As the clamor for Igbo presidency continue to gain currency, some politicians of Anambra origin have indicated interest and have started consultation while others are weighing their chances. In all, there are six of them now who fall into these categories listed above, they include;
MR.PETER OBI: Even though he has not declared interest formally, he seems to be one of the politicians who enjoy wide support base across different ethnicities and demography. Most Nigerians have already beckoned on him to step his foot into the ring and run for the position. Some of his numerous supporters have floated a GoFundMe to bankroll his presidential ambition, but the soft spoken Anambra’s erstwhile two time Governor and former PDP’s vice presidential candidate has made it known that the only way he is going to join the race would be if his party zones the position to southern Nigeria. It appears he has no intention of going against the dictates of his party, and he might want to wait until his former principal whom he ran with on the same ticket declares. Obi might not also want to join the race if the rumour that Goodluck Jonathan wants to vie is anything to go by.
STRENGTH:
• Funds available
• Good platform (PDP)
• Advantage of zoning
KINGSLEY MOGHALU: Former CBN deputy governor, and a cerebral politician. This is the second time he is joining the presidential race. The first time was under YPP, and even though he didn’t win the election, he had his party secure a senatorial seat in the national assembly. Kingsley Moghalu is a darling of the media, he is well versed in the economy and enjoys support in some Northern State. He might not have the necessary fund to push his ambition far but would pull a string if adopted as the candidate of the emerging mega party. As at now, he has perched tent with African Democratic Congress (ADC).
SEN. CHRIS NWABUEZE NGIGE: former governor, senator and current minister of labor and productivity has been in the corridors of power for long and he is arguably the most experienced politician from Anambra state. Ngige stands a chance if APC zones power to south and news from the grapevine has confirmed that Ngige is actually Buhari’s anointed candidate. He enjoys national support and has built political network across the Niger, and if succeeds in picking APC ticket, funds will not be a problem to push his candidacy. His stellar performance as the former governor of Anambra state works in his favour. He also has the political will to get things done.
HON. JUSTICE PROF. PETER UMEADI: the erstwhile Chief Judge of Anambra state has declared interest to succeed Buhari since 2019 under the platform of APGA. It is possible that with the support of Soludo, the incoming Governor of Anambra State, the former judge turned politician will make inroads into some states and create a serious buzz around his ambition, but it is doubtful whether APGA has national appeal to win a presidential election now. At best, they are likely to win some National Assembly seats.
DR. NWACHUKWU ANAKWENZE: a successful USA based medical practitioner is a presidential hopeful of Hope Democratic Party. He is the darling of the Igbos in the diaspora and a well-respected voice in Igbo land. If the Igbos in the diaspora would throw in their support around his project, funds can be easily mobilized for him. The major snag on his ambition might be his party which does not have a national appeal, and the fact that he doesn’t have the national network to win a presidential election. Dr. Anakwenze is a charismatic leader and has the experience to pilot the affairs of the country.
HIGH CHIEF MRS JOSEPHINE EZEANYAECHE: Is a centenarian who recently declared her ambition to run for the office of the president of the country. She is from Igboukwu in Aguata local government area of Anambra State. She is equally the founder and chairman emeritus of the Voice of Senior Citizens of Nigeria. People are of the opinion that her declaration might just be a publicity stunt. She has not declared the platform on which she will run but her candidature has continued to generate a lot of interest in media circles.
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