To externalize his seething inner vision of a new Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria’s heartbeat, Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has signaled his intention to contest the state’s 2025 governorship election, writes Louis Achi

Driven by a relentless passion, not unlike Beethoven, Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has scaled up his alluring political symphony on the delicate keyboards of Anambra State. His proclaimed mission is simple: assume executive democratic leadership of Eastern Nigeria’s political-industrial center of gravity and launch it into its destined orbit. And from that perch, boldly redirect the stumbling trajectory of the entire region.

As it were, almost after thirty-three odd years of statehood, one curious fact stands out like a sore thumb – Anambra State, created on August 27 1991 – remains a land of promise. Indisputably, it has the potential industrial capacity to fire up the entire region and saturate West Africa.

But without that mysterious chemistry of visionary leadership, the inherent promises, unfortunately for this state, are yet to be unlocked. Peter Obi’s challenging, half magical governance interregnum remains the notable exception.

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Successive observers have asked again – do the leaders of this land of promise have the interest of their people at heart? Various statistics have sharply dramatized the dismal governance lot of the state. Besides the fairly valid excuses of marginalization by the central government, many believe, validly too, that transformational leadership at the state level could turbocharge wide-ranging development and change the narrative.

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It is against this troubling backdrop that billionaire entrepreneur and notable philanthropist, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, enters the fray and appeals for the support of the people as he kicks off his 2025 governorship bid.

Ubah contested the 2021 Anambra governorship election in a contest won by Chukwuma Soludo, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

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According to Senator Ubah, “All I ask for is a single term of four years.

At the moment, I rate governance in Anambra State for the past 18 years at 20 percent. I will bring 80 percent content that has never been discussed in governance.

“I have a burning desire to contest the next governorship election in Anambra State because this government and those before it have not been able to put the state in the development trajectory that our people desire.

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“We need to create support for our commerce; we have to develop our sector to make it a hub for health tourists and accelerate community development through local government elections.

“It is time we vote for people with passion, people with a track record. That is what I represent. I am prepared to change the narrative, and that is why my manifesto has remained the same from 2013 till date.”

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Senator Ubah expressed these positions days after he slammed Governor Soludo for suspending the traditional ruler who conferred a chieftaincy title on him (Ubah).

It could be recalled that on January 9, Governor Soludo suspended Igwe Damian Ezeani, a traditional ruler of the Neni Community, for conferring a chieftaincy title of Odenjinji on Senator Ubah “without obtaining the permission of the traditional ruler of Nnewi Kingdom, where Ifeanyi Ubah hails from, or the ministry of local government, chieftaincy and community affairs”. The governor wisely reversed himself a few days later.

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An obviously miffed Ubah had described Governor Soludo’s suspension of the monarch as “a game of politics” stressing the governor’s action was connected to his interest in the 2025 governorship race in the state. “The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience,” Ubah told the media.

Senator Ubah then provides some compelling insight into his vision of good governance recently. Hear him: “In the arena of politics, the world over, governance, actually good governance is central to human development and social progression. The opposite leads to regression and socio-political stagnation.

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“Good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law.

“It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Deficits in these areas spark conflict and set back human development.

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“More specifically, poor governance is characterized by arbitrary policy making, unaccountable bureaucracies, unenforced or unjust legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in public life, and widespread corruption. These deficits are the reasons for our developmental woes. In all political projects I have championed I have always emphasized these.”

Senator Ubah, philanthropist par excellence, fondly called “Ebube Chukwu Uzo,” has business interests traversing oil & gas, jetty development, bonded terminal, truck park facilities, media, sports development, construction, telecommunication, real estate and general merchandise. He is a disciplined player whose unassuming, humble mien hides an inner steel that has enabled him conquer tough business engagements and sterner political challenges.

Undoubtedly since entering the political fray over a decade ago, Senator Ubah has grown in stature and matured. His positions on weighty state and national issues shore up this perception. He has spoken and proffered informed views on diverse subject matters and many other themes.

According to him, Anambra State has a rich intellectual and entrepreneurial presence in many parts of the world which could be tapped into for external inflow of investment and promises to run a government that would not rely on federal allocation or on revenue from petty traders or truck pushers who are struggling to survive.

