My dear Ndi Anambra, our elders say, “to ascertain one’s rightful portion of a meal, one must be present at the meal table.” We cannot continue lamenting neglect and lack of national development while playing regional politics. As a lawyer and student of power, I know for sure that our continued relevance in Nigeria is directly linked to our strategic and deliberate alignment with the central government.
HISTORICAL ROOTS, NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS
Anambra is the “Light of the Nation”, a geopolitical entity rich in natural resources and human capital. Our people have held their rich heritage since the pre-colonial era through strong cultural characteristics. Our forebears traded in bronze, copper, pottery and iron. They traded beyond our borders and created wealth far beyond home.
Anambra continues to boast of some of Nigeria’s brightest minds in politics, the military, education, commerce, medicine and more. The great Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the poet Chinua Achebe, and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu are among the symbols of our strong history. The history of Anambra cannot be told without mention of its role as the capital of the secessionist Republic of Biafra, a part of our national history that continues to shape our present.
National integration of Anambra beyond the shadows of our past has become necessary if we must take our rightful place in the community of states in Nigeria. The November 2025 gubernatorial election is a unique opportunity for us, as a people, to take that giant leap and honor the vision of our forebears. We must claim our rightful position at the national table for true relevance.
ECONOMIC REALITIES.
Anambra is the commercial hub of the South East region, and arguably, the economic bridge of the nation. Across Nigeria, Anambra indigenes are among the largest investors in real estate, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, aviation, entertainment, manufacturing, electronics, finance, transportation and more. We continue to thrive in the legal profession, medicine, social sciences, technology and media.
Yet, an overwhelming percentage of our people’s wealth and resources are domiciled outside Anambra State. Protection of wealth is an integral part of the acquisition of wealth itself. Without sounding alarming, regional politics exposes our livelihoods to risk. We must, as a matter of urgency, rethink and reposition ourselves politically on the national stage.
National politics is not a tea party, but a strategic power play that guarantees political survival and protection. We cannot afford six more years in opposition. The question is: what has the current opposition government in Anambra done to safeguard Anambra investments across Nigeria or to address the growing challenges that threaten our people?
LESSONS FROM OUR POLITICS.
Anambra State retains a unique and intriguing political stage. Our politics has always been dramatic.
Ours is the only Nigerian state to have produced a female governor, Dame Virginia Etiaba (2006–2007). Between 1999 and 2007, Anambra State had five different governors, at a time when Nigeria had just two Presidents. Between 2003 and 2007 alone, Anambra had four governors; one was impeached, and another allegedly kidnapped while in office.
Although political observers continue to question our ability to play national politics, I am confident that we have the capacity, as a people, to change that narrative come November 2025. Regardless of what proponents of regional politics want us to believe, our inability to be part of the central government since 2006 leaves much to be desired in terms of development.
We must rethink our approach to national cohesiveness and integration. We must boldly step out of this self-limiting cocoon of regional politics, into the broader national political stage. We must begin to see ourselves for who we truly are: a national people, Ndi Igbo, contributing and influencing change everywhere. Our politics must reflect that reality. Sectional politics weakens us; national engagement strengthens us.
THE CALL
To achieve this, Ndi Anambra must vote APC come November 2025, and vote convincingly. We must show the nation and the world that we have come full circle from our post-civil war past to a people destined for greatness. We must prove that we are above and beyond the manipulation of a few selfish individuals who continue to exploit our collective goodwill for their personal gains.
I therefore call on all Ndi Anambra to come out and vote APC come November, 2025. To vote Renewed Hope, to vote a new beginning, and to break free from the shackles of political isolation. The fact that the ruling party in Anambra State has “endorsed” the APC-led central government come 2027 is proof that they understand the importance of aligning with the central government. So, why merely ASSOCIATE, when we can HAVE A SEAT AT TABLE?
Vote APC!!!
Ms Ogechukwu Ochuba, Esq.
Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State
Email: oujousun@yahoo.com
Tel: +234 809 862 4822
