These men who are mostly businessmen and politicians do not necessarily run for political offices themselves, but directly or indirectly, they wield enormous powers to determine the winners and losers.
In Anambra State, the case is not entirely different, however, due to the republican nature of the ordinary Anambrian, instead of godfatherism, the state has a pool of men who uses their political experience, money and contacts which is spread in the media, market and community leadership, law enforcement agencies to influence election victory for their preferred candidates.
Unlike in other South-Eastern states where one or two individuals or a political group like Ebeano political family as seen in Enugu State, manipulates election victories, it is difficult to single out one individual or a political group that decides for Anambrians.
Ahead of Anambra 2021 Gubernatorial election, let’s look at power-brokers whose roles may likely influence the outcome of the election.
1. Prince Arthur Eze
Prince Arthur Eze popularly known as Ozoigbondu does not need any introduction in Anambra political arena. If there is anyone that will hold the title of the godfather in Anambra, his name will always come first. The ukpo prince is the highest investor in Anambra politics.
Although he has donated more to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he donates to other political parties as well, as long as he believes in the person contesting.
Arthur Eze is a Nigerian oil mogul and the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the largest privately held Nigerian exploration and production group. He hails from Ukpo village, Dunukofia Local Government.
Factors
Zone 13 Police Command -* It is believed that whoever has control over the security agencies especially the police is already one step to victory. Whether an election is considered free and fair or is manipulated, the police play one of the major roles, that is why most Nigeria politicians always jostle to gain control of the police during elections.
It is no longer news that Zone 13 Police Command is directly or indirectly under the control of Prince Arthur Eze. He battled his way into ensuring that the police command was sited in Ukpo.
Finance – No individual in Anambra state has spent the kind of money, Arthur Eze has spent in sponsoring or supporting party candidates in elections. He gives both millions and billions, surely, nobody who gets his backing will be in great advantage.
Presidency – Prince Arthur Eze is in good relationship with the Presidency, no wonder he had the capacity to outsmart Governor Obiano in the location of Zone 13 Police Command. He may likely have the ears of the Presidency on who becomes the Governor of Anambra.
2. Sir. Emeka Offor
Chief Emeka Offor is a popular figure in Anambra State. The billionaire businessman is the founder and Chairman of The Chrome Group.
The philanthropist has been one of the major financiers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra. It is believed he singlehandedly funded the election of former Anambra State Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju. His donations also formed a substantial part of President Olusegun Obasanjo campaign budget in 2003.
Over the years, almost all politicians contesting for different political positions in Anambra always goes to seek his blessing.
Factors
Contact – His popularity and wealth may have waned but what you can’t take away from him is his contacts. He is one of the most connected Anambrains. His contacts cut across all strata of Nigeria political space. He will play a major role in who emerges as the next Governor of Anambra State.
*Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) -* Although it may be unfortunate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has his ears. A popular Federal Lawmaker in Anambra almost lost his reelection because of this unholy relationship.
The Nnewi born billionaire is a strong force in Nnewi politics. It is no longer a secret that he recently bankrolled the election of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South).Apart from being a successful businessman, he is also a political strategist as many politicians have lean on his shoulders of political experience, influence and financial capacity to ride to power.
Factors
Finance – Dr. Cletus is another big money spender in Anambra elections. He will surely plump a lot of money for any of his preferred candidate.
Nnewi Factor – Dr. Cletus has a formidable political structure and network in Nnewi. He can swing votes in Nnewi. His tentacles is spread from the market to the community leadership.
4. Roman Catholic Bishops
While it may be rather unfortunate, religious sentiments play a big role in Anambra politics.
In Anambra, your denomination inclination matters more than whatever good you have for people of the state. From electing a governor to selecting political appointees, it has become a major consideration.
For some years now, based on numerical strength, the Roman Catholic appears to be having an upper-hand on who becomes a Governor in Anambra State. As it has been the practice, it is believed that whoever gets the endorsement of the Roman Catholic Bishops is already one step to victory.
5. Anglican Bishops
Anglicans are yet to give up in their quest to topple the Roman Catholics, who have enjoyed more political control in Anambra.
In Anambra, the Roman Catholic Church produces the governor, while the Anglican Church produces the deputy. The practice is so strong that it has robbed most Anglicans the opportunity of being in the helms of affairs. Ahead of 2021 Guber, their quest will shape a lot of dynamics.
6. His Excellency, Chief Dr Willie Obiano
As the incumbent governor of the state, he is the most powerful man in the state. Like it or leave it, Akpokuedike Aguleri will play a key role in who succeeds him.Although he doesn’t appear as popular as his predecessor, what happened in the last guber election which he won the entire local government in the state, has shown that he is not a pushover.
Factors
Power of Incumbency – As the Executive Governor of the State, he enjoys the privileges of incumbency. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he has access and control over security and intelligence agencies. He has firm control of the state.
Security – Governor Willie Obiano has a superb relationship with all the security agencies in Anambra, that will surely play in the advantage of whoever he endorses.
Finance – While others will be spending their personal resources, Governor Obiano will be spending from the state coffers for his preferred candidate.
Party – All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has the largest grassroots structure in the state. If the Governor preferred candidate is very sellable to Anambrians, it will be an easy ride both for the party and the Governor.
7. Mr. Peter Obi
Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra have a lot of points to prove especially in view of his 2023 ambition. For him to be considered serious, he must deliver his state to his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).As the leader of the main opposition party in Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, his popularity will surely be tested in 2021.
Factors
Party – As the leader of PDP in Anambra, he will play a key role in who emerges as the party candidate. This will surely shape the election.
Finance – If his preferred candidate emerges, just like his sponsored Oseloka Obaze in the last election, he will surely mobilize funds for the candidate.
Popularity Test – The 2021 Guber election is a popularity test for Mr. Peter Obi, he needs to return the state to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), failure to do that may put his 2023 ambition in jeopardy. He will surely be going for the win.
8. Chief Innocent Chukwuma
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma is another shareholder that is gaining ground politically in Anambra.
Finance – The IVM boss has a lot of financial resources in his disposal, any of the candidates who he endorses or anoints will surely get strong financial support from him.
Security – Chief Innocent Chukwuma has a good relationship both with the Nigeria Army and the Police.
9. Allen Onyema
Barr. Alex Onyema the CEO of Air Peace airlines has a lot of money at his disposal. He funded a lot of candidates during the 2019 election. Although he is new in the game, his preferred candidate will is already assured of strong financial backing a victory of Ihiala local government.10. Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige
The current Minister of Labour and Productivity, His Excellency, Dr. Chris Ngige cannot be underrated. He is very close to the presidency and will likely influence who emerges the All Progressive Congress (APC)His recent battle with Prince Arthur Eze in which he prevented some Anambra Traditional Rulers from seeing the President has shown he is not a pushover.
If he plays his card wall, the Alor-born politician might be influencing a lot from the seat of power during the election.
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