By Solomon Mokwugo, Awka
Anambra 2025: YPP’s Okagbue defends party’s choice of Anambra North candidate; slams Soludo on Security, others
From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
Deputy governorahip candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Chief Uzuegbunam Okagbue, has criticized zoning of governorahip slot among Anambra South, Anambra North and Anambra Central senatorial districts; stating the disadvantages of the arrangement, and the importance of throwing the race open.
In Anambra state, starting from the administration of Peter Obi, the practice of zoning has emerged as a controversial mechanism intended to foster equity and inclusivity in political representation. This approach dictates that gubernatorial positions rotate among the three senatorial districts: Anambra North, Anambra Central, and Anambra South.
But speaking from his Umunachi country home on Wednesday, July 9, Chief Okagbue criticized the arrangement; while suggesting the importance of throwing the race open to every qualified citizen.
“While the intent behind zoning may be to ensure fair representation, it carries significant disadvantages that can stifle meritocracy, promote mediocrity, and ultimately hinder developmental progress. Anambra needs a system that prioritizes competence over regional sympathy,” Okagbue argued.
Explaining why his party chose Anambra North candidate, as against fielding from Anambra South, he explained that zoning often prioritizes regional considerations over the qualifications and capabilities of candidates; adding that when political office is determined by geographical location alone, the selection process runs the risk of elevating individuals, who may lack the necessary skills, experience, or visionary leadership.
He argued that zoning can create a monopolization of the political space among a select few elites, and as a result, young and capable individuals from other areas may be discouraged from contesting for the office.
“This practice curtails innovation and fresh ideas that are vital for the growth and development of the state,” he explained.
“When voters know that their choice is limited to candidates selected based on senatorial district rather than their leadership qualities, it can lead to apathy. Disillusioned voters may feel that their votes do not count, resulting in decreased political engagement and lower voter turnout.
“Again, zoning can bring divisions within a state, as each senatorial district may become fixated on ensuring their senatorial district’s representation rather than focusing on the needs of the state.”
The YPP chieftain also described zoning in Anambra as the arrangement of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), and not a conversation of all political leaders and broad spectrum of Anambra people.
Discussing Soludo’s record as Anambra governor after three years and some months, Okagbue criticized the governor’s approach to security, saying that collapsed security system in Anambra in the present government is nothing to write home about.
He said: “Security issue under the present government has created some fundamental challenges. Insecurity has crippled life and economic activities in Anambra.
“Traditional activities like funerals, new yam festival, marriage ceremonies and chieftaincy activities are now conducted in other safer states by Anambra people. There is no doubt that the president government is already overwhelmed by security challenges in the state.
“This calls for change of leadership to a team that understand how to prioritize security. This is why I and Sir Paul Chukwuma have presented ourselves.”
Uzuegbunam Okagbue, who is a former deputy Chief of Staff under the immediate past government of Chief Willie Obiano, also criticized Soludo; saying that since he assumed office, he had opted not to present his score cards to Anambra people that voted him into power, but travelled as far as the United States to present his score cards to people who are alien to happenings in the state.
He expressed dismay that the president government refused to build good roods in rural areas where foods are produced, but go into densely populated areas to pull down people’s houses in the name of road dualization.
While calling on Anambra citizens not to reinforce the present government’s failure by re-electing it for another tenure, Okagbue wooed the people – saying that combination of Sir Paul Chukwuma and Uzuegbunam Okagbue will provide the kind of leadership the state yearns for.
