By Okechukwu Nwoyemezie


Has People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State missed an opportunity to govern Anambra on March 17, 2022, when the incumbent Gov. Willie Obiano would expectedly vacate office? Last week Saturday, the opposition party produced two governorship candidates due to a parallel gubernatorial primary held in Awka following counter court injunctions.

In a primary poll organised by the PDP National Executives using Super or automatic delegates lists, Mr Valentine Ozigbo emerged flag bearer, while Chief Chris Uba faction produced his elder brother, Senator Ugochukwu Uba as a candidate. Interestingly, both are from Aguata LGA just as the candidates of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Progressive Congress (APC). Aguata is in Anambra South Senatorial zone whose turn it is to govern Anambra in the spirit of zoning.

Obviously, either of the two is qualified and capable of governing Anambra State. But are they the light Anambrarians are yearning for? Do they have the midas touch? Are they with the relevant followership needed by the PDP to defeat candidates of other political parties? In fact, would PDP get it right this time?

The above questions are germane given the calibres of people that participated in the governorship primary. Among them are Mr Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo, Dr Godwin Maduka, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, and Senator Uche Ekwunife.

Mr Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo is one aspirant among these 'great aspirants', all eyes were focusing on. First, he was the first to declare interest for the PDP flag to govern Anambra. Ezeemo marched his words with action by producing basic infrastructure including an Air-conditioning bus worth over 40 million Naira, and other logistics for smooth running of the party affairs from the 326 electoral wards to the state level.

Ezeemo is also a philanthropist, who had touched many lives across the country via his pet project, Charity Ezeemo Foundation. He has been a philanthropist from childhood; not because of politics. This is probably why he is so blessed. He transformed his community, Umuchu to London; having provided them with basic amenities aside bringing the world into it through his companies sited in the town.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Catholic, the Anglicans and penticostals cannot forget how this down-to-earth man provided them with gigantic edifices as Secretariat, and places of worships. What of youth, orphans, widows, the less privileged, schools, and organisations? None of them would ever forget Ezeemo's kind gesture. He entrusted them with skills and other opportunities as they demanded for individually and collectively. So, he does not discriminate. It is this kind of man that Anambra people need to govern them because he would make sure that whoever is qaulified for anything in the state gets it no matter the religion or the organisation such a person belongs. Therefore, all these people would have voted for him if he was allowed to fly PDP ticket.

Again, Ezeemo has all his companies headquarted in Anambra State. These include Orient Farm, Haulage, Orient Printing press, Orient Daily newspapers, Orient Energy Magazine, Orient Mega FM, Life table water, among others; all known as Orient Group of Companies. Some are sited at Awka, the state capital, while others are at his country-home, Umuchu, Aguata LGA. There is no single town in Anambra State whose son or daughter has not worked with these companies. Some towns have up to four of their children still working in these companies comfortably. There are also other staff from across the thirty-six states and capitals, and beyond. These employees who are voters in Anambra State would have mobilised their kits and kins to vote for Ezeemo in the main election if he was handed over with the PDP ticket.

Similarly, Ezeemo, been an entrepreneur and industrialist, has experience in all sectors of the economy. Is it on Agriculture, mass media, manufacturing, arts and culture, or what? He has industries majoring in all these. So, it would be easier for him to attract foreign and local investors to the state in a twinkle of an eye. This is why PDP should have considered him for the number one seat. These skills and connections are what Anambra people need now!!!

Similarly, Ezeemo has good manifestoes and camping strategies. He plays a politics without bitterness. That is why throughout the electioneering campaign and beyond, he did not step on any ones toe. Hence, he was and remains acceptable and accessible to all the aspirants.


Ezeemo meant well for Ndi Anambra. And should have been allowed to change the Anambra state for good. There is still opportunity for the party to make an amend, probably through substitution of candidate. Yes! They can do it to get it right this time if possible! It would even be good in order to reach a consensus candidate to be presented to INEC and Ndi Anambra. They can do it to win the heart of Anambra state again!!!

Okechukwu Nwoyemezie, a PR and Media consultant, writes from Awka, the state capital.