- By Chidume Odume
The Encyclopedia Britannica Editors in their latest update of May 13, 2025, stated that Theatre of the Absurd presented in the dramatic works of certain European and American dramatists of the 1950s and early ’60s who agreed with the Existentialist philosopher Albert Camus’s assessment in his essay “The Myth of Sisyphus” (1942), were unequivocal that the human situation can become essentially absurd and devoid of purpose.
It is election campaign season in Anambra State, with November 8, 2025 set for gubernatorial polls. Major actors are already on the campaign trail trying to win the electorates to their side with clear statements of intent enshrined in their party Manifesto. Alas, less than four months to that D-day, some political parties are yet to connect or approach the citizens with tangible, achievable programmes. Chief amongst the visionless throng is the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra whose candidate, Dr. Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu has not spoken to Ndi Anambra in any coherent form. Rather, he has become the chief absurdist with a retinue of political conjurers of sorts engaging in the open barbaric and sadistic display by flogging a hapless cockerel with brooms in the full glare of the public, to the revulsion and dismay of civilized citizens.
The incident reportedly took place during the APC Thank You campaign stop on July 2, 2025 at Central School, Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area.The party’s act of flogging a cockerel with brooms is a stark representation of absurdity, echoing the principles of Theatre of the Absurd. This dramatic movement, as described by Albert Camus in “The Myth of Sisyphus,” highlights the inherent meaninglessness and absurdity of human existence. The APC’s actions, devoid of purpose and logic, exemplify this absurdity.
In the video, APC chieftains and goons were shown acting like masochists in a medieval Roman amphitheater. The act of campaigning by flogging a cockerel with brooms is a stark representation of the party’s lack of vision and empathy. The cockerel, a symbol of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was brutally beaten to death, showcasing the APC’s desperation to demean their opponents. This act of symbolic violence reveals a party that has lost sight of the values of decency and respect for life and living.
Pray, how could such open display of cruelty on a hapless cockerel lead to the defeat (read killing) of APGA whose logo is the hen – a dorminant symbol already etched in the hearts and minds of the Anambra electorate, due largely to the positive scorecard and developmental strides of the APGA governors of the state in the past nineteen years. The feats are indelible as evident across the sample of opinions of Ndi Anambra.
First, the absurdity in APC’s actions exemplifies lack of logical purpose or vision. The meaningless act mirrors the absurdity of human existence where individuals often engage in futile pursuits. Secondly, the symbolic violence against the APGA cockerel is another manifestation of absurdity. The act of brutality highlights the party’s inability to engage in meaningful dialogue, and their reliance on cheap gimmicks. Above all, the APC’s actions can be seen as a futile attempt to impose meaning on a meaningless act. This repetition of absurd behavior, without any tangible outcome, underscores the party’s lack of direction and purpose.
Already, the APC’s actions have sparked outrage, and rightly so. Decent men and women of goodwill, and animal rights activists have condemned the act of cruelty, highlighting the unnecessary suffering inflicted on the cockerel. The APC’s behaviour demonstrates a callous disregard for life, whether animal or human. The incident raises questions about the party’s character and its ability to govern with compassion and empathy.
In my interrogation of the circus with Chief Ken Umelo, a petty trader in Nteje who witnessed the scene but could not hide his revulsion, he said: ” I came here to hear what they can do differently than Soludo but it was all noise and flogging the chicken. What manner of campaign is that? It is a pity.” Also, Mrs Nneka Nweke, a roasted corn seller in the vicinity wondered: “Ọbu fva gbue ọkukọ fva aluọlu anyi uzọ? Nnam, we are told they will share money. I am waiting to collect my own, after all, it is our money. Ọchili mma, gachi ọzọ!”
There is no doubt that the APC’s actions may have severe consequences, further alienating Anambra citizens who value dignity and respect. Instead of winning hearts and minds, the APC’s tactics may have the opposite effect – solidifying support for APGA and the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Anambra citizens may view the APC’s behavior as a reflection of their inability to engage in meaningful dialogue and their reliance on cheap gimmicks.
Governor Soludo’s leadership style, which emphasizes values and development, stands in stark contrast to the APC’s antics. While the APC resorts to symbolism and brutality, Governor Soludo, whose moniker is “SOLUTiON,” focuses on delivering tangible results and promoting a sense of community. The people of Anambra are likely to reject the APC’s divisive tactics and instead choose a leadership that prioritizes their well-being and development.
The APC’s action in flogging a cockerel with brooms is a testament to their lack of vision and empathy. The incident should be condemned by all, as it reflects poorly on the party’s character and values. From all indications, the APC’s behaviour may ultimately backfire, further alienating Ndi Anambra and solidifying support for Governor Soludo’s leadership. The people of Anambra deserve better than a party that resorts to such brutish tactics.
All told, the video portraying Anambra APC flogging a cockerel with brooms is a quintessential representation of absurdity that echoes the principles of Theatre of the Absurd. The meaningless act, devoid of purpose and logic, underscores the party’s lack of vision and direction. As Camus would argue, the APC’s actions are a manifestation of the absurdity of human existence where individuals often engage in futile pursuits, searching for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Odume, a teacher and environmental activist, writes from Nteje.
