News
Anambra ’25: How Soludo’s attempt to avenge Tinubu’s 2023 humiliation failed
By Sunny Igboanugo
No crime is perfect. No matter how flawlessly planned or watertight a crime is or how thoroughly executed, criminals always leave one trace or two or even more. There is always a slip that a good investigator looks out for to crack a case no matter how tough.
The November 8, Anambra state governorship election, met all elements of a carefully-planned and thoroughly executed electoral fraud. Yes! That’s what it was or is – a fraud – a heist. But I must give it to them. All those who took part in it played their roles perfectly.
But then – the slip! It came from Unit 008 Agulu Ward in Anaocha Local Government Area, the polling booth of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the February 25, 2023 election.
In many cases, such slips are usually the result of an innocuous action – one second of thoughtlessness – one word out of sync – an emotional outburst – or just one careless move – then everything comes crumbling.
In the instant case, nobody, except those who planned it, would probably explain how such a thoughtless decision came about. Mind you, I wasn’t just an observer, I was a participant observer. I was the Director of Media and Publicity of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). So, I was in the locus in quo – or as Bishop Kukah would say – the scene of the crime.
So, long before the election, I was aware about the plot. Words had filtered in about how Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the governor wanted to “disgrace” Obi in Agulu. My conclusion was that he was billed to capturing the ward for himself to score a political point, using his own winning template.
Alas! How was I to know that he planned to donate the trophy to the APC? But in that singular move lies the singular factor that cast a question mark on the credibility of the entire process. It ruined what would have been and iron-cast case. For even a complete imbecile knows that the outcome is a clearly electoral impossibility!
Were there some thinking members within their camp, they ought to have known that the public would be asking what had changed so soon after in an atmosphere where the same Peter Obi, won virtually 100 per cent of the votes cast in the same unit in 2023? What sins did he commit in just two years that made his people now hate him such that they were so intent on punishing him?
Soludo and his minders never supplied information as to how the APC performed the feat. Yes! For the governor, it would have been part of the effect of turning communities in Anambra into the new African haven, surpassing the Dubai-Taiwan he promised the people. But a lowly political figure like Nicholas Ukachukwu, the question is – quo warranto? On what authority?
But, you didn’t need be a political genius or mathematician to figure it out. Even someone struck with Mongolian idiocy disease could put two and two together to determine what happened. It was a clear expression of how the nation’s electoral process has been captured – how the huge edifice that was the election architecture has now crumbled from the moment Mahmoud Yakubu, the now disgraced former INEC Chairman practically threw a dynamite at the foundation with his IReV glitches episode.
Since that notorious February 25, 2023 affair, which produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President, the nation’s electoral process has continued to sink deeper at every turn beginning with the governorship election of March 18 after the presidential polls.
You could see the effect in the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa edition some eight months after on November 11, that year, where the governors swept the polls regardless the readings of the political barometres in their states.
You heard in Kogi, how prepared results were either in the hands of agents of the ruling party or already being uploaded on IReV hours before the elections were held. The world was also regaled with video evidence of how APC almost captured 100 per cent votes in Imo with its 27-27 electoral feat. Of course, the Edo edition on September 21, last year, is there to confirm the new template.
So, when Soludo came with his 21-21 edition, only the non-initiate, perhaps somewhere from the outer space would be enamoured. The amusing aspect of the outcome, if not the tragic, depending the way you look at it is the absolute lack of emotional intelligence in managing the outcome.
Pray! What was the need for the Agulu ward show? To humiliate Obi or to get a pound of flesh for Tinubu? It would have been a different kettle of fish if APGA, Soludo’s party had won it. In that case, it would have been excused as part of the tsunami of an incumbent. But Ukachukwu of APC? From whence did he produce the genie capable of creating such magic?
Did he sink a water facility and reticulated the pipes supplying each household in Agulu with free water overnight?
If anything, the last time I checked, it was the selfsame Obi that donated a whopping N90million an two INNOSON vehicles for the security of the same community that now decided to “disgrace” him. Was the so-called disgrace their way saying thank you for such a bold step towards their security and welfare. These Agulu people must be the perfect example of current day Brutus, whose dagger-blow ended it for Julius Caesar.
But you must be a clear simpleton not get the drift. What just happened in Anambra is no different from the Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa and most recently, Edo. It is a situation where INEC simply hands over the electoral machinery and organs to whosoever they favoured, ostensibly based on the direct orders or body language of the powers that be.
It is then the remit of the assignee, mostly favoured governors, to determine who wins where and with what margin. Then, you find that in virtually all the cases and typical of what happens in the local government elections which they conduct, they go for the total kill, taking no prisoners.
So, obviously Soludo’s winning streak, was no magic. It came from the same gift bag as others before him. So, as in other cases, it was his choice to decide where to win and with what margin. That was what was demonstrated at Agulu. He simply dashed the unit to APC as with a pack of candies.
But only that in doing so, he practically spilled the beans. Or how else would he not have known that he practically exposed what ought to have been hidden and shot himself in the foot by so doing. But what could you say of someone so desperate.
Since Obi defeated Tinubu roundly in Lagos in the last presidential election, the camp of the President has remained implacable. All the onslaughts mounted against the former governor within the APC and those eager to please him, have their roots substantially from this.
Ostensibly, Soludo must have keyed into the prevailing sentiments. Either he promised it as part of the bargains he signed into during his in and out movement at the Presidential Villa or it was a solo effort, the Agulu show, must have been a move to assuage the Villa or is it Bourdillon now?
Incidentally, the way it was celebrated by the media, obviously part of the plot – procured to trumpet it to the world with such screaming headlines – Obi loses his ward – and the manner Soludo himself made a song and dance about it, one thing is sure – there is more to come from that November 8 outcome.
You could be sure that was a dress-rehearsal. If Obi manages to find himself on the ballot in 2027, he is probably going to lose not only Anambra, but the same Agulu. Of course the ample explanation would be obvious – he has lost it before.
Guess who would be there not only to ensure, but explain it – Your Charles Chukwuma Soludo – Charlie Nwa Mgbafo. As for the peoples’ will – your guess! It’s called State Capture! Tragedy!
My name is Sunny Igboanugo, I’m the Tiny Voice!
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
-
News4 weeks agoTinubu to African leaders: Copy Nigeria, produce your way out of poverty
-
News3 weeks agoBREAKING: US-Nigeria troops slaughter 175 ISWAP fighters
-
Columns2 weeks agoDear General Gowon: That apology you’re running from is your nemesis
-
News4 days agoBREAKING: Terrorists strike Ibadan again! Abduct ex-Minister’s sister, twin children
-
News4 weeks agoWhy we pegged presidential ticket forms at N60million – NDC
-
News4 weeks agoBREAKING! Coast brightens for Obi, as NDC zones presidency to South
-
News4 weeks agoGowon on civil war: My book is to put records straight, remove falsehood
-
News3 weeks agoBREAKING: Wait over! Arsenal are CHAMPIONS! Win EPL after 22 years hiatus