Former Anambra State Governorship candidate, Mr Oseloka Obaze in this interview stated why he endorsed the candidate of the ADC, Mr John Nwosu for the Saturday election. He also spoke on his relationship with his former boss, Mr Peter Obi.
Sir, you formally endorsed John Chuma Nwosu of ADC yesterday. What were your reasons?
Yes, I did, and with good reasons. Anambra is in dire straits. We need a change in leadership and can do so on 8th November. I’ve lived in Anambra since 2012. I pay taxes here. I run my consultancy here. I’ve experienced the good the bad and ugly here in Anambra. When things are not good, we should speak up and speak the truth to power. I don’t criticise public servants for the heck of it. I’ve been in government at the federal, international, and state levels. I know the challenges. Yet like, many I’m privy to the bandwagon effect of highly-placed personalities endorsing the incumbent administration. It is hypocritical to condemn a government in privacy and endorse it publicly. Those Anambra elites who fear visiting Anambra due to insecurity are now supporting continuity of a government that cannot secure their lives and properties. It makes no sense. Of the lot running for Anambra governor, I believe ADC and John Chuma Nwosu represent Anambra’s best option. Look at Enugu and Abia. Our people are not blind. As you are aware, I’m not a member of ADC or any other party. But as a voter and stakeholder, I know where my family, dependents, and I will place our trust and votes.
Will you ever return to partisan politics?
Yes, I will, because I’m involved – with apologies to Dim Emeka Ojukwu.
Do you have confidence that INEC will deliver credible elections in Anambra?
I hope so, with the new leadership. But as an institution, INEC has been extremely weak. After the 2023 fiasco, it had ample opportunity to redeem itself. It failed at every juncture. It cannot even enforce provisions of its mandate. Public confidence in INEC is badly eroded. Anambra is another threshold and litmus test for INEC’s credibility to be measured.
So, what’s exactly your assessment of Gov. Soludo?
I don’t discuss personalities. His administration has not done well by the standards and expectations he set. I’m sure he knows I did not vote for him in 2021. My LGA was the only one he did not win. Yet, when he won, I congratulated him. History may yet again repeat itself. Who knows? I envisage that things will turn out differently, this time around.
What’s your relationship with Peter Obi like now?
Very correct; very cordial and very seamless. We speak or communicate at least three times a week. Nigeria needs Peter Obi more than Peter Obi needs Nigeria. But there is much work to be done. Simply, Nigeria is not working optimally.
