I Have No Regrets Contesting Anambra Guber Election; I Am Rather Emboldened — John Nwosu

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 8 Anambra State election, Mr John Chukwuma Nwosu, has said he has no regrets contesting the poll, describing the experience as enriching and emboldening despite the challenges encountered.

Nwosu said the election exposed deep flaws in the electoral process, particularly widespread vote buying and other malpractices, but noted that the lessons learnt have strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for democratic reforms and good governance.

He said he had accepted the outcome of the election in deference to peace and due process, but firmly rejected any suggestion that acceptance amounted to endorsement of what he described as corrupt practices.

Speaking in a post-election engagement, Nwosu said his decision to move on was in line with the position of his party, stressing that stability and public order must always take precedence after elections. However, he drew a clear distinction between respecting an electoral outcome and legitimising the process that produced it.

“Congratulating someone is a moral choice, not a compulsory ritual,” Nwosu said. “Winning through corrupt processes is not something to celebrate. Acceptance of a result does not mean approval of vote buying or other electoral malpractices.”

Despite his reservations about the conduct of the election, the ADC candidate said he wished Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy well, adding that he would continue to pray for divine wisdom to guide them in serving Ndi Anambra effectively.

Nwosu also declared his readiness to play the role of a responsible and constructive opposition voice in the state, pledging to support policies and programmes that benefit the people while consistently interrogating those that fall short of public interest.

Rejecting confrontational politics, he said he was open to collaboration with the Soludo administration, particularly in the area of security, which he described as too important to be politicised.

“I see no opponents, only partners in the shared responsibility of building a safer and more prosperous Anambra,” he said, adding that he was prepared to deploy his hi-tech expertise to strengthen the state’s security architecture through data intelligence, modern surveillance systems and other technology-driven solutions.

Reflecting on lessons from the just concluded election, Nwosu lamented what he described as the open deployment of state power, compromised institutions and the “weaponisation of hunger” to influence voters.

According to him, the experience underscored the urgent need for far-reaching electoral reforms to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from further decline.

He called for strict enforcement of campaign finance laws, greater independence and technological capacity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), neutrality and professionalism by security agencies, and the swift arrest and prosecution of electoral offenders.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Nwosu warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces a defining test amid rising defections and intense political manoeuvring which, he said, risk tilting the playing field in favour of incumbents.

“As opposition, our duty is to hold government accountable, mobilise citizens and ensure that every vote counts,” he said. “Anything less would be a betrayal of the sacrifices Nigerians have made for democracy.”

On his political future, Nwosu ruled out an immediate return to the Labour Party, saying his current focus is on strengthening and building the ADC. He said his political engagements would continue to be guided by principles of good governance, accountability and people-centred leadership.