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His words: “I will run Anambra as a mini nation inside a nation. I am talking about a governance model that 80 per cent of the content has not been discussed anywhere. It is not rocket science. We have Anambra communities in many major cities of the world, and we can formalise bilateral relationships with these cities by having state representatives there.

“We will have a global image that will make mayors of major cities our friends and want to have investment interest in Anambra. Anambra has the network of human resources we can leverage on. Our development will be data-driven and anybody anywhere can get information about Anambra because we will use the media and ICT to put it on the global map.”

The Nnewi-born billionaire further told opponents that he has the influence and ingenuity to transform the infrastructures and lives of the Anambra people without inflicting pain on them and urged Anambra citizens not to judge every politician with the kind of leadership they have had over the years.

Still providing more insight into his governance gameplan if elected, he revealed he would empower people such that it would not be attractive for youths to engage in crime and that he would deploy technology to combat insecurity if given the opportunity.

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Hear him: “We have a working system in Nnewi and I can replicate it in Anambra. We still conduct marriages in Abuja, Lagos and other areas outside Anambra because of insecurity. I have street wisdom, I live with the people, and my investments are everywhere for people to see. I created wealth and empowered people as a private person, I want to impact society on a larger scale.”

Against this backdrop, the emerging consensus is that incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s quest to be returned by Anambra people for a second term as election holds later in 2025 is indeed a challenging project.

Political observers have identified potential hurdles facing Soludo which flow from several consequential, unforced errors he is believed to have made. Part of the forces that make or mar political ambitions in the state include both religion and the traditional institution.

Since birthing of the Fourth Republic, in 1999, the church – religious politics – in Anambra State has played significant roles in the emergence of governors. The Roman Catholic and Anglican churches take the center stage here. The second factor is the traditional institution. Soludo is seen to have curiously rubbed both in the wrong places – wittingly or otherwise.

A third factor is that Senator Ubah’s movement to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, positions him strongly as the foremost challenger to Governor Soludo. While APC’s entry into the region through Ebonyi State is seen as tenuous, top party hierarchs see Anambra as a top catch. Unfolding political events in both Rivers and Kano States are perceived as key indicators of APC’s nifty game-plan even as the swashbuckling “Obidients” of the Labour Party plot their fightback in the state.

Many believe that Senator Ubah, a known grassroots politician, who equally has deep pockets has his political task neatly cut out for him. As the Ifeanyi Ubah scenario takes concrete form ahead of the gubernatorial battle later next year, there is a palpable feeling that Ebube Chukwu Uzo’s time is finally here.

As election campaigns begin for the governorship seat in Edo State, the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts.

The disagreement between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, has led to a deepening crisis, resulting in Shaibu aligning with the opposition APC after failing to secure the PDP ticket.

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This has caused significant division, with some party members defecting to the APC.

The APC has managed to resolve its internal disputes and solidify its position, while the PDP struggles to maintain unity.

Analysts suggest that the upcoming election could be influenced by voter turnout in various constituencies, particularly in Edo South.

There are concerns that the PDP’s internal issues might affect its chances in the September election, despite its status as the ruling party. Observers recommend that Governor Obaseki address these issues to improve the party’s prospects.

Olugbenga Edema, the NNPP candidate for the upcoming Ondo governorship election on November 16, has vowed to defeat APC’s Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

During the inauguration of Mr. Adeyemi Adegoke Alaba as the campaign Director-General, Edema emphasized his commitment to transformative governance if elected.

Alaba, a seasoned professional with a background in law and business administration, previously served as a Permanent Secretary and is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management.

His strategic appointment is aimed at enhancing the NNPP’s campaign efforts.

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Edema praised Alaba’s experience and leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to engage voters and advance the NNPP’s agenda.

He reiterated his determination to address key issues in Ondo State and implement policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare and development.

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent bomb attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which caused significant casualties.

In a statement by his aide, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu assured that those responsible for the violence would face justice.

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He emphasized that such acts of terror were desperate responses to the government’s successful efforts in weakening terrorist capabilities.

