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By Dickson Okafor
Dr. Uche Ifediba, national president, Advocacy for Transparent Governance and Promotion Initiative (ATGPI), has called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to transform Anambra State into the ‘Dubai’ of Africa, in fulfillment of his campaign promises, as he assumed office for a second term. He expressed confidence that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, will appear on the ballot in 2027 even if the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) fails to field candidate.
Excerpts:
The leadership of APC has emerged through consensus at National Convention of the party at Eagle Square Abuja few hours ago contrary to expectations of many who predicted it would end in crisis; how do you rate the ruling party’s just concluded National Convention?
I was not surprised over the successful outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention where new leaders emerged through consensus. Because since Nigeria gained independence, this is the only period that the country is being govern by a real politician and businessman in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu is a political strategist and promise keeper and that is what has led to the gale of defections to APC. Meanwhile, that does not mean that APC will easily win the presidential election in 2027.
It is unfortunate that there is no strong opposition that could have kept the ruling party on its toes. Because in politics, no matter how carefully a manifesto is drafted and how good it sounds, it can only be implemented if the candidate is elected when the people place a demand on the leader. And that is the first step in the growth of society. The people must demonstrate a readiness to keep the ruling party on its toes.
What are the economic opportunities of President Tinubu’s official visit to the Uk?
Diplomacy, when done right, can translate into real economic value. And by his official visit to the United Kingdom, President Tinubu has just taken a bold step. I believe his visit to the United Kingdom is a practical way of telling the world, not only the Uk, that Nigeria is ready for business. It would open several doors. First, there will be more investments. The UK remains one of Nigeria’s key economic partners and such visits often aims at attracting Foreign Direct Investment into sectors like energy, infrastructure, fintech and agriculture. Again, trade expansion is guaranteed. Strengthening bilateral trade agreements can help Nigerian businesses and access to broader markets while also encouraging British firms to see Nigeria as a viable destination not just a risky frontier. It will further enhance financial collaboration as Nigeria’s economic reforms are centred particularly around currency and fiscal policy which require international confidence.
Recently, Governor Soludo declared that APGA won’t field a Presidential candidate in 2027 and he predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the vote of Igbo will be re-elected, is this truly the decision of Ndi Igbo?
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Being at the vantage position as a governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo might be seeing something most of us aren’t seeing. Nevertheless, that statement appears bold and perhaps too bold. I want to see this as indeed, a prediction. But I’m afraid how it will come to pass because Ndi Igbo are not politically monolithic. Yes, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) may decide not to field a candidate, but that doesn’t mean voters will follow a predetermined path, especially if Peter Obi will be contesting.
If Peter Obi appears on the ballot, he becomes a major variable that cannot be ignored not only by Igbo, but the entire citizens of Nigeria in 2027. As for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, incumbency is a powerful advantage. But endorsements implicit or explicit don’t always translate into votes. Nigerian voters have shown increasing independence in recent elections.
Politics is evolving, and voters especially in the South-East are thinking more individually than ever before. Bloc voting is not the tradition here. Where you see a semblance of that in the past, it was never by endorsement, but by a summation of individual decisions. My advice to any politician canvassing for votes in the South-East is this; just do a good job or convince the people that you do better than your opponents. A look at Soludo’s performance scorecard in his first term and the landslide victory he won in the last election testifies to this assertion.
How would you describe the recent destruction of parts of Onitsha Main Market by Governor Soludo which the state government said was not included in the master plan, which many have described as politically motivated?
First, let me correct one impression, Onitsha Main Market is essentially up to be rebuilt, modernised and not to be demolished. Except for parts that violate environmental laws, which the local government demolished. From the meetings the governor held with the traders and their leaders before the work commenced, it is certain that the traders were carried along or had an understanding with the government on the proposed stage-by-stage rebuilding of the monumental edifice. Don’t forget that Onitsha Main Market is not just a master place; it’s an economic heartbeat. So, anything done there will naturally attract scrutiny and public concern though it is in private hands. You know, there is this fundamental problem; markets that grow organically over decades often outpace regulation; hence, it is a big problem. Over the years, there has been deviation from the master plan of the market. All parking spaces have been sold and shops erected on them. Market leaders are implicated in this. So, you shouldn’t be surprised by pockets of objections here and there over the proposed sanitisation. Forget about the issue of opening markets on Mondays or not that came up initially, that has nothing to do with what’s going on and the intention of the state government now. It is not a punitive measure as some people may think.
What Governor Soludo intends doing in that space is a significant part of his government’s urban renewal and environmental sanitation efforts. This, therefore, focuses on the common good as it aligns with a broader push to modernise infrastructure, enforce planning laws and reduce congestion.
Looking ahead, what role do you think Soludo will play in 2027 Presidential election as there are indication that he is eyeing the presidency in his future political career?
Governor Soludo is, without question one of the most intellectually prepared public figures in Nigeria. His track record from his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria to his work in Anambra State reflect competence and a deep understanding of national development dynamics.
Whether he chooses to pursue a larger national role is entirely his decision, but objectively speaking, I can say that he possesses the credentials, vision and experience that a modern Nigerian presidency requires. If, in the future he chooses to step into the national arena for any office, he would be doing so with credentials that few can match.
My agenda for Governor Soludo is to transform Anambra State into Dubai of Africa in fulfillment of his campaign promise as we look forward to new Anambra.
