By Ify Aronu
Politics is not just about winning elections. Building and preserving values-driven culture is the hallmark of purposeful politics. The zoning arrangement advanced by the Peter Obi led administration appears to be one of the most significant political innovations in Anambra State.
Over the past two decades, the gentlemanly practice has blossomed into a respected convention that has ensured fairness and inclusion of the three senatorial zones in central state governance. The Anambra zoning formular which has undeniably preserved peace and political stability in the state has gradually transcended the ruling party and become the reflection of the rebranded political climate in Anambra cutting across party lines and affiliations.
Indeed, there have been several attempts during previous election cycles to scuttle, interrupt or outrightly disrupt the zoning plan and give certain parts of the state the upper hand in state leadership. But on each occasion, Ndi Anambra spoke through the ballot.
Time and again, the electorate reaffirmed the rock-solid zoning arrangement as an expression of the cherished “Onye aghana nwanne ya” philosophy—our enduring expression of inclusive governance. As the Soludo administration runs its second term course, discussions and permutations foreshadowing the next political dispensation in the state are gathering steam. Of course zoning should continue since it has served the state well, so far. Yet, it is pertinent to ask the ultimate question again, “Will zoning be upheld after Soludo?”
The greatest test of any successful system is not how it begins but whether successive generations are willing to preserve it. If the zoning arrangement has fostered a sense of belonging, and maintained public peace and political stability, then it deserves to be strengthened rather than abandoned. As Professor Soludo once asked, “If it is not broken, why mend it”. Indeed, if the zoning system is not defective, why discard it?
From the lens of Anambra youths, this conversation is beyond politics or winning elections. The Anambra zoning formular stands as a beacon of the values we are institutionalising as ‘the light of the nation ‘. But, “talk is cheap”. Youths all over the world draw life lessons from what leaders consistently do than from what they merely say.
In climes where leaders respect established conventions, honour agreements, and prioritize collective interest above personal goals, the younger generation become advocate of democratic ideals — process, patience, fairness, patience, responsibility, and patriotism.
Anambra’s history of zoning is one the youths have come to see as part of their heritage. It’s a political culture of fairness to be cherished and sustained. Politics of narrow, personal, sectional calculation Anambra youths are not only disruptive but will expose the youth to an alien tradition inconsistent with the peaceful and inclusive Anambra political culture. The youths will learn that commitments are not sacrosanct and that power should be pursued without regard for equity.
To sustain the dividends of democracy, enhance citizens confidence in the political process, reduce unnecessary political tension, encourage mutual trust among the senatorial zones, and reinforce the idea that every part of the state is an equal stakeholder in its future, let the Anambra zoning system be upheld and preserved. A consistent political culture creates the stability that attracts investment, strengthens governance, and encourages long-term development devoid of political disruption.
The next governorship cycle presents an opportunity to consolidate this legacy. After Soludo, it is the turn of the Anambra Central Senatorial zone to produce the next governor. For Anambra youths, this legacy gives hope, and it is worth preserving. We must enthrone a political culture where systems are pristine, promises are upheld, and leadership transitions are agreeable rather than arbitrary.The political future of Anambra is beyond winning elections, it’s about consolidating the Anambra Zoning Formula as a legacy of stability and sustainability in state governance.
Aronu, youth enthusiast, is a lecturer in dept of broadcasting, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
