infrastructure projects being touted as achievements could be accomplished by lesser governmental bodies.
Labour Party’s Growing Influence
The Labour Party in Anambra, buoyed by the arrival of new members and the leadership of figures like Peter Obi at the national level, is positioning itself as a viable alternative for the 2025 state elections. The party is capitalizing on a platform of change and improved accountability, contrasting itself sharply against the current administration’s record.
Ozigbo concluded the ceremony with a rallying cry for change, positioning himself as the candidate ready to harness Anambra’s potential and address the populace’s needs more effectively than the incumbent. With the state election drawing closer, the Labour Party’s strengthened ranks and renewed vigor represent a significant challenge to the status quo, setting the stage for a highly contested race in 2025.
