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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!
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, on Tuesday, revealed that more than 840,000 foreigners are currently overstaying their visas in Nigeria, describing the situation as a significant migration challengem describing the development as a global phenomenon.
A guest on Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television, the Minister, who said the figure was obtained through the country’s recently upgraded immigration tracking system, told his host: “Just as we have Nigerian overstayers in the UK, Nigeria is also facing the same challenge. As of this morning, through our upgraded system, we have about 848,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are citizens of different countries residing in Nigeria.”
The Minister, while stressing that irregular migration remained a global issue requiring international cooperation, stated that visa overstays would help curb related crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling.
Stressing the importance of bilateral agreements, particularly in ensuring the “dignified return” of individuals who no longer had the legal right to remain in a country, he dismissed concerns that Nigeria could be pressured into accepting foreign prisoners.
His words: “I have seen reports suggesting that prisoners would be brought into Nigeria. This government will not tolerate such. There is no way this administration will sign that kind of agreement.
“The recently signed Nigeria–UK migration agreement is based on reciprocity and applies strictly to Nigerian nationals. The Federal Government has been transparent about the deal. It does not include the transfer of foreign inmates. It excludes family members and that each case is treated based on specific legal conditions. Nigerians returned under the arrangement will be treated with dignity in line with their fundamental human rights. No Nigerian stands to lose from the agreement.”
Meanwhile, the minister revealed earlier in March that the Federal Government has strengthened its capacity to track and apprehend visa overstayers.
He said this is being achieved through data collected over the past decade and the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Integrated Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre.
The development follows a migration pact signed earlier in March between Nigeria and the United Kingdom during President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
The agreement seeks to fast-track the return of Nigerian visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and convicted offenders in the UK, while enhancing cooperation on tackling visa fraud, cybercrime, and other transnational offences.
African Democratic Congress (ADC), may have its ranks swollen by gaining its first governor if Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, eventually joins the coalition, which is fast gaining momentum as the major challenger of President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports say the governor has indicated his intention to join the now main opposition party on Thursday, weeks after an alleged failed attempt to pitch his tent with the ruling APC over some irreconcilable differences.
The report, which said the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, hinted at the defection on Tuesday while hosting some ADC leaders, including Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), at the government house in Bauchi, pointed to the parlous situation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had earlier held sway as a prominent leader.
Recall that Mohammed was and is still Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, where only himself and Seyi Makinde, his Oyo State counterpart are now remaining after the tsunami that swept away many of their colleagues alongside many other heavy heavyweights in the party.
With the PDP, ostensibly firmly in the vice grip of Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed and others, who have shown resentment towards the camp, have been left with little option other than quit.
The governor was quoted as saying: “We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked.
“We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the All Progressives Congress, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”
Hinting further that ADC appeared to be the acceptable platform for him, Mohammed who stated that he had not concluded discussions, said David Mark, ADC National Chairman, had extended an invitation to him and his supporters to join the party after extensive consultations.
He added: “I’m here this morning with a delegation from the ADC headquarters, where my mentor, my boss, Senator David Mark, is leading, and he has sent an olive branch to reconnect me with the umbilical cord of the opposition, where I have always emerged from.
“Certainly, as a leader in the PDP, we have found ourselves in a very serious ambivalence, where our party is headless. Of course, I have pursued all avenues for reconciliation, but it has not worked.
“Our people are putting me under extreme pressure, and we have set up two committees – one in Abuja at the national level, because of my position as a leader of the party, and one here to look at where to go.
“We left all our options open, including the APC itself, but certainly we have discovered that we cannot be where we are not wanted. We have to find a place within the opposition.
“That is where our fate and political destiny is taking us. And the ADC appears to be a very enduring and more acceptable platform among the people who are engaging with me so far.”
Stating that consultations were still ongoing, and that a final decision would be communicated by Thursday, he maintained that inclusivity remained key to whatever direction is taken.
His words: “We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we will be on the same page and not exclude ourselves from participation. And so, you will hear a firm commitment from us by Thursday, when we would have met in Abuja. That was why I said I have to carry everybody along.”
The governor, while stressing that due diligence was key before any political realignment is finalised, stated that engagements were ongoing with stakeholders across the PDP at both levels to ensure a smooth transition and avoid missteps.
“For now, I would say this is our preferred destination, but we have not concluded in a way that allows us to deepen stakeholder engagement and collaboration so that we do not make mistakes. That is where we are,” he said while expressing appreciation for the outreach by the ADC, describing it as timely given the PDP internal challenges.
Emphasising that political strength ultimately rested with the electorate and not party structures alone, he added: “We believe in winning elections, and elections are contested and won at the polling unit. We are not afraid of anyone.
“We have done all we can in terms of self-preservation, political accommodation, and participation, but it is not working. Therefore, we must now confront the challenges of this existential option being presented to us by the ADC.”
“This government is not going to tolerate something like that. There is no way this government, under this president, will sign that sort of agreement; it’s never going to be done. What this agreement talks about are Nigerians who are overstayers or who are out of status in the United Kingdom.”
These were the exact words of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, with which he denied claims that the Federal Government, had by the recent migration agreement signed by Nigeria and the United Kingdom, would allow the transfer of foreign criminals to Nigeria.
The agreement, one of the three signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK is said to be aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration management, border security, and economic development.
Against the backdrop of resentments by a groundswell of highly critical Nigerians, who claimed it could enable the UK to transfer criminals seeking asylum in the country to Nigeria, the Minister, a guest on Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television, told his host that such was never the case, as the President would never accept such a deal under any circumstances.
His words: “Article 7 of the agreement says, ‘the parties will work together to secure the dignified return of their nationals who do not or who no longer have the right to enter or remain in that country.’ I have seen some things in the media where some people are saying that they want to go and bring prisoners from all over the world and dump in Nigeria.”
Insisting that Nigerians had nothing to worry about regarding the agreements with the UK government, he noted that they were based on the international diplomatic model of reciprocity.
Hear him: “Why do I say there is nothing to be worried about? These agreements have opened a vista of opportunities for collaboration, and I say this very clearly: Nigeria, under this administration, is not interested in exporting problems to any part of the world. We want to solve our problems. We want to put our house in order.
“We believe that irregular migration today is not just a UK problem, it’s not just an American problem—it’s a problem all over the world, including in our own country. Partnership is needed to bring all hands together to solve this problem.”
The Minister, who maintained that the government had nothing to hide, while acknowledging that the full agreement was not published, stated that the details were contained in the media by the President, through Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, who highlighted different sections.
Speaking on the envisaged gains, the Minister, said for instance that Article 8 of the agreement addressed the rights of returnees, who would at all times be treated with respect and dignity, with due regard to their fundamental human rights.
Describing the deal as a “50-50” arrangement for the two countries, he added that the agreement was different from the controversial Rwanda asylum plan, emphasising that it excluded family members, while each case would be handled according to specific legal conditions.
FG: We’re dealing with migration problems too *840,000 expired visa cases
ADC to gain first governor ahead of crucial decision by stakeholders
London deal: Nothing to hide, Nigeria won’t be haven for UK criminals – FG
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