By Dr. Tony Olisa Mbeki Ogbonna
In a political landscape often punctuated by broken promises and unfulfilled aspirations, Governor Chukwuma Soludo stands as a sentinel of sincerity and action, a leader whose words do not simply echo in the wind but manifest into tangible reality.
The forthcoming Local Government Elections in Anambra State, set for 28 September 2024, are not just another electoral exercise; Ndi Anambra are jubilant, their spirits lifted by the long-awaited fulfillment of one of Governor Soludo’s most significant campaign promises—to restore democratic governance at the grassroots. This is a moment that has been more than a decade in the making, and it signals a new dawn for the people of Anambra.
The much-anticipated Local Government Elections on 28 September 2024 are more than just a democratic exercise—they are the crescendo of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s unwavering symphony of progress. Like the first rays of dawn after a long, sleepless night, this election signals the rebirth of grassroots democracy, long dormant but now awakened by a leader determined to restore power to the people. The analogy is fitting: the democratic process, once frozen in time, now melts under the warmth of Governor Soludo’s resolve, flowing once again through the veins of every town and village in the state.
This moment is not without its historical echoes. The last time Anambra held a Local Government Election was over 10 years ago, in 2014, under Governor Peter Obi. The silence that followed was deafening—a decade during which local governance was left in limbo, with caretaker committees standing in as placeholders while the people’s voices were muted.
This prolonged absence of elected local government officials created a vacuum where true democracy languished, leaving Anambra’s grassroots yearning for representation. Now, that void is about to be filled, as the election will span all 326 wards and 21 local government areas, across 5,720 polling units, and engage 2,542,000 registered voters. It is a monumental step forward, a revival of democratic engagement that has been too long in coming.
This election is the fulfillment of Governor Soludo’s campaign promise, a pledge he made not in passing but with the gravity of one who understands the importance of grassroots governance. Just as a tree grows stronger from its roots, so too does a state thrive when democracy is restored to its foundation.
Governor Soludo’s insistence on holding these elections can be likened to a farmer planting seeds in the barren fields of local governance, confident that, with the right conditions, they will grow into a flourishing harvest of accountable leadership.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), like the tireless gardeners of democracy, has left no stone unturned in its preparation. Its assurances of a credible, transparent, and free election** are not merely words but the culmination of meticulous planning and rigorous commitment.
The electorate can trust that ANSIEC, with its seasoned oversight, will water the seeds of democracy and ensure that they take root and grow. The lead security agency, the Nigeria Police Force, has equally pledged to maintain order and peace, ensuring that the election is conducted securely, both before, during, and after the polls. The reassuring presence of law enforcement will cast a protective shadow over the process, like a vigilant sentinel standing guard over a cherished treasure.
Meanwhile, the ruling party, APGA, is charging forward like a well-oiled political machine, its campaign rallies sweeping across the state with the fervor of a storm gathering momentum. Under the leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, APGA is poised to dominate the election. Its candidates are the embodiment of the party’s ethos—rooted in service, committed to development, and armed with a clear vision for the future. In every ward, APGA’s banners fly high, and their message resonates with the people, as clear as a clarion call announcing the dawn of a new era.
Yet, as with every story of progress, there are those who would prefer to remain in the shadows, shying away from the sunlight of democracy. Two opposition parties, lacking the courage to face the electorate, have threatened to boycott the election, citing baseless propaganda about pre-filled results.
Their claims are nothing more than smoke and mirrors, desperate attempts to undermine a process they know will expose their own weaknesses. Like the proverbial dog that barks but does not bite, these parties have resorted to noise without substance, grasping at straws to explain their decision to sit on the sidelines. Their boycott is akin to a ship captain abandoning course at the first sight of storm clouds, unwilling to weather the test of electoral legitimacy.
But their absence cannot diminish the grandeur of what is about to unfold. The election is set to proceed, and their hollow complaints will dissolve into insignificance, like whispers in the wind. The *credibility of the election, bolstered by ANSIEC’s professionalism and the security measures assured by the Police, remains beyond reproach. The people of Anambra will exercise their right to choose their local leaders, undeterred by the antics of those who prefer to disrupt rather than engage.
At the heart of this democratic renewal stands Governor Soludo, a leader whose vision for Anambra is as clear as a mountain spring. His efforts to restore local government elections are not just about fulfilling a promise; they are about reclaiming democracy at its most essential level—where the people can directly influence their daily lives. The grassroots are where true power lies, and Governor Soludo’s leadership in reviving this process is nothing short of monumental. He has proven that his administration is committed to the people, to their voice, and to their future.
As the state marches towards 28 September, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, like the stillness before a mighty rain that will wash away the dust of stagnation. The streets of Anambra are alive with excitement, and the people are ready to step forward, to reclaim their democratic rights, and to choose their local leaders with hope and confidence.
This is not just an election—it is the fulfillment of a promise, the restoration of the people’s voice, and the dawn of a new chapter in Anambra’s political history. Governor Soludo’s efforts to enshrine democracy at the grassroots will be remembered, not just as a political achievement, but as a legacy of leadership that nurtures the roots of Anambra’s future.
Dr. Tony Olisa Mbeki Ogbonna writes from Awka, Anambra State