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the nation, vowing to intensify efforts against those who threaten peace.

He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Borno State.

Mr. Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Abia State, has appealed to former President Muhammadu Buhari to assist in securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

During a visit to Buhari’s Daura residence on Saturday, Aguocha aimed to initiate dialogue for a political solution to Kanu’s continued detention.

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Kanu, arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in July 2021, has faced charges including treason since his detention.

In a statement from his media team, Aguocha expressed regret for past actions, stating, “for the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry.”

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He emphasized that a political resolution could address grievances and foster national unity.

Buhari reportedly praised Aguocha’s dedication and welcomed his approach.

Aguocha recently led 50 House of Representatives members from all geopolitical zones in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to instruct the Attorney General to use constitutional provisions to facilitate Kanu’s release.

The meeting with Buhari is part of a broader initiative aimed at resolving the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention and promoting dialogue for national peace and prosperity.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern demand for transparency from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, concerning the whereabouts of over N100 billion in ‘dirty and bad notes’ and other significant sums awaiting examination across various CBN branches.

In a letter dated June 29, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP cited revelations from the latest Auditor-General of the Federation’s annual report.

These allegations, according to SERAP, point to serious breaches of public trust, constitutional provisions, the CBN Act, and both national and international anti-corruption obligations.

Among its demands, SERAP called on Governor Cardoso to account for the N7.2 billion earmarked for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch in 2010 and the N4.8 billion allocated for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch in 2009.

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SERAP further urged the publication of the names of contractors who received these funds but failed to complete the projects.

Additionally, SERAP pressed for explanations regarding the allegedly missing outstanding loans of N1.2 billion granted to the Enugu State Government in 2015 and N1.9 billion to the Anambra State Government between 2015 and 2016.

The organization emphasized the need for full recovery and remittance of these public funds to the treasury.

Highlighting specific concerns from the Auditor-General’s report, SERAP pointed out that funds budgeted for the Dutse and Abeokuta projects had not been fully accounted for, raising suspicions of mismanagement or diversion.

The organization stressed the importance of adhering to financial regulations and procurement laws, noting that failure to do so undermines public trust and the CBN’s accountability.

SERAP underscored that these actions are essential to restore public confidence in the CBN’s integrity and urged Governor Cardoso to refer these issues to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and potential prosecution.

The organization concluded by urging prompt action within seven days, warning of legal recourse should the CBN fail to comply with its demands.

Speculations are rife following a recent meeting between former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), suggesting a potential coalition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

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The meeting, which took place on Thursday, has drawn attention amidst a backdrop of several northern political figures converging at the Daura residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

This gathering has been interpreted by political observers as a move to consolidate political influence and mobilize support for the upcoming presidential election.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent visit to Buhari, accompanied by former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Jibrilla Bindow, was labeled as a Sallah homage.

Shortly after, El-Rufai paid a visit to the ex-president, followed by former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

Senator Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, criticized these gatherings, cautioning against manipulating Arewa sentiment without considering the potential repercussions.

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Political analysts speculate that El-Rufai and Kwankwaso, both of whom have grievances against the current administration led by President Tinubu, may be strategizing to align behind a formidable presidential candidate for 2027.

Despite President Tinubu reportedly making efforts to woo Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC), political tensions persist due to Kwankwaso’s strained relationship with APC national chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Allegations of broken promises, including an unfulfilled ministerial appointment after the 2023 elections, have further strained ties between Kwankwaso and Tinubu.

El-Rufai’s recent political activities have also fueled speculations about his intentions for 2027.

His meetings with various political figures, including leaders from different parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and APC, have heightened anticipation about his future political moves.

Hashimu Dungurawa, NNPP chairman in Kano State and a close ally of Kwankwaso, described the recent meeting between El-Rufai and Kwankwaso as a reunion of progressive politicians with a common goal of rescuing Nigeria, particularly the Northwest region.

Regarding Kwankwaso’s ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged campaign fund irregularities, Dungurawa dismissed it as a distraction orchestrated by political opponents.

Efforts to obtain comments from El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, and Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, regarding the meeting’s agenda were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.