With the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State drawing closer, political tensions are rising as incumbent parties clash with emerging coalitions in what analysts describe as a litmus test for the 2027 presidential race.
The election is shaping up to be a contest of contrasts, featuring the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—each armed with different strategies and support bases.
The APC is taking an aggressive stance in Anambra, emboldened by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to party leaders to secure the state. At a meeting in Uyo, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu reaffirmed APC’s commitment to delivering Anambra for the President. This follows the recent acceptance of Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno into the APC fold, suggesting the ruling party is strengthening its southern network.
Tinubu’s open support for the APC’s joint ticket of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife further reinforces the party’s ambition. Though Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) maintains a cordial relationship with the President, he has been made aware that political friendship may not protect his seat.
Meanwhile, LP’s standard bearer, Dr George Muoghalu, has received the endorsement of Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and 2023 LP presidential candidate. Obi, also a leading figure in the Obidient Movement and the newly formed opposition coalition, threw his weight behind Muoghalu and his running mate, Prof. Vero Okaro, during their campaign flag-off in Onitsha.
Obi’s appearance also stirred controversy, as rival aspirant John Chuma Nwosu (JCN), who defected from LP to ADC, insists he remains the best candidate to champion the Obidient cause. Nwosu’s defection followed allegations of impunity during LP’s primaries and internal power struggles between factions led by Julius Abure and Senator Nenadi Usman.
In a surprise twist, the ADC has emerged as the platform of choice for the opposition coalition ahead of 2027. The party, which has never been deregistered, now counts Peter Obi and other key political figures among its sympathisers. Nwosu has already secured the ADC governorship ticket following the withdrawal of Mr Obianyo, who cited Nwosu’s capacity to lead.
But the coalition now faces a challenge: reconciling two Obidient-aligned aspirants under two different parties. While Obi affirms his current loyalty to LP, he has hinted that ADC is the long-term vehicle for the coalition’s national aspirations.
Amid the growing contest, APGA is reportedly negotiating with the federal government to secure support in the governorship poll. Sources suggest APGA might cede the Anambra South Senatorial seat in return for federal backing. The seat became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and speculation is rife that Sir Azuka Okwuosa is being positioned to take over.
However, the APC has denied any such arrangement. Party official Sam Osita Oraegbunam dismissed the claims, accusing APGA of desperation after 24 years in office. He noted that Anambra voters are ready for change.
APGA aspirant Dr Okey Chidolue insists he remains focused on his campaign, boasting of broad support for his legislative agenda, including a locally integrated tracking system to combat insecurity.
As the ADC, LP, APC, and APGA jockey for advantage, the Anambra poll is increasingly seen as a strategic prelude to the 2027 presidential election. The ongoing Senatorial by-election, scheduled ahead of the main poll, could serve as an early indicator of political direction.
While ADC may offer a fresh option and LP retains strong grassroots appeal, APGA’s incumbency and APC’s federal muscle make the election highly competitive.
Ultimately, Anambra voters will have to weigh incumbency against innovation, loyalty against reform, and determine which political force can truly deliver effective governance in the years ahead.
