As the the Anambra gubernatorial race hots up, some notable politicians and commentators have continued to deny the existence of any zoning arrangement for the State’s number one position.
The opponents have maintained that the idea was never really discussed or agreed, at any time, and that those pushing the narrative were merely promoting their selfish political agenda.
In a recent piece, on the subject matter , Dr. Tony Onyima, stated that zoning was a creation of APGA and does not exist as a policy in the State. He argued that political parties were at liberty to choose their flag bearers, from any of the State’s three political zones, as there was no known law in the state compelling them not to do so.
No doubt, the issue of zoning has been a vexed one in Anambra state, from the days of Peter Obi, under whose tenure it came into being.
It is known that while some people welcomed the move, others found it disagreeable, because according to them it was too restrictive.
However, it is common knowledge that at its inception in 2013, the policy was embraced by the major political parties in the state, including APC, and some of those who have been loudest in its condemnation.
Remarkably, in the gubernatorial election held that year, all the dominant political parties in the state, APC, PDP and APGA, fielded candidates from Anambra North zone, where the governorship was zoned.
Also, in 2021, when the governorship was zoned to Anambra South, at the expiration of the tenure of Anambra North, held by by Willie Obiano, these parties again kept to the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’, hence, Chukwuma Soludo, Andy Ubah, and Valentine Ozigbo, all from Anambra South zone, ran under APGA, APC and the PDP respectively.
To think that some of those now questioning this concept are merely fronting for some politicians, who think that they are ‘disadvantaged’ in the current power equation, is unbelievable. It is how not to self destruct.
To also think that some of these crusaders saw nothing wrong with the principle, when they were on the other side, until they jumped ship, a case of anything goes, is the sure evidence that they can stand for anything.
And the question is why has it become so easy for these people to join those who do not mean well for the State in playing this divisive politics. Why must they become crusaders for what a few people want, instead of what the State wants?.
Amazingly, the APC seems to be paying lip service to this incongruity, with a couple of months to the governorship primary, even when upholding the extant zoning arrangement will be a win win for the party.
It will be a win win for equity, political balance and acceptability of the Party in Anambra South zone, no matter how anyone looks at it.
This is why they should take nothing to chance, for those who live on chance get the worst things nature has thrown on them.
Luckily, things appear to be looking up for them with the many political heavyweights that recently expressed interest in their ticket, including, Obiorah Okonkwo, a big player in the Aviation Industry, Valentine Ozigbo, a front line politician and former chieftain of Labour Party in the State, Paul Chukwuma, an Educationist and International businessman, Chukwuma Umeoji, former Member of the House of Representatives and Johnbosco Onunkwo, among others.
The array of personalities not withstanding, the Anambra APC seems to have a big headache. The headache is about who gets the party’s ticket, to run against the incumbent Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in the forthcoming election.
This promises to be a make or mar decision, more so because despite all the hype, there’s still the fear of Soludo. That he has been largely successful, so far, is incontrovertible. Hence, he stands the chance of being rewarded with a second term mandate, if the other parties lower their guard.
Therefore, the first signpost to Agu Awka will be about the zone from which the various flag bearers emerge.
This will be sacrosanct and above every other consideration.
Not even the lame issue of merit raised by Dr. Onyima, in his write up, can diminish the place of zoning, for history has shown that in a democracy, where votes determine who wins election, in the true sense of it, merit does not always count as democracy does not really produce the best of leaders. Democracy is more of a popularity contest, not really a consideration of merit, in the final analysis
Therefore, every political party must brace up and be decisive, especially on this question of zoning, if they hope to make any impact. They must respect the right of Anambra South zone to take their full turn, of 8 years, in order to reassure them that their contributions are recognised and that they can attain whatever height they want through the party’s platform.
Where this is not done, they will be consciously or unconsciously telling their members from Anambra South that their efforts and sacrifices have been in vain.
This is the burden of the APC and all other parties, going into the crucial Anambra election.
By : Emma Udeagha
Former Secretary, NUJ Anambra Council
