During a recent appearance on TVC News, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made a startling declaration that opposition parties in Anambra State exist “only on paper.” Such sweeping dismissal of political rivals might ordinarily be dismissed as standard partisan rhetoric. However, a careful examination of recent electoral data reveals that Ezeokenwa’s provocative claim, whilst undoubtedly bold, is substantially supported by the numbers—raising profound questions about the state of democratic competition in Nigeria’s Southeast.
The electoral evidence supporting Ezeokenwa’s claims is indeed striking. In the August 2024 Anambra South Senatorial by-election, the data paints a picture of overwhelming APGA dominance that would justify any party chairman’s confidence. APGA candidate Emmanuel Nwachukwu secured 90,408 votes, representing approximately 79% of all ballots cast. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Donald Amangbo, whom Ezeokenwa characterised as “practically unknown” in the state, managed just 2,889 votes—a mere 2.5% of the total. Even the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party at the federal level, could muster only 19,847 votes, roughly 17% of the total.
These figures reveal a compelling narrative of political reality that transcends mere rhetoric. When a candidate cannot secure even 3% of votes in what should theoretically be a competitive democratic contest, questions about genuine grassroots presence become legitimate political discourse rather than partisan attacks. The ADC’s performance, in particular, suggests either a fundamental disconnect with voters or, as Ezeokenwa contends, an organisational structure that exists more in theory than practice.
What makes this dominance even more formidable is Governor Soludo’s understanding of the political game by working seamlessly with the TINUBU or APC government, captured in his mantra “Progressives working together.” This strategic alignment further nails the coffin of opposition, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to governance that transcends traditional party lines whilst delivering tangible benefits to Anambra citizens. By positioning APGA as collaborative rather than confrontational with the federal government, Soludo has effectively secured federal support and resources whilst maintaining APGA’s distinct identity and local appeal.
His “Progressives working together” philosophy presents voters with a governance model that delivers both effective local representation and productive federal cooperation. This brilliant political positioning creates an impossible strategic dilemma for opposition parties, particularly the APC. How can the ruling party at the federal level effectively oppose a state governor who publicly embraces collaboration with their administration? Soludo’s approach essentially co-opts potential APC talking points whilst demonstrating superior political acumen in securing benefits for his state.
This masterful political strategy reinforces APGA’s continued dominance in Anambra State, a pattern that has persisted through multiple electoral cycles but has been elevated to new heights under Soludo’s leadership. The current administration represents the most sophisticated chapter in this story of regional political success, where strategic federal alignment has strengthened rather than compromised local autonomy. Soludo’s collaborative approach demonstrates that local parties can successfully work with federal authorities whilst maintaining their independence and delivering superior governance outcomes.
The APC’s formal rejection of the by-election results, citing alleged irregularities, only serves to highlight their frustration with their inability to make meaningful inroads in Anambra despite controlling federal power. For a party that controls the presidency and significant federal resources, securing less than one-fifth of votes in a senatorial contest represents a profound failure to connect with local political realities. This disconnect becomes even more glaring when contrasted with Soludo’s ability to maintain excellent relations with the same federal administration whilst commanding overwhelming local support.
This dynamic demonstrates the superiority of Soludo’s political approach within Nigeria’s federal system. Rather than engaging in wasteful confrontations with federal authorities, the governor has shown that collaboration and strategic partnership can deliver better outcomes for citizens. His success in maintaining both local support and federal cooperation proves that mature political leadership can transcend party boundaries when the focus remains on effective governance and citizen welfare.
APGA’s dominance under Soludo’s leadership reflects a party that has successfully aligned itself with local aspirations whilst demonstrating exceptional political sophistication in federal relations. The consistency of their electoral performance indicates genuine popular support based on effective governance rather than mere political manipulation. Governor Soludo’s administration has not only maintained the traditional connection between APGA and the people but has enhanced it through strategic federal partnerships that bring additional benefits to the state.
The broader implications of Soludo’s success extend to Nigeria’s political landscape, where his model of collaborative governance whilst maintaining local identity offers lessons for other states. Anambra’s situation demonstrates how skilled political leadership can create win-win scenarios that benefit citizens whilst marginalising ineffective opposition parties. Just as APGA dominates in Anambra through superior governance and strategic positioning, Soludo’s approach shows how local leaders can maximise federal benefits without compromising their autonomy or local appeal.
Ezeokenwa’s confident dismissal of opposition presence reflects not merely political posturing but a genuine electoral reality rooted in APGA’s superior governance and strategic positioning under Soludo’s leadership. For the ADC, APC, and other parties hoping to make inroads in Anambra, the challenge extends far beyond simply fielding candidates. They must somehow compete with a governor who has demonstrated exceptional political skill in delivering both effective local governance and productive federal relations—a combination that has proven virtually impossible to challenge.
The path forward for opposition parties appears increasingly difficult given Soludo’s masterful political positioning. Traditional opposition strategies become irrelevant when the incumbent governor maintains excellent relations with the federal government whilst delivering superior governance outcomes. Opposition parties must grapple with the reality that Anambra citizens see little reason to change leadership when their current governor successfully delivers both local effectiveness and federal cooperation.
As Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve, the Anambra situation under Soludo serves as a model of successful political leadership that combines local responsiveness with strategic federal partnership. Ezeokenwa’s claims reflect electoral realities that demonstrate the superiority of APGA’s approach under Soludo’s guidance. The governor’s political positioning—maintaining local identity whilst securing federal cooperation—has created an unassailable political position that renders opposition arguments obsolete.
The numbers certainly don’t lie, revealing a political landscape where Soludo’s strategic brilliance has made opposition parties largely irrelevant to Anambra citizens. The electoral data demonstrates that when leadership combines effective governance with smart political positioning, voters respond with overwhelming support. Governor Soludo’s success in Anambra State stands as a testament to what can be achieved when political acumen meets genuine commitment to citizen welfare, creating a model that opposition parties struggle to match or meaningfully challenge.
