By Christian ABURIME
Political campaigns are among the exciting features of modern democracy. Candidates for an election must campaign to woo the people. But when the people are the one endorsing and campaigning for a candidate when he has not even started campaigning, it signals an interesting development.
The candidate must have won the hearts of the people before a single vote is cast!
The recent endorsement of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, by Anambra North stakeholders, culminating in the conferment of the now famous Oluatuegwu chieftaincy title, marks a pivotal moment in Anambra State’s political landscape.
This cross-party show of support, featuring traditional rulers, current and former officials, and grassroots leaders, reflects a rare consensus in Nigerian politics, especially in the context of the state’s often fractious electoral history.
The rally’s theme, “SUSTAINING THE SOLUTION LEGACY: A PATH TO DISRUPTIVE DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE,” proves the stakeholders’ focus on tangible governance outcomes.
The testimonials from both APGA and PDP leaders highlight Governor Soludo’s infrastructural achievements and his reputation as a “transformer” who was fully “prepared, for the job.”
Also, the unanimous affirmation of the zoning formula demonstrates its entrenched role in Anambra’s politics, providing a framework for orderly succession and regional inclusion. Stakeholders’ insistence that Governor Soludo “must complete his second tenure” signals a collective commitment to political stability in the state.
The presence and vocal support of opposition figures, notably from the PDP, provides another rare moment of bipartisan alignment in Anambra politics. This not only neutralises potential divides but also amplifies the legitimacy of Governor Soludo’s all-embracing candidacy.
In the same way, the turnout of over 10,000 supporters and the enthusiastic participation across all seven LGAs of Anambra North at the rally indicate robust grassroots engagement, a critical asset in Nigerian elections.
What is a politician or a candidate without strong roots where it matters most? That can only be a lightweight contestant, which Governor Soludo is not.
By the way, the governor’s emphasis on governance over politicking, and his pragmatic advice to “collect whatever money the alleged opponents give them,” positions him as both a focused leader and a shrewd political operator. This narrative would resonate with discerning voters who are weary of empty campaign promises but are exposed to pecuniary indictments by desperate politicians!
With the opposition fragmented and key political heavyweights rallying behind the incumbent, Governor Soludo enters the November 8 election as the clear frontrunner. The event’s optics, a convergence of tradition, political endorsement, and mass mobilisation, all set a formidable stage for his re-election campaign.
Thus, the Anambra North endorsement rally was more than a political event; it was a veritable demonstration of unity, continuity, and confidence in Governor Soludo’s leadership as contained in their collective communique at the event.
By consolidating support across party lines and reaffirming the zoning principle, stakeholders have not only strengthened Governor Soludo’s re-election prospects but have also signalled a collective aspiration for sustained development and political stability in Anambra State.
When Soludo wins, Anambra wins